Criminal Investigator Completes Advanced Mobile Device Forensics Training at National Computer Forensics Institute
NEW CITY, N.Y. – Detective Barbara Willen, a Criminal Investigator with the Rockland County District Attorney’s Investigative Unit, recently completed specialized training at the National Computer Forensics Institute in Hoover, Alabama, further strengthening the office’s digital evidence recovery capabilities.
Detective Willen successfully completed the one-week course, Introduction to Phone Repair, an intensive program designed to equip law enforcement professionals with technical skills to diagnose and repair mobile devices that have become non-operational and may otherwise prevent critical evidence recovery.
The course combined classroom instruction with hands-on practical exercises, providing students with training in diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repairing common mobile device issues that impede forensic analysis. Participants also learned foundational electrical theory and developed soldering skills to support advanced repair techniques aligned with forensic recovery objectives.
Through the program, students gained the knowledge and tools necessary to:
Replace mobile device screens and batteries
Direct-boot mobile devices to a logic board using an external power supply
Repair and replace damaged charging ports
Perform clean logic-board transfers to donor devices
Restore device functionality to enable data extraction and evidentiary preservation
"There's always a possibility of receiving digital devices that are damaged or cannot function properly,” said Detective Willen. “This training gives our office the ability to repair and recover critical evidence in-house."
The training enhances the investigative unit’s ability to recover digital evidence from damaged or compromised devices which is an increasingly critical component of modern criminal investigations.
“We’re incredibly proud of Detective Willen for continuing to expand her expertise and bring these advanced skills to our Office,” said District Attorney Walsh. “Her commitment to professional development strengthens our ability to remain at the forefront of modern investigations and serve the people of Rockland.”
By completing this course, Detective Willen brings advanced technical expertise back to Rockland County, supporting more efficient evidence recovery and strengthening the office’s capacity to investigate technology-driven crimes.
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