GREGORY D. TOTTEN DISTRICT ATTORNEY - Ventura County ...

TERM REPORT 2007 - 2010
BureAu Of INVeStIGAtION
COMPUTER CRIMES UNIT
The computer crimes unit (ccu) investigates crimes in
which a computer or other emerging technology is a significant
instrumentality of the crime, including internet crimes against
children, complex identity thefts, breaching of financial networks,
theft of trade secrets, and frauds. The ccu is involved in the
proactive investigation of child pornography crimes and assuring
that investigations that use high tech techniques keep up with
evolving constitutional law. The ccu works closely with local
law enforcement through its partnership with the Southern
california high tech task Force (SchttF), which includes
investigators and civilian computer forensic examiners from
several law enforcement agencies, including the District Attorney’s
office. The SchttF provides highly technical support and
forensic technology services for the ever-growing number of cases
involving digital evidence. Digital evidence has proven crucial to
the prosecution of capital murder cases, sexual assaults and other
serious cases. The ccu provides training on a national, state
and local level for prosecutors, peace officers, computer forensic
examiners, county employees, and probation officers.
ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT
created in 2008 as part of a Bureau of investigation reorganization,
the Administrative unit serves the special investigations needs
of the District Attorney’s office. investigators in the unit
conduct background investigations on prospective employees,
investigations of citizen complaints involving members of the
District Attorney’s office, internal administrative investigations,
and special external investigations involving public corruption or
organized crime, as assigned by the chief investigator.
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Left to right: Investigator Ryan Hamlin, Tom Henry, Senior Investigator
Lance Steaman