Digital Forensics Lab opens in Culpeper
By Anita L. Sherman
From Where I Sit
Friday afternoon was a beautiful day.
I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Digital Forensics Lab housed at Terremark.
The crime scene has been greatly enhanced over the years by advances in technology – both from the criminals perspective and from law enforcement.
Computers, cameras, cell phones and Smartphones are collectors of all things digital. This new lab will store and process digital evidence.
It was very gratifying to see so many local officials, law enforcement personnel and staff from Terremark who have collaborated to make this lab a reality.
It all started with a good idea two years ago that Sheriff Jim Branch and Capt. Joseph Watson came up with – to establish a digital forensics lab in Culpeper.
At one point in the afternoon, after the opening remarks and tour of the facility, I had a chance to just sit quietly with Sheriff Branch and our photographer in the lounge area.
The sheriff was relaxed and remarked that while other jurisdictions would welcome the addition of a sophisticated forensics lab that the resources are usually not available.
“If it weren't for Terremark being here and offering in-kind donations, we wouldn't have this,” he said. “It's a real gift.”
It was good to see Norm Laudermilch again. I hadn't seen him in a while. Ever since Terremark opened, their business just continues to boom. One of the comments that Norm had made to me several years ago was their commitment to the community that has become their home.
“We want to give back and this is a perfect partnership,” he remarked.
With Terremark's military-style security, local law enforcement will enter a safe environment to work on digital evidence not before possible. They will no longer need to rely on other agencies.
What really struck me the most about Friday's event was the realization of a shared vision.
The result is a top-notch facility. I'm going to have more in the paper about the nuts and bolts of the operation, the shared costs and more of the details but at the heart is a public/private partnership that is no longer a vision, but a reality.
When the large blue bow and ribbon were cut opening the door to the new lab, it ushered in the kind of cooperative spirit and energy that can only exist because committed and caring people are paving the way.
It was one of those beautiful days in Culpeper.