2022/07/27 Council Agenda Packet

This device is purposely built for making forensic copies of digital storage media and wiping (sanitizing) storage media to remove all traces of previous evidence before the drive is reused. Both functions are foundational to the proper handling of digital evidence. FIU's current method of wiping storage drives requires using a repurposed lab computer. This method is very slow, and the computer cannot be used for any other purpose while processing. The imaging device is more efficient and does not require tying up a computer within the lab. In addition, this device would serve as a stand-alone imaging device (used to make forensic copies of a suspect drive). Forensic imaging is an extremely time intensive processing task. Under current methods, due to the processing demands, when a detective is imaging a computer, the forensic computer is unavailable to access for other work until the imaging process is complete. Imaging a single hard drive can take hours, and imaging multiple hard drives (as in a recent case) may take the detective's forensic workstation out of commission for days or weeks. Having a stand-alone imaging device such as this one would provide for imaging to be done separately allowing detectives to simultaneously process and review results while more devices are being imaged in the background. This would greatly increase processing efficiency. Project Design and Implementation The items listed above are stand alone and will not require a project design. The department currently has 18 ballistic shields for use in the field, however, all have expired warranties. The use of grant funding will allow for the purchase and replacement of the existing shields that have expired. The forensic imaging device is a piece of hardware that will allow for more efficiency in the Forensic Imaging Unit. Staff currently use a repurposed computer to perform the same functions as this new device, however it is outdated and extremely slow to process. Using the grant dollars will allow the necessary protections desired with non -expired ballistic shields and the efficiency of being able to make forensic copies of digital storage media and for the wiping (sanitizing) of storage media. The 2022 JAG allocation is anticipated to fund almost 100 percent of the purchase of the two items being requested. Capabilities and Competencies The City of Everett plans and coordinates efforts with several units of local government within our jurisdiction. Operationally, the Everett Police Department is a member of a mutual aid agreement with neighboring jurisdictions within Snohomish County. As part of this agreement, officers within the Everett Police Department may be called upon at any time to assist a neighboring police department on a high priority, public safety call. Having the proper safety equipment readily