Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory Network Plans Expansion in 2005

The FBI is poised to expand the country's premier computer forensics laboratory network starting in May, according to Assistant Director Kerry E. Haynes, Operational Technology Division. Additional Regional Computer Forensic Laboratories (RCFLs) are scheduled to open in Portland, Oregon; Salt Lake City, Utah; Buffalo, New York; and Denver, Colorado by early summer. Two additional RCFLs are preparing to start operations by year's end in the cities of Dayton, Ohio and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Currently, seven RCFLs are available to over 1,000 law enforcement agencies across six states. RCFLs assist any law enforcement agency in their region in cases involving digital evidence, including terrorism, cyber crime, white-collar crime, identity theft, and violent crimes.

The RCFL Program is a national network of one-stop, full-service digital evidence laboratories. The FBI provides start-up and operational funding, training, personnel, and equipment, while state, local, and other federal law enforcement agencies assign personnel to work as examiners alongside their FBI counterparts. The RCFL Program was recently named a semifinalist in the prestigious Innovations in American Government Awards. According to the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the award's sponsor, these semifinalists represent the most creative, forward-thinking, results-driven government programs and are deserving of special recognition because of their blend of creativity and effectiveness.

The RCFL Program embodies the FBI's two greatest resources—partnerships and technology. In each state-of-the-art RCFL, law enforcement agencies from all levels of government train, work, and share information together on most every type of investigation. This level of collaboration has bolstered law enforcement's efforts in solving the most complex cases, including: The 9/11 investigation; the murder of a 23-year old pregnant woman named Bobbi Jo Stinnett; the murders of U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow's mother and husband; and the "BTK" serial murder case.

During fiscal year 2004, the RCFL Program accepted 1,548 requests for service; conducted 1,304 forensics examinations, and; trained 2,040 law enforcement personnel in various digital forensics techniques. To read a full copy of The RCFL National Program Office's 2004 Annual Report, or to learn more about the RCFL Program, visit www.rcfl.gov.