The Cell Phone Forensic Facility at the University of Tulsa

Because of the widespread use of mobile devices in modern society, many crimes turn a mobile communications device into an “evidence container.” Digital evidence recovered from these devices can be critical to investigators. The Cell Phone Forensic Facility at the University of Tulsa develops techniques, tools and training to support the Secret Service’s Electronic Crimes Special Agent Program (ECSAP) agents, as well as the larger U.S. law enforcement community.

The Secret Service’s mobile device forensic program is regarded as one of the best in the world, and many agencies – both domestic and foreign – rely on the agency for examination assistance. Mobile devices, including cell phones, credit card skimmers and GPS units, are constantly evolving and the expertise and technology to examine and retrieve evidence from these items must keep pace.

Efforts by the facility can be categorized as reactive (fulfilling immediate high end examination needs), and proactive (creating industry solving solutions) thus maximizing government resources. Chip level as well as custom hardware and software solutions are all utilized at the facility.

To meet this challenge, the Secret Service created the Cell Phone Forensic Facility at the University of Tulsa in 2008. The facility provides training and conducts both forensic examinations and research on mobile devices. The ongoing research into these new devices, operating systems and cell phone technologies provides valuable tools in the U.S. Secret Service’s fight against cybercrime.

Requests for examination or training assistance are processed through local U.S. Secret Service offices.