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Media Release

March 27 2008

Workshop brings Australia's computer cops together

Detective seizing computer equipmentThe cream of Australia’s electronic evidence specialists will gather at UniSA next week for a three-day Australian Forensic Practitioners Workshop, sponsored by the National Institute of Forensic Science and hosted by the University and South Australia Police (SAPOL).

Representing all the State and Territory law enforcement agencies, Australian Federal Police, Australian Customs and the Australian Crime Commission, some forty officers will discuss the latest forensic computing techniques and share their knowledge and experience in the field.

Director of UniSA’s Forensic Computing Lab and Associate Professor (Homeland Security), Dr Jill Slay said the rapid growth in e-crime has seen a similar growth in police resources and expertise dedicated to handling electronic evidence.

“The role of electronic evidence taken from computers, mobile phones and other devices in the conviction of criminals has increased dramatically in recent years,” Prof Slay said.

“This workshop allows the nation’s senior specialists to share information about collecting and analysing the electronic evidence used to solve and prosecute crimes ranging from murder and child pornography to drug trafficking and corporate fraud.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Barry Blundell from SAPOL said the workshop is the first gathering of senior electronic evidence specialists from around Australia for a number of years.

“This workshop is a very important opportunity to network with colleagues, plan for the future and to develop a way forward for the profession,” Detective Blundell said.

“It is also a practical demonstration of how the relationship which has developed between UniSA and SAPOL over many years now extends to law enforcement agencies around the country.”

Among guest presenters at the workshop are Rod McKemmish, a forensic computing pioneer and Head of e-forensics at e.law australia; and Anna Davey, Acting Director of the National Institute of Forensic Science Australia.

What           Australian Forensic Practitioners Workshop
Where        Bradley Forum, Level 5, Hawke Building, UniSA City West campus, North Terrace, Adelaide
When          Monday March 31, Tuesday April 1 and Wednesday April 2

Picture/vision/interview opportunities
• 10.05am, Monday March 31
• SAPOL Assistant Commissioner Tony Harrison and UniSA’s Professor Andrew Parfitt will open the workshop
• Prof Slay and Det Blundell available for interview

Contacts for interview

Media contact

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