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Building your digital forensics laboratory in the public sector

Key Points:

  • Building a successful digital forensics laboratory in the public sector requires balancing people, processes and technology
  • Secure facilities, documented standard operating procedures and validated workflows are essential to ensure defensible results
  • The right combination of hardware, software, storage and training allows laboratories to scale as evidence volume and case complexity increase

Digital forensics is as much about the people who bring their knowledge and experience to each case as it is about the technology. Having the right tools is important, but so are the processes, physical infrastructure, and training that support them.

Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to optimize operations or building a lab from scratch, there are many things to get right.

This guide walks through six essential areas that public sector laboratories should focus on to build a strong, scalable operation.

  1. Define your scope and secure your budget

Before you begin, define your scope: which cases you will take on and which you will escalate. You don't need to do everything, but you do need to know where to turn when unexpected situations arise.

Defining your scope
Start with the basics:

  • What types of cases do you see most frequently?
  • What types of devices do you usually find?
  • Are there categories where digital evidence could play a greater role? (A minor domestic violence conviction today could prevent a mass shooting in the future.)

Build your budget strategy
Budget constraints are common. Some recommendations:

  • Small or low-budget laboratories:prioritizes high-return tools like Magnet Graykey and Magnet Axiom, which help demonstrate value by reducing time to evidence and improving resolution rates
  • Large laboratories:use tools such as Magnet Efficiency Calculator to reduce delays and optimize processes

Securing the budget can be difficult. Grants can help, especially in new laboratories. The Magnet Grant Assistance program offers support throughout the process.

  1. Set up your physical space and establish standard operating procedures

Ensures physical security
Every laboratory needs a dedicated and secure space.

Physical and digital evidence must be protected according to institutional policies, preventing unauthorized access.

Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs)
The work must be governed by clear SOPs. You can create them from scratch or rely on models such as those from SWGDE or the DOJ.

Although the field is constantly evolving, well-designed SOPs guarantee solid results in court.

  1. Acquire the right hardware and extraction capabilities

Specialized hardware is key to handling evidence correctly.

Processing computer
It is recommended:

  • Modern and powerful CPU
  • Lots of RAM
  • Multiple internal hard drives

You can buy ready-made forensic stations or build them. High-performance laptops are also useful in the field.

Extraction equipment

  • Hard drives:write blockers cover most cases
  • Specialized evidence:Vehicle or IoT systems require dedicated tools
  • Mobile devices:solutions like Magnet Graykey allow access to critical data, including deleted data
  1. Choose your software

Once the data is extracted, the challenge is to convert it into useful evidence.

Analysis tools

Many laboratories use Magnet Axiom for its broad compatibility.

Key Features:

  • Portable Case: sharing evidence with non-technical users
  • Mobile View: intuitive navigation of mobile apps
  • Magnet Review: compartir hallazgos online
  • Magnet One: collaboration in the cloud

Specialized tools

  • Magnet Griffeye®: analysis of large multimedia volumes
  • Magnet Witness – Managing multiple video sources
  • Magnet Verify – Media Authentication

You should always validate and verify the tools.

  1. Data storage and sharing

Extractions generate large volumes of data.

Storage Basics

  • Maintain external backups
  • Work with verified copies
  • Protect analytics and reports

Secure sharing

  • External hard drives (always encrypted)
  • Magnet Review for secure online access
  1. Invest in continuous training

Your team is your most important asset.

Accessible training

There are programs funded by organizations such as:

  • NW3C
  • NCJTC
  • ICAC
  • NCFI
  • FLETC

Many professionals also obtain certifications or graduate degrees.

Supplier training

Programs like Magnet Training Annual Pass allow full access to specialized training.

Ready to build your laboratory?

Creating a forensic lab may seem complex, especially from scratch, but support is available.

Teams of experts—many former members of law enforcement—can help you plan, prioritize, and build the right lab. Contact us to get started.

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