FBI Director Mueller Announces Five New Regional Computer Forensic Laboratories

FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III today announced that five additional Regional Computer Forensic Laboratories (RCFLs) in Buffalo, New York; Houston, Texas; Newark (Trenton), New Jersey; Portland, Oregon; and Salt Lake City, Utah 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 website at www.nationalrcfl.org.