The Ames Police Department recently received a grant enabling them to further develop its computer forensics department.

The department applied for the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant last June and has since been awarded $34,425 in federal grants.

Cmdr. Jim Robinson addressed the need for assistance to help deter computer-related crime, including child pornography, drug offenses, identity theft, financial fraud and cyberstalking, while filling out the application for the grant.

“The Ames Police Department is determined to enhance its ability in providing service to those who have been victimized as a result of cybercrimes by engaging in both reactive and proactive investigations targeting those offenders who are actively involved in this type of criminal activity,” he said.

Robinson said the department is in the process of setting up additional training for their officers.

“Those funds will be used for advanced training. We’ve identified two of our officers that have somewhat of a history [and are] well versed in computer applications,” he said.

Robinson also said they are working with “tech people” to place orders for new equipment. The equipment they are looking to purchase includes “desktop computers, laptop computers, network storage servers and investigative hardware and software,” he said.

Lt. Aaron DeLashmutt of the ISU Police said computer forensics helps police look at evidence that corresponds with the changing technology of the times.

“Basically, it’s the ability to look at electronic data in a forensically sound manner,” he said. “You’re not going to alter anything you are looking at.”

DeLashmutt also said computer forensics is not limited to aiding police only in computer or Internet crimes.

“It really ranges for any crime you can think of. A computer can play a role. Instant messaging or e-mails may not play a direct role, but it helps gather evidence [and] the transactions can be stored,” he said.

Although he does not necessarily believe that computer crime is on the rise in Ames, DeLashmutt said crimes are changing along with technology.

“It’s just shifted that they are using technology to commit a lot of crimes,” he said. “Some of it is increasing with the use of the Internet just because it’s so easy, with the Internet, to transfer and download files. It does have an impact on certain crimes.”

Because the grant will also pay for ongoing officer training and technology upgrades, DeLashmutt said it is a huge bonus for the Ames Police Department.

“It’s an ongoing expense,” he said. “You have to constantly keep your equipment updated and training is usually not local.”

Because he is the only one in his department working with computer forensics, DeLashmutt said he is almost always busy. Departments that have larger up-to-date computer forensics departments will be able to do a lot more in a shorter amount of time.

“I think it’s very important. You’re going to see that almost every agency sometime down the road will do computer forensics on their own,” he said. “The ability to handle your own cases is huge. It speeds up the process.”