Missouri State Highway Patrol

Digital Forensics Investigative Unit

The Digital Forensics Investigative Unit (DFIU) operates within the Division of Drug and Crime Control of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The DFIU supports the Patrol and other law enforcement agencies in the investigation of a broad range of computer-related crimes. Since 2012, the emphasis of the DFIU has been the Internet facilitated exploitation of children. These offenses include the possession, distribution and production of child pornography, as well as child enticement. 

The unit was created in 1998, as part of the Technical Services Unit and was set apart as a stand-alone component in June of 2002. Due to the broad nature of computer crime investigations, the unit works closely with many local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

The DFIU is staffed with four full-time members and task force officers from the State Technical Assistance Team (STAT). Several part-time officers from various troops are assigned to assist.  These officers are cross-trained in mobile device forensics and online investigations and are specially equipped to assist the DFIU.

The DFIU works closely with a number of agencies in the fight against online crime, including the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). The unit is partially funded through grants provided by the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) State Cyber Crime Grant (SCCG) and Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC).

Assistance

For investigative support, contact your local DDCC.

For lab support, see the Missouri Digital Forensic Center.