FBI Funded CyberCSI Lab Launched

Posted by CotoBlogzz

SANTA ANA - Ten Orange County law enforcement agencies announced today the launch of the Orange County Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory (OCRCFL) to respond to technological advances and more computer savvy criminals. The laboratory is funded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and is made up of participating agencies which assist with regional, State, and federal cases.

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"Gang members boast their crimes on Facebook and intimidate using websites. Pedophiles hide child pornography and delete data files. Major fraud evidence is stored digitally. Cyber criminals use disguised USB drives to make detection difficult," said District Attorney Tony Rackauckas. "This partnership pools our limited resources to fight cyber crime and stay one step ahead of criminals."

OCRCFL is a full-service forensics laboratory and training center devoted to the examination of digital evidence and available to multiple law enforcement agencies. Forensic examiners utilize the most cutting-edge technology to extract information from digital devices and investigate crimes ranging from homicide and child pornography to terrorism and major fraud. The lab was created to respond to the growing number of crimes perpetrated using the Internet, cell phones, and other technology, which provide dangerous criminals greater access to citizens' personal and private information. OCRCFL arms law enforcement agencies with the expertise and equipment to combat these cyber criminals.

Prior to the OCDA's participation in OCRCFL, the OCDA's High-tech Crimes Unit ensured that Orange County law enforcement could successfully process and analyze digital evidence to support and solve high-tech crimes. The Unit provided support to other law enforcement agencies through computer forensic analysis, training, and search warrant service. In 2009 and 2010, the Unit processed 94.8 terabytes of data, the equivalent to over nine times the volume of data in the Library of Congress.

FBI Assistant Director In Charge Steve Martinez is Chair and District Attorney Tony Rackauckas is Vice-Chair of OCRCFL. The OCRCFL Executive Board is comprised of Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, Anaheim Police Chief John Welter, Fullerton Police Chief Michael Sellers, Irvine Police Chief David Maggard, Newport Beach Police Chief Jay Johnson, Santa Ana Police Chief Paul Walters, Westminster Police Chief Mitch Waller, and Deputy Director of California Department of Toxic Substance Control Gale Filter.