Prosecutor highlights 'cell phone lab' documentary and digital-forensics work that speeds investigations

Vanderburgh County Prosecutor (identified in the meeting as Merce) presented a documentary and overview July 10 on the county—high-tech crimes unit — referred to in-council as the "cell phone lab" — saying the unit has processed 2,526 digital devices and is expanding capacity and regional service.

The prosecutor said the lab now serves 38 regional agencies, including the Evansville Police Department, the Sheriff's Office and federal partners such as the ATF, DEA and FBI. "We're looking right now in this year to double our output," the prosecutor said, and described a goal of producing actionable intelligence within a three-day window: "Within 3 days, we're either gonna have the data back to them, or we're gonna let them know what we are or are not able to do."

Investigator John Carter, introduced as a member of the unit, explained extraction techniques used for laptops and phones, including "dead-boxing" a hard drive to make a forensic image or live techniques when encryption requires it. He said outcomes depend on device encryption and that cell-phone data often provides leads (passwords and linkages) that enable access to other devices.

Speakers credited a Bureau of Justice Assistance grant (BJA) and specialized training from the U.S. Secret Service—National Computer Forensics Institute for building capacity, purchasing equipment and staffing. The prosecutor said digital evidence has shortened case resolution times and contributed to convictions in cases that might otherwise have lacked other kinds of evidence.

Council members praised the program's use of interns and university partnerships to expand capacity. The presentation closed with council appreciation and offers to follow up if council had questions about training and support.

No formal vote or appropriation was taken during the presentation; the council received the documentary and information as part of new business.