Austin applauds legislative action funding local high-tech crimes units

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana House Democratic Caucus Chair State Rep. Terri Austin (D-Anderson) today released the following statement applauding recent legislative action to fund local high-tech crimes units throughout the state.

“Thanks to bipartisan support of legislation in the 2021 session, 10 High Tech Crimes Units across the state will be established to help expedite local prosecutors' offices with processing digital evidence. The establishment of these units, in partnership with local universities, will provide educational experiences for students, help address the growing backlog of digital evidence and ultimately benefit the entire state. Local academic institutions that will participate in the program include:

“Anderson University is one of 10 regional programs is expected to receive $285,000 a year over the next two years. State funding will allow these programs to expand digital forensic services, hire additional personnel and update hardware and software. Partnerships with local universities will assist in developing the workforce pipeline, ensuring communities are equipped with law enforcement professionals for years to come.

“As technology advances, it is more important than ever to provide timely processing of evidence from cell phones, cameras and computers. These programs will be crucial in addressing key evidence in sexual assaults, burglaries, homicides and numerous other cases. I look forward to our local communities seeing the benefits of investing in this invaluable program.”