DHS locates advanced forensics lab in AL

The new National Computer Forensic Institute will emphasize digital evidence analysis, according to a Department of Homeland Security release.

The Secret Service - an investigator into financial and cyber crime - will be heavily involved in the new center, which will serve as national cybercrimes training facility where state and local police officers, as well as prosecutors and judges, will be offered training and equipment.

"The same technologies that are a part of everyday life in the 21st century are routinely used by criminal groups for their nefarious activities," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, in a written statement. "This institute will turn the tables on these criminal groups and equip law enforcement with sophisticated skills to use the same technologies in combating criminal activity."

The facility will include classrooms, a computer forensic lab with an advanced research and development area, an evidence vault, storage and server rooms, public education exhibit space, and a conference room, the notice reports. Training, which will include network intrusion investigation and computer forensics, will be based on the current U.S. Secret Service curriculum.