Almost all criminal activity, in one way or another, will at some point produce evidence that is digital in nature. Even criminal activity that has traditionally not had a cyber-connection now regularly involves digital evidence. Email, voicemail, hard drives, digital cameras, and other electronic devices all contain evidence necessary for an investigation and subsequent prosecution. A statewide survey conducted by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs found that 97% of responding law enforcement agencies reported investigating crimes involving digital evidence.
The Baltimore Examiner reported in September 2010, “A rapid increase in computer crimes over the years has led to the need for technology in the field of forensic science. As a result, a new field in technology has emerged known as computer forensics and its demand in the job market is steadily increasing.”
Performing the work of a computer forensic examiner requires a mixture of investigative and technical skills and a strong knowledge of the legal system. The Digital Forensics Crime Lab (DFCL) is comprised of current and former law enforcement personnel and nationally-recognized experts in cellular telephony. The DFCL conducts analyses and extraction of data of cell phones, computers, and other types of digital media and provides the information to those requesting law enforcement agencies.