The computer lab of the Sheriff’s Office was established to provide computer and Internet investigative support in the acquisition and analysis of digital evidence. There has been a sharp increase in crimes involving computers, suggesting that there is a need for a specialized computer forensics laboratory at the Sheriff’s Office. Crimes now days takes many different forms and includes the use of computers and other digital devices, which require very specialized training to forensically examine these devices for evidence of crimes. Unfortunately, the training and equipment that is required to conduct these types of investigations and forensic exams is very costly and not many departments have the resources to operate a computer lab. Fortunately for the citizens of Grand Traverse County, the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners and the Sheriff recognize the need to have a computer lab and have been committed to the success of the lab.    

     To date, there is one detective that works in the lab and conducts Internet investigations and forensically examines digital hardware. The detective has gone through very extensive training in computer forensics, and in 2006, earned the very prestigious International Association of Computer Investigative Specialist (IACIS) Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) and Certified Electronic Evidence Collection Specialist (CEECS) certifications. There are only about 850 individuals through out the world that has obtained the certifications, with only a handful in the State of Michigan. The detective is also a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which was created by the United States Department of Justice to help State and local law enforcement agencies enhance their investigative response to offenders who use the Internet, online communication systems, or other computer technology to sexually exploit children.  The program is currently composed of 59 regional Task Force agencies through out the United States.