(305) 599-1231
fcls@mdpd.com

The Miami-Dade Police Department’s Forensic Computer Laboratory (FCL) is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the recognition, collection, preservation and analysis of digital evidence. Housed within the Professional Compliance Bureau building, the FCL enjoys a shared reception area, storage space, evidence control facilities, and is supported by the general building facilities.

LABORATORY EXAMINATION SERVICES

Recognized worldwide for its outstanding reputation in the computer forensics community, FCL examiners are sought after by government agencies, universities and private sector companies to provide professional collaboration, consultation, advice and training.  The FCL has offered internships to other law enforcement agencies and aspiring university students who are pursuing a career in the field of computer forensics.  Digital forensic examination services are provided to assist local, state and federal agencies to investigate crimes and incidents to include: homicides, child pornography, child enticement, missing persons, hacking and intrusion,fraud, identity theft, homeland security and terrorism, narcotics, auto theft, internal affairs matters and many more.

The FCL processes digital evidence found on computers, cell phones, PDAs, and a variety of digital media such as CDs and DVDs, USB drives, compact flash cards, digital cameras, digital video capture devices, facsimile machines, electronic control devices, credit card skimmers, and more.

CERTIFIED FORENSIC EXAMINERS

Forensic computer science is unlike all other forensic disciplines. Contrary to the static results of forensic DNA testing, fingerprint testing and firearm testing, forensic computer examination is a dynamic science which requires a significant knowledge of multiple disciplines. A balance of computer science, forensics and investigation must be learned to perform competent examinations.

To become a forensic examiner in the FCL, each applicant must be a current Miami-Dade Police Officer and complete an extensive interview process. This interview determines the applicant’s computer knowledge, investigative skills, previous job history, experience level, oral and written communications skills, and equally important, interpersonal skills.

When an acceptable applicant is transferred to the FCL, that applicant begins an apprenticeship program usually lasting one year. During the first year, the applicant will receive extensive in-house training by experienced computer forensic examiners. The apprentice/student is assigned research projects dealing with the newest technologies and will learn to test newly purchased equipment to make sure that the manufacturers design and production meets the forensic specifications required in the lab. Prior to representing the Department as a certified examiner, the apprentice will attend a variety of specialized training courses, and is required to complete proficiency and competency testing through the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS).

IACIS is an internationally recognized organization that offers performance based certification in the field of computer forensics. The certification process starts with an exhaustive 2 week course where students are taught the basic fundamentals of computer forensics and data recovery.  Upon completing the course, the examiner becomes a “Certified Electronic Evidence Collection Specialist” (CEECS) and then has one year to pass proficiency and competency tests to be awarded the title of “Certified Forensic Computer Examiner” (CFCE).  To remain assigned to the FCL, each examiner MUST be awarded and maintain their CFCE certification.

* As of April, 2007, there are only 233 current CFCE’s in the world!

TASK FORCE PARTNERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

FCL created a custom laboratory case management database software program which integrates all elements of the forensic examination process with the day-to-day management of the laboratory.  The program is currently being used by over 200 agencies and organizations throughout the world.

Another innovative accomplishment is the FCL mobile laboratory; one of the first in the country.  The newly acquired mobile digital forensics laboratory provides enough space for seven forensic computer examiners to process evidence simultaneously and collaborate their findings using a self-contained forensic network.  In addition to processing stand alone computer systems, the mobile laboratory is capable of storing up to 16 terabytes of data within its portable storage units.  This mobile laboratory has been deployed to several high-profile scenes in both Miami-Dade and Broward County.

STATISTICS

The figures shown below indicate how much data was received for processing by the FCL in a given calendar year.  As you can see, the amount of data processed grows at an alarming rate.