NCJ Number
218222
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 74 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2007 Pages: 24-29
Date Published
March 2007
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes how the Indiana State Police (ISP) improved its capacity to conduct investigations that involved the forensic analysis of digital storage devices.
Abstract
The ISP formed an alliance with the Purdue University Department of Computer and Information Technology and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). The objective was to develop a structure for sharing the distinctive skills and attributes of each organization in order to improve investigations that involve digital evidence. The Purdue student interns extract information from known suspects' computers while refining their skills and testing various software tools. Through NW3C participation, leads can be sent to departments with jurisdiction over offenders linked to other offenders in an online criminal network. A related partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Indiana has helped to establish benchmarks for both forensic outputs and outcomes. One outcome from this partnership has been the ability of ISP to conduct on-scene computer forensic examinations under certain circumstances, which produces relevant evidence more quickly. In 2005, the ISP began a pilot program in which examiners conducted on-scene computer forensic examinations. The agency found that the model of exclusively conducting examinations in a laboratory setting was less efficient compared to conducting examinations at the scene. Another innovation in computer forensic investigations involves specialized training of experienced detectives that qualifies them to review the contents of digital storage media and computer hard drives in a forensically sound manner. These detectives can share their findings with other detectives on the scene. Information obtained by the trained detective may help establish the required probable cause for the arrest of a suspect. 9 notes