Regional Computer Forensics Laboratories


October 22, 2010

A computer set on fire, a cell phone in the sewer…both can be routine work for lab examiners retrieving digital evidence.


Audio Transcript

Ms. Ballew: A computer set on fire, a cell phone in the sewer…both can be routine work for lab examiners retrieving digital evidence.

Mr. Tepper: “Digital evidence is computers, personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, cameras.”

Ms. Ballew: Devices information can be recorded on. Bryan Tepper, unit chief for FBI’s Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory program, says there are currently 14 labs across the country.

Mr. Tepper: “They’re staffed by a combination of federal, state, local, and prosecuting agencies. Currently we’ve got 244 forensic examiners that actually work in the RCFLs.”

Ms. Ballew: These FBI-certified examiners work on various types of cases. 

Mr. Tepper: “They support criminal and terrorism investigations. Many of our cases are different homicides or child exploitation cases.”

Ms. Ballew: Training helps to build law enforcement’s capabilities nationwide.

Mr. Tepper: “The RCFLs train police officers to handle, identify, preserve, store, transport, digital evidence.”

Ms. Ballew: For more information, check out www.fbi.gov. I’m Denise Ballew of the Bureau, and that’s what’s happening at the “FBI, This Week.”

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