For Immediate Release March 4, 2004

Denver, Colorado

THE DENVER FBI ANNOUNCES THE ESTABLISHMENT
OF A NEW COMPUTER FORENSIC LABORATORY

FBI DENVER - Phillip B.J. Reid, Special Agent in Charge of the Denver Division of the FBI announced today that a state of the art computer forensic laboratory will be established in Colorado by the end of 2004. A Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory (RCFL) is a highly specialized facility that provides forensic examinations of digital media, such as computers, in support of criminal investigations and/or prosecutions. The RCFL will be available to conduct examinations at the request of all federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in both Colorado and Wyoming.

SAC Reid lauded FBI Director Robert Mueller's decision to open an RCFL to service the investigative needs of Colorado and Wyoming. "Almost every crime we see involves a computer or digital evidence. This laboratory significantly strengthens our ability to find and decipher this data, and gives us a considerable advantage in the fight against computer related crime."

Each RCFL is a unique partnership between the FBI and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies within a specific geographic area. Because RCFLs are based upon the concept of partnership, participating agencies are requested to provide personnel to serve as examiners. In return, the agencies receive sophisticated technical training for their employees, as well as access to computer forensic examinations and other advisory services. The net result of this cooperative effort is an increased computer forensic capacity for the entire region.

Douglas County Sheriff Mike Acree and Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson have both expressed their commitment to the establishment of this RCFL. In fact, a multi-jurisdictional Colorado Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory (CRCFL), which is staffed by state and local computer forensics examiners, currently operates out of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Substation in Lone Tree. The CRCFL, in operation since January of 2002, is expected to merge its seven current examiners into the federally funded RCFL.

"This program will assist Colorado Law Enforcement in protecting our citizens and children by providing an ongoing resource for processing digital evidence and enhancing investigative outcomes," stated Sheriff Acree. "The Executive Board of the CRCFL recognizes that this funding will continue what we started in 2002, and will benefit all of Colorado Law Enforcement long into the future."

"This is a great opportunity for local and federal law enforcement to identify and target computer and internet crimes which are committed across local, national, and international boundaries," stated James J. Peters, District Attorney, 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office.

John W. Suthers, United States Attorney for the District of Colorado, praised the decision to establish an RCFL in Colorado. "The FBI's new computer lab will be an outstanding tool to assist Colorado law enforcement in tackling the growing problem of cybercrime," Mr. Suthers said. "The increased capacity provided by the new lab to investigate cybercrime is very much needed. This should be yet another indication to cybercrooks that we're serious about this type of criminal activity."

Matthew H. Mead, United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming, also expressed his support of the RCFL. "I am most grateful to the FBI and Special Agent in Charge, Phil Reid for the effort that has turned this project into a reality. The ability of Wyoming law enforcement to have ready access to a computer forensic lab will help us investigate many of the crimes we are now seeing committed in Wyoming, including identity theft, child pornography, white collar crimes and many others where computers are used to facilitate criminal conduct. I
congratulate the FBI for quickly seeing a need for computer forensics and finding a solution. Wyoming is looking forward to the opening of a Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory to help in our mission to investigate those who choose to violate the law."

"The partnership the Federal Bureau of Investigation has formed with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and other Colorado law enforcement agencies to address the collection, preservation and analysis of electronic evidence is invaluable," stated Colorado Bureau of Investigation Director Robert Cantwell. "The RCFL provides law enforcement an avenue for cracking down on electronic criminal activity."

"I appreciate the efforts of the FBI and the local sheriffs to bring this center to Colorado," commented Governor Bill Owens. "The competition was aggressive with fifteen cities vying for the center. The award signals that Colorado continues to be a viable high tech base with much to offer in this new field of computer forensics."

Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter similarly praised the decision to locate a new federal RCFL in Colorado saying, "It will bring needed resources in the battle against computer-related crime. This area of crime is growing fast and requires special expertise that this partnership will be able to provide."

The first RCFL opened in San Diego in 1999, followed by other facilities established in North Texas, Chicago, Kansas City and San Francisco. In addition to the laboratory in Colorado, eight more facilities will join the RCFL network in 2004. The local RCFL will receive approximately $2,000,000 initial funding for start-up expenses, with dedicated federal funding to pay for operational expenses after the first year. It is anticipated that the Colorado facility will employ 12 to 15 full-time forensic examiners from various law enforcement agencies. To learn more about the RCFL Program, visit their web site at www.nationalrcfl.org.

Field News | FBI Home Page