Regional Computer Forensics Laboratories in San Diego and Denver Receive Prestigious Laboratory Accreditation

The FBI today announced that two of its Regional Computer Forensics Laboratories (RCFLs) have been accredited by the country’s leading authority on crime laboratories in the discipline of digital evidence. The San Diego and Rocky Mountain RCFLs become the latest among the RCFLs to attain accreditation by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB), raising the number of ASCLD/LAB-accredited RCFLs to six. To date, the ASCLD/LAB has awarded 31 digital forensics laboratories in the country with this distinction.

An RCFL is a digital forensics laboratory where highly trained Computer Analysis Response Team (CART)-certified examiners conduct forensic examinations of digital media, such as computers, in support of an investigation and/or prosecution of a federal, state, or local crime. The FBI provides start-up and operational funding, training, and equipment, while participating law enforcement agencies provide their own forensic examiners, as well as additional staff for operating the RCFL. Participating agencies receive access to expert digital forensics examination and advisory services from the examiners on staff. There are currently 14 RCFLs in operation today with two more recently announced and on the way.

Accreditation ceremonies are taking place today at the Rocky Mountain RCFL in Denver and tomorrow at the San Diego RCFL.

FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III said, “The FBI welcomes the opportunity to work with our state and local partners through the RCFL Program. The FBI’s RCFL program provides expertise, superior service, and close adherence to the strictest quality standards possible. Earning this accreditation was no easy task and required many months of hard work. The staffs and participating agencies from both RCFLs have much to be proud of.”

The ASCLD/LAB is a voluntary program where any crime laboratory may participate to demonstrate that its management, operations, personnel, procedures, and safety procedures meet established standards. The accreditation process is part of a laboratory's quality assurance program and is geared towards helping them provide better overall service to the criminal justice system.

To learn more about the RCFL Program, visit their website at www.rcfl.gov.