Additional Funds for Alabama DA Criminal Data Exchange Initiative
WASHINGTON – Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) announced the approval of $4 million to fund the startup of the National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI) in Hoover.
The Department of Homeland Security has received legislative authorization to use its funds to begin technology training courses for law enforcement officials by this fall at the institute, which is located at the Hoover Public Safety Center.
Bachus says the institute will help law enforcement officers to use the data generated by computers and electronic communications to solve crimes.
"Juries today demand scientific and forensic evidence. The number of phones, computers, blackberries, GPS units, and other devices from which information can be extracted is mushrooming. This information can be used to put identity thieves, child molesters, murderers, and even terrorists behind bars. But there is a bottleneck getting this valuable data into the courtroom. What we don’t have is trained, qualified professionals to find, extract, analyze, and preserve the data," Bachus said.
The project, which was spearheaded by the Alabama District Attorneys Association, is the culmination of a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local governments. The Department of Homeland Security is expected to contribute $9 million a year towards the operation of the center. The institute will bring more than one thousand law enforcement officials from across to the nation to the Birmingham area annually for advanced technology training.
Bachus worked with members of the House Appropriations Committee to ensure that the Department of Homeland Security could begin the training as originally announced during the groundbreaking in March.
Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos stated, "I am very excited that the City of Hoover will be the host city for the National Computer Forensics Institute. We are glad that the funding details have been worked out so that classes can begin, and thank Congressman Bachus for his active and ongoing support."
In addition, Bachus secured a $125,000 appropriation for a data security initiative proposed by the Alabama District Attorneys Association in the Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations bill.
"Sensitive information on criminal cases needs to be protected. This project will help to safeguard data and promote efficient communication among law enforcement agencies," Bachus said.
Prosecutors throughout the state will have a secure way to exchange and store electronic information on ongoing investigations. The project involves the purchase of an email server and VPN (Virtual Private Network) appliances that will encrypt data sent into the network from unsecured facilities. The system will ensure that confidential information is viewed only by the law enforcement officials it is intended for.
The Executive Director of the Alabama District Attorneys Association, Randy Hillman, said, "Congressman Bachus has been tireless in his efforts to support law enforcement not only in Alabama, but across the nation. The National Computer Forensics Institute would never have become a reality but for his efforts. His response was immediate and he has been tenacious in seeing that it goes from an idea to being a reality. Congressman Bachus brought together leaders from across the entire spectrum of government. He secured commitments from federal, state, county, and municipal government and focused them all on working together to solve a crisis in our criminal justice system. In the years to come, because of his efforts, all of America’s citizens will be safer and less vulnerable to computer criminals and child predators."