A message from the Laboratory Director

[Supervisory Special Agent Michael S. Morris, Laboratory Director]

While most of us marvel at the advances of computer technology, there are those that have taken advantage of not only the technology, but of society as well. The increasing availability of inexpensive computers and the ease of access to the internet have spawned a new and growing generation of computer-savvy users… and criminals. As with any new technology, criminals have developed ways to use technology to commit crimes or assist them in criminal enterprises.

We must realize that the computer is not just a tool for criminals. Its not just a way for hackers to launch distributed denial of service attacks on e-commerce sites or just a machine for transferring fraudulent funds to off-shore accounts. Computers store evidence of a crime that trained law enforcement specialists may seize in order to provide a court with evidence of a crime. This evidence could be proof of conspiracy via e-mail planning, the trading of documents or the financial records of a drug operation. Computers can store information about organized crime syndicates, embezzlement, money laundering, fraud schemes or recently, the planning and execution of a terrorist attack. Computers have even been found to hold information leading to identification of murder suspects.

Through the use of professional standards and solid computer forensics techniques, information stored on computers may be successfully presented as evidence in a trial. Few individuals possess the training, experience and equipment necessary to image, analyze and testify as to the integrity of the evidence found in a computer or within digital media. Government law enforcement agencies primarily comprise the majority of those trained and experienced in computer forensics examination.

It is the premise of this science that the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, eight Dallas area law enforcement agencies and the Texas Attorney General’s Office undertook the monumental task of forming the North Texas Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory. Our dedication to cutting edge training and state of the art equipment have made us one of the most prestigious computer forensics laboratories in the country. I am very proud of the work and vision that went into our organization and especially proud of the people that make it happen every day. Each day begins and ends with challenges. The dedication and integrity of our forensic examiners are envied by many and rivaled by few.