Central Coast Cyber Forensic Laboratory (3CFL)

Digital Forensics Lab Manager

Rob Swift

Mission Statement

The San Luis Obispo (SLO) County Central Coast Cyber Forensic Laboratory (3CFL), managed by the SLO County District Attorney’s Office, provides law enforcement agencies throughout the County with access to state-of-the-art digital forensic evidence collection and analysis platforms. Through highly trained personnel and advanced forensic technologies, the 3CFL strengthens investigative capabilities, adapts to rapidly evolving technologies, and ensures digital evidence is properly collected and admissible in court.

Overview

Digital forensics is the process of identifying, preserving, analyzing, and interpreting electronic data for use in criminal investigations and court proceedings. The primary objective is to preserve digital evidence in its most original form while conducting a structured and methodical analysis to reconstruct past events. High-tech crime is not confined by jurisdictional or agency boundaries. In response, law enforcement partners within the 3CFL engage in a focused, coordinated, and collaborative effort to combat the increasing prevalence and complexity of technology-driven crime throughout SLO County.

As a relatively young and continually evolving forensic discipline, digital forensics must keep pace with rapid technological growth. An estimated 22 billion devices are currently connected worldwide, with projections exceeding 85 billion by 2026. With such widespread connectivity, the majority of criminal activity now leaves a digital footprint. As a result, law enforcement professionals must remain agile, adaptable, and collaborative to effectively investigate crimes involving emerging technologies.

The strong partnership among the SLO County District Attorney’s Office, California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), and local law enforcement agencies has enabled the 3CFL to expand and evolve at a rapid pace. This collaboration allows the laboratory to stay at the forefront of industry trends and participate in hands-on training opportunities through Cal Poly’s California Cybersecurity Institute (CCI).

The 3CFL operates under the management of the SLO County District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Investigations.