New High Tech Crime Unit unveiled at PNW
Purdue University Northwest and the Lake County Prosecutor's office unveiled the new High Tech Crime Unit located at the university on Monday.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony and press conference were held to mark the occasion with dozens of law enforcement and elected officials present.
The High Tech Crime Unit at PNW is meant to work with prosecutors and law enforcement agencies in Lake and Porter counties to process and analyze digital evidence from computers, laptops, cell phones and other electronic devices.
The unit is meant to reduce turnaround time for evidence collection, according to the prosecutor's office. It is expected to assist in investigations of financial and violent crimes.
In 2021, Indiana lawmakers passed House Bill 1082, which created the High Tech Crime Unit program. The program was appropriated with $6 million by state legislators to establish ten units across the state. The Lake County Prosecutor's office was selected for the funding by the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council. Lake County prosecutors then chose to partner with PNW. Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter noted the university was selected because of its "outstanding" cybersecurity program, and for its criminal forensics center.
Carter noted how prevalent electronic devices are currently and how they can be used in criminal investigations.
"Every type of criminal case that we touch, some type of electronic device perhaps has been used, and we can utilize those particular devices to make a case on individuals," Carter said in the press conference.
These units are also meant to collaborate with higher education institutions and provide students with real-world experience in digital forensics.
PNW Chancellor Thomas Keon noted the partnership between the prosecutor's office and the university was a "win-win", saying prosecutors would have space for the unit and access to the university's expertise from faculty members.
"Our experience has been that similar ventures have not only been mutually beneficial for our partners but also incredibly meaningful and productive for our region," Keon said.
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, called the new unit a "force multiplier".
"Today's a win for public safety," Mrvan said during the press conference.
The High Tech Crime Unit is located on the ground level of the university's Gyte Building. The unit consists of a digital forensic lab equipped with Grey Key, a password-cracking software that can help law enforcement get into locked cell phones and tablets. The lab will also be used for extracting data from devices. There is also an analysis lab to analyze data from devices, carrier locations, social media and video image retrievals. It is located next to the university's Center for Crime and Forensics lab.
According to Edgar Rodriguez, the deputy prosecuting attorney for Lake County, and director of the High Tech Crime Unit, students are expected to begin working in the lab and assisting in processing data starting next semester, after they are deputized and trained. These students will be under the supervision of the prosecutor's office.