Ocean County Digital Forensics Unit Earns Elite Accreditation

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office's Digital Forensic Laboratory has received a national recognition, accreditation by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation, the first non-federal digital forensic crime laboratory in the state of New Jersey and only county prosecutor-run lab to be accredited.

Digital forensics is the application of science to the recovery of digital evidence in a legally acceptable method. Examiners use digital investigation and analysis techniques to determine potential legal evidence by applying their skills on a variety of software programs, different operating systems, varying hard drives sizes, and specific technologies.

Examiners are capable of locating deleted, encrypted or damaged file information that may serve as evidence in a criminal or terrorism investigation. In addition, they perform video, computer, mobile device and cellular phone forensic examinations when the devices are submitted to the laboratory.

"The examiners serve as subject matter experts on all matters related to digital evidence," Prosecutor Joseph Coronato said. "We serve all law enforcement agencies within Ocean County, the state of New Jersey and federal agencies upon request."

"Most importantly, being inspected and accredited by the Forensic Examination Accreditation Program instills public trust by assuring the lab meets regulatory and statutory requirements that ensure a robust system of quality assurance and control," Coronato said.

The only other digital forensic laboratory in New Jersey to be accredited is the FBI’s Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory located in the New Jersey State Police complex in Hamilton.

The accreditation was a process that took several years and involved training, certification of examiners as well as upgrading of equipment and facilities to meet the standards.

After the prosecutor's office applied for the accreditation, the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation audited the processes, policies and procedures to ensure they meet the standards for accreditation.

Coronato said the lab received support from the NJ Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory and the Baltimore County Police in Maryland through this process.

"The accreditation ensures that these standards are kept in order to maintain this accreditation," he said. "It is with great pride that I commend my High Tech Crime Unit Supervisor Sgt. James F. Hill and his staff for tenaciously striving to achieve such a high level of forensic excellence."

Coronato said the support of the Board of Freeholders was critical as well.

"It was with their support and firm commitment to our efforts that truly helped make this ambitious quest a reality," Coronato said. "This accreditation is the result of solid teamwork by my staff and that of the Board of Freeholders. It shows what can be done when everyone works together for a common goal."

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Logo via Ocean County Prosecutor's Office