Agenda Date: 07/16/2024
Subject:
Title
Resolution 79-2024: Approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the Littleton Police Department and the FBI Rocky Mountain Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory for the forensic analysis of digital evidence
Body
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From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
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Prepared by: |
Doug Stephens, Chief of Police |
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Presentations: |
N/A |
PURPOSE:
This MOU is an update to an existing MOU between the LPD and FBI for the continued participation in the Rocky Mountain Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory (RMRCFL). The RMRCFL is a joint FBI task force staffed by federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel tasked with forensic analysis of digital evidence.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Safe Community
DISCUSSION:
The RMRCFL is a cooperative partnership of law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local level that is intended to operate in a manner like that of a multi-jurisdictional task force. The RMRCFL provides forensic examination training, forensic collaboration, and forensic examinations as it relates to the investigation and prosecution of crimes involving technology. The LPD and RMRCFL will continue to partner to provide forensic training and analysis in all criminal investigations requiring forensic examinations. This is accomplished by the LPD providing one FTE (detective) to the RMRCFL as a task force member.
BACKGROUND:
The LPD has participated in the RMRCFL since 2012 resulting in access to the latest training, technology, and processes related to forensic analysis of highly complicated digital evidence. The LPD detective assigned to the RMRCFL has received extensive training and experience in forensic analysis of digital evidence and is considered a nationally recognized expert in the field. His work at the RMRCFL has resulted in numerous successful prosecutions related to criminal activity affecting the Littleton community. This MOU simply updates the existing MOU approved by council in 2020 by modifying language and clarifying evolving roles.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
The LPD provides one FTE detective full-time to the RMRCFL as part of the LPD’s existing budgeted personnel. There is no new/additional fiscal impact because of this updated MOU. The FBI currently provides a vehicle, cell phone, and reimburses the City of Littleton for the detective’s overtime.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approving the resolution updating the MOU.
ALTERNATIVES:
The LPD could withdraw from the RMRCFL and reassign the detective to general investigations. Digital evidence could be sent to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for analysis which would result in a significant delay in the forensic analysis of digital evidence. In addition, the CBI has limited resources and personnel assigned to forensic analysis of digital evidence and their staff is not as highly trained or credentialed as the RMRCFL personnel.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve Resolution 79-2024 approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the Littleton Police Department and the FBI Rocky Mountain Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory for the forensic analysis of digital evidence.