FBI
Director Mueller Announces Five New Computer Forensic Laboratories
Washington
D.C. -- FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III today announced that
five additional Regional Computer Forensic Laboratories (RCFLs)
in Buffalo, NY, Houston, TX, Newark (Trenton), NJ, Portland, OR
and Salt Lake City, UT will join the program, more than doubling
the number of these facilities nationwide. RCFLs are highly specialized
laboratories that provide forensic examinations of digital media,
such as computers, in support of an investigation and/or prosecution
of a federal, state or local crime.
In
1999, the first RCFL began operations in San Diego and since then,
additional laboratories have opened in Dallas (North Texas RCFL),
Kansas City (Heart of America RCFL) and Chicago.
Director Mueller said, "Regional Computer Forensic Laboratories
play an important role in the fight against terrorism by providing
critical and timely computer forensic expertise. Additionally, our
examiners have helped secure convictions against child pornographers,
petty thieves, stalkers, murderers and white-collar criminals. This
program is a smart solution that is positively impacting the way
we address complex crimes involving digital evidence."
An
RCFL is a unique partnership between the FBI and other law enforcement
agencies representing federal, state and local governments operating
within a geographic area. Because RCFLs are based on the concept
of partnership, each participating agency provides personnel to
serve as examiners, and in return they receive access to computer
forensic examination and advisory services; sophisticated technical
training for their employees; and increased computer forensic capacity
in the region.
Preliminary planning for the new facilities has already begun. Over
the next year, plans include the securing of office space, providing
FBI-sponsored training for incoming examiners, and the procurement
of all equipment. It is anticipated that the new facilities will
open their doors by the end of 2004. To learn more about the national
RCFL Program, visit their web site at www.nationalrcfl.org.
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