The Computer Crimes and Electronic Evidence Unit is divided into two separate sub-units: the Investigations Unit and the Forensic Analysis Unit.
The Computer Crimes Investigations Unit
This unit investigates and assists state and local agencies and works in conjunction with computer forensic science examiners.
The Computer Crimes and Electronic Evidence unit was one of the founding members of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program (ICAC). The ICAC program is a national network of sixty-one coordinated task forces representing over 2,000 federal, state, and local law enforcement, and prosecutorial agencies. Since 1999, the Connecticut ICAC Task Force has continued to work with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in responding to cyber enticement, child exploitation, and Child Sex Abuse (CSAM) cases. Presently, the Connecticut ICAC Task Force consists of at least sixty-five affiliate local law enforcement agencies and continues to expand the affiliate program. As part of this Task Force, Connecticut is a recipient of ICAC funding from the United States Department of Justice.
Computer Crimes Forensic Analysis Unit
The goal of the Computer Crimes Forensic Analysis Unit is to examine seized computers and other electronic storage devices (ESD) such as cell phones, tablets, and external storage media for evidentiary value. A considerable number of cases involve the exploitation of children in the areas of human trafficking and child pornography, but the unit also assists in other investigations such as sexual assaults, white collar crimes, homicides, and narcotics related offenses. The Computer Crimes Forensic Analysis Unit is able to examine digital storage media for web history as well as other electronic artifacts cell phone data extractions. all of which may aid in an investigation. The unit will also assist in examination of the infotainment systems in most vehicles on the road, for investigations such as stolen motor vehicles. These examinations may provide data such as location and connected devices to aid in the identification of a suspect.
In 2013, the Computer Crimes and Electronic Evidence Unit, the Chemistry Unit, and members of the CSP Canine Training Unit collaborated to identify common chemical and train dogs with the ability to detect electronic storage devices. Currently, in the State of Connecticut there are multiple such canines in use, and they have successfully aided investigators in the recovery of hidden electronic storage media.