Northeast Counterdrug Training Center

Cell Phone Investigation Techniques

It has become increasingly difficult for law enforcement to successfully exploit cell phones due to the evolution of smartphone technology. Criminals' heavy reliance on cell phones makes it crucial for police officers to learn common cell phone terminology and understand the data they receive from cell phone companies. Historical cell-site data and specialized location records have been utilized in hundreds of investigations to successfully track a criminal or put them near a crime scene. Information will be presented during this block of instructions on the benefits of using these records, the limitations of the records, and the best software to map the records.

Smartphone Applications (APPS) have become the preferred method of communication for criminals. Although the content of many APPS is encrypted, there are digital imprints left behind on the actual device. Information will be presented on various APPS, as well as the types of data that can be obtained from the APP providers. Wiretap investigations can produce very powerful and overwhelming evidence of guilt; The course will provide students with the fundamental aspects of developing wiretap investigations, uses and analyzing of pen registers. The final blocks of instruction will involve the use of cell phone geo fences around a crime scene and Wi-Fi router interrogation. These advanced techniques have proven extremely useful in hundreds of investigations. This two-day training course will provide officers with a comprehensive approach to exploiting cellular telephones.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
  1. Cell Phone Search Warrants & Court Orders
  2. Interpretation of Call Records
  3. Preservation of Evidence During Active Investigation
  4. SMS Messaging vs. Instant Messaging
  5. Collecting Stored Data
  6. Exploiting Cell Phone Apps
  7. Cell Phone Company Resources
  8. Obtaining Specialized Location Records
  9. Cell Tower Data
  10. GPS & WIFI Tracking
  11. "Dropped Phones"
  12. Pen Registers & Wire Taps Overview
  13. Legal Considerations
  14. Courtroom Testimony

Prerequisites: None

Course Length: 2 days / 16 hours

Who May Attend: Law Enforcement 

This event is offered on the following dates

Dec 10, 2024 8:30 - Dec 11, 2024 16:30 (8:30 - 16:30)
Tuesday - Wednesday
Lewiston NY
Jan 02, 2025 8:00 - Jan 03, 2025 16:00 (8:00 - 16:00)
Thursday - Friday
Denmark TN
Mar 04, 2025 8:00 - Mar 05, 2025 16:00 (8:00 - 16:00)
Tuesday - Wednesday
Annville PA
Mar 18, 2025 8:00 - Mar 19, 2025 16:00 (8:00 - 16:00)
Tuesday - Wednesday
Norcross GA
Apr 15, 2025 12:00 - Apr 16, 2025 12:00 (12:00 - 12:00)
Tuesday - Wednesday
Baltimore MD
Sep 23, 2025 7:00 - Sep 24, 2025 16:00 (7:00 - 16:00)
Tuesday - Wednesday
Jackson MI