In 2010, the Computer and Financial Crimes Unit was divided into the Technical Crimes Unit (TCU) and the Financial Crimes Unit (FCU). This was due to the need for greater specialization, resource development and resource deployment into the field of each respective area. Both are co-located in Anchorage and are supervised by the same sergeant. The TCU is part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and routinely conducts joint investigations with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Anchorage Police Department against online child exploitation.
The use of computers to perpetrate, foster and conceal criminal conduct has become a reality as criminal use of computers and cell phones constantly increases each year. In addition to online activity, the TCU has a Digital Forensics Laboratory (DFL) attached to it that has the capacity to forensically analyze most digital media to document any technology-facilitated crime. The DFL recovers electronic evidence from hundreds of mobile and computer devices per year. Personnel assigned to the unit are highly trained and competent in the use and application of technology. In addition to computer forensics, TCU personnel assist the Department of Public Safety’s Office of Professional Standards (OPS) and other state agencies in significant or high profile investigations, as well as crimes involving the abuse of state resources.
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