Forensic Expertise
We are home to a broad range of forensic experts provide multi-disciplined state-of-the-art support to our investigative and protective missions, missing and exploited children investigations, and other major crimes investigated by our law enforcement partners. Our investigative forensic expertise, in particular, directly contributes to helping protect our leaders, facilities, and events from cybersecurity threats.
Forensic Sciences Laboratory
Our forensics testing laboratory at headquarters is accredited by ANAB to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for fingerprint analysis and questioned document examination. Our experts provide technical support and training regarding evidence collection and evolving forensic examination needs.
Digital Evidence Forensics Laboratories
Our worldwide cyber workforce operates Digital Evidence Forensics Laboratories to apply technical expertise to combat cybercrime, eliminate protective cybersecurity threats, and support law enforcement partners.
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
The Secret Service is dedicated to providing forensic and investigative assistance in support of any investigation involving missing or exploited children and in 1997 was the first federal agency to partner with the NCMEC.
Fields of Specialty
Our fingerprint investigative operations include using cutting-edge equipment and detection methods to process evidence collected during investigations for the presence of latent fingerprints, palm prints, and footprints. We typically process latent prints associated with investigations regarding counterfeit currency, gas pump/ATM skimming devices, and threatening letters with envelopes. However, additional evidence includes handguns, maps, paper items - and even drones – as any item found at a crime scene can potentially be processed for latent prints. Our fingerprint examiners compare captured latent prints to known prints of individuals. In cases when suitable prints are captured from an unknown individual, we use multiple electronic databases, called Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS), to search for potential leads.
Our questioned document experts focus on investigations involving computer generated/enhanced documents, computer printers, printing processes, typewriting, indented impressions, and document alterations. We are the exclusive home to the Forensic Information System for Handwriting (FISH), a computer program used to digitally measure handwriting characteristics on threat letters that are compared to known handwritten threat letters in an effort to associate letters, cases, and known subjects. Our examiners also use the Thermal Ribbon Analysis Platform (TRAP), a system designed to read the colored panels of ribbons used in thermal printers. We identify and compare papers, fibers, inks, toners, watermarks, and materials of unknown origin. We also maintain and use the agency's International Ink, National Inkjet and Watermark Libraries. The majority of our questioned document examinations consist of handwriting comparisons or counterfeit related examinations; however, there are many other types of examinations that can be conducted on documents to establish their authenticity.
Counterfeit specialists focus on investigations involving suspect Federal Reserve Notes (currency), Silver Certificates, Treasury Bonds, and other securities. The counterfeit specialists conduct a variety of examinations, including authentication examinations, ink and paper analysis, and counterfeit currency classification. They serve as subject matter experts on the inter-agency United States Currency Program, and provide technical briefings and guidance on the latest trends in counterfeit currency manufacturing and adversarial analysis.
We collect and analyze DNA samples from a range of evidence collected during investigations, to include threatening letters, electronic devices, and handguns.
Our forensic photography experts support the Secret Service investigative mission in the form of crime scene photography, surveillance photography, evidence documentation, latent print photography and questioned document photography. Forensic photography experts also provide a wide range of support to the Secret Service protective mission includes photographic documentation of protection missions, photographic support of technical studies and security surveys, aerial and drone photography support, and photographic support of protection related training exercises, agency presentations, and media events.
Our Uniformed Division Crime Scene Search Unit (CSSU), based in Washington D.C., responds to crime scenes in support of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Metropolitan Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. CSSU examiners detect, preserve, collect, and process physical and scientific evidence. They also conduct interviews, prepare detailed diagrams, and capture forensic photography and videography related to crime scene investigations. CSSU examiners provide expert courtroom testimony in the field of crime scene processing, preservation, and collection of physical, digital, documentary, and scientific evidence. CSSU is a member of the Washington D.C. Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.
We have an extensive cyber workforce of personnel dedicated to conducting advanced computer, mobile device, and vehicle infotainment systems forensic examinations using specialized methods, software and equipment. These experts work hand in hand with our law enforcement partners. The strategically positioned Secret Service Digital Evidence Forensic Laboratories provide the necessary environment and tools for our cyber forensics teams to identify and secure criminal evidence for prosecution. Our digital examiners also provide forensic analytical expertise to electronic devices utilized in furtherance of threats to our protectees.
We operate a Network Intrusion Responder (NITRO) Program that trains and equips our personnel to respond to and remediate network intrusions targeting victim businesses / organizations and critical electronic and financial infrastructure. The NITRO programs supports both are investigative and protective mission, allow us to perform such things as investigating financially-motivated ransomware attacks or helping secure a National Special Security Event attended by protectees against malicious cyber intrusions.
Our multimedia experts provide highly-skilled forensic capabilities that include the processing and analysis of video, audio, and other digital multimedia evidence. Multimedia experts perform image and audio enhancement and speaker identification using specialized methods, software, and equipment to assist in the identification and development of media-based evidence to be presented in a court of law. Visual information experts who specialize in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), 3D modeling and simulation, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) acquisition, and multimedia and video production provide a full range of technologically advanced protective support capabilities. Our visual information specialists are proficient in pre-event media and data collection for site planning and briefings, media production support, production of game-quality 3D models for virtual walk and fly through briefings, realistic training simulation, real-time event monitoring, and multimedia event recording.
Our polygraph experts use state-of-the art technologies and techniques to assess the truthfulness of statements of individuals obtained during investigations. Our experts provide accurate and reliable polygraph examinations in all types of criminal investigations to include financial crimes, cybercrimes, protective intelligence, and investigations related to child sexual abuse.
We have a cadre of experts with a deep background in forensic accounting and financial analytical methodologies, applying their knowledge to financial crimes investigations and cases involving the criminal use of cryptocurrency, the latter which can include following money trails associated with protective threats on the darknet, for example.
Our graphic design specialists support the overall Secret Service integrated mission through creative and innovative use of traditional and cutting-edge graphics design techniques and technologies. Graphic design specialists produce a wide range of customized products to support the agency’s investigative mission, such as dynamic flow charts, crime scene diagrams and court room evidence displays. Our highly skilled composite artists work with state and local law enforcement to provide sketches used in the identification of suspects in criminal investigations. Graphic design specialists are trained in the use of age regression/progression and facial reconstruction techniques to assist National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) investigations and state-of-the-art equipment, technology and software used to produce visually-based evidence presented in the court of law. Graphic design specialists also provide a wide variety of customized products to support the agency’s protective mission, such as venue maps, diagrams, and schematics in both print and digital formats. These specialists also provide visual information support to high-level domestic and foreign dignitary protection missions, National Special Security Events and other official protection related projects.
Resources
NCMEC Website
Visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children website
Counterfeit Investigations
Learn more about our counterfeit investigations
Cyber Investigations
Learn more about our cyber investigations