Forensics, Products -

MOS Equipment's Forensic Equipment Giveaway Event

The video posted by KEYT News shows a brief highlight of the event

Milestone in Digital Forensics Support

In a groundbreaking event that marked a new chapter in digital forensics, MOS Equipment, the manufacturer of "Mission Darkness" products, hosted a forensic equipment giveaway event at their office in downtown Santa Barbara, on January 10th, 2024. This Santa Barbara-based company, a leader in radio frequency (RF) shielding solutions, made a significant contribution to local law enforcement agencies and forensic investigators.

What Was Donated?

The event saw over $50,000 worth of cutting-edge digital forensics equipment being donated. This impressive array included a variety of Mission Darkness faraday bags and analysis enclosures, each kit valued at roughly $11,000, with one agency receiving a greater package to provide equipment to be housed at multiple locations. These tools are designed to block mobile device signals, such as Wi-Fi, cell signals, and GPS, which are essential in the digital forensics process to prevent criminals from remotely wiping digital evidence​.

Image of Mission Darkness digital forensic equipment donated to local law enforcement agencies

Image showing the assortment of forensic equipment donated to the local agencies (including a variety of Mission Darkness faraday bags, Blocker Locker 7, and BlockBox Lab XL)

Who Were the Beneficiaries?

The recipients of this generous donation were the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Maria Police Department, Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office, and Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. These agencies, specializing in digital forensics, play a crucial role in criminal investigations within the region.

Representatives from MOS Equipment and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department

Representatives from MOS Equipment and Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department

Why Is This Important for the Community?

In today’s tech-driven world, digital evidence is an integral part of almost every criminal investigation. The advanced equipment provided by MOS Equipment addresses some of the newest challenges in digital forensics. For instance, suspects can remote wipe data on their mobile phones or other digital devices before law enforcement can extract evidence. These tools from MOS Equipment safeguard against such risks, ensuring that digital evidence is preserved for analysis.

Jeff Ellis, an investigator with the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office, highlighted the importance of this donation, noting the increasing complexity and volume of data stored on modern devices. The MOS Equipment tools provide an added layer of security, ensuring evidence is safe from remote hacking, tracking, and unauthorized access​​.

The Broader Impact

MOS Equipment, founded in 2015 by CEO Ryan Judy, has been at the forefront of providing digital forensics equipment like faraday bags and radio-frequency-shielded lockers worldwide. Their products are not only pivotal for law enforcement agencies but also for military forensic specialists. By strengthening the capability of local law enforcement in digital evidence preservation, MOS Equipment is playing a key role in enhancing the effectiveness of criminal investigations and, by extension, community safety.

Ryan Judy, MOS Equipment CEO, pictured with representatives from the Santa Maria Police Department and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, standing in front of donated forensic equipment

Ryan Judy, MOS Equipment CEO, pictured with representatives from the Santa Maria Police Department and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department

Conclusion

The forensic equipment giveaway by MOS Equipment is more than a generous donation; it's an investment in the safety and justice of the community. By equipping local law enforcement with state-of-the-art tools, MOS Equipment is not only recognizing the crucial work of forensic investigators but also ensuring that they are well-equipped to face the challenges of modern-day crime fighting. This event is a testament to the company's commitment to supporting those who safeguard our communities and a reflection of their mission to advance the field of digital forensics.


Published Articles With More Information on MOS Equipment's Event

For more detailed information on the story, you can read the published articles available at The Santa Barbara Independent and KEYT News Channel 3-12 websites. These articles provide an in-depth look at MOS Equipment's forensic equipment giveaway event and its impact on local law enforcement and community safety.