The grant is helping fund two full-time investigators and one prosecutor for the office’s computer forensics program. The investigators extract digital evidence from computers, cell phones and other devices to assist law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of computer crimes.

“Cyber crime is a new, ever evolving-threat that can cause significant harm to unsuspecting victims,” Bentley said. “The staff of our computer forensics program has the special skills and training required to protect Alabamians and hold cyber criminals responsible for their actions.”

The program’s investigators and the prosecutor are certified in computer forensics by the United States Secret Service. They have more than a combined 30 years of experience in the field.

The program works with state, federal and local law enforcement agencies to track, arrest and prosecute offenders. Staff members also teach other law enforcement agencies how to respond to cyber crimes and handle digital evidence.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Bentley notified Randall Hillman, Alabama Office of Prosecution Services executive director, that the grant had been approved.

Contact: Russell Sellers, Larry Childers