EnCase is a series of proprietary forensic software products produced by Guidance Software. It is used by many law enforcement agencies and corporations around the world to support civil/criminal investigations, network investigations, data compliance and electronic discovery.

EnCase is designed to make forensic quality recordings of data stored on PCs, and to recover some insecurely deleted data. The network-enabled version of EnCase is capable of taking snapshots of RAM over time on a target computer. Special training is usually required to operate the software in a law enforcement capacity.

The first thing a user of EnCase will normally do is use the software to create images of suspect media (hard drives, CDs etc). Images are stored in proprietary formats and contain an MD5 or SHA-1 checksum to validate their authenticity. In the same way as dd (and unlike typical imaging software such as Norton Ghost), EnCase makes images that are exact copies of the original, byte for byte, in order to be able to fully examine unused parts of the media for deleted files and so forth.

After imaging, EnCase can be used to examine the files stored in the image using common tools such as a document viewer and hex editor. It can also examine parts of the filesystem not normally exposed to the user, such as deleted file entries, on-disk checksums and log/journaling data. It can also search for and attempt to recover deleted files.

Finally, any relevant files can be saved to the user's PC, along with checksums and other metadata, for use as evidence.

It should be noted that EnCase only uses common tools to perform its analysis, the main benefit to the user being that the tools are all tied together and are of supposedly forensic (i.e. verifiable) quality.

Data recovered by EnCase has been used successfully in various court systems around the world. Notably, the BTK Killer (Dennis Rader) was caught by FBI investigators using this software.

In 2001, Jessica M. Bair, a former U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command Special Agent & computer forensics examiner, created the EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE) program with John Colbert, to certify professionals in the use of Guidance Software's EnCase computer forensics software. By 2009, over 2,100 professionals were certified in EnCase. In 2006, Bair was the technical editor for the Sybex published Official EnCE Study Guide.

In 2009, Bair created the EnCase Certified eDiscovery Practitioner (EnCEP) program to certify professionals in the use of Guidance Software's EnCase eDiscovery software, as well as their proficiency in eDiscovery planning, project management and best practices spanning legal hold to load file creation.

A lot of people ask me what bullet proof vest I would recommend to wear. I recently purchased the Point Blank VISION IIIA vest. The vest is very comfortable to me as far as wearing and is a lot lighter than my old vest.

The vest was custom fitted just for me by my uniform supplier, Red The Uniform Tailor out of Milwaukee. The vest is engineered for superior performance, designed for maximum comfort.

Excess body heat and limited flexibility have been critical issues with ballistic protection until VISION. VISION is the first Total Body Armor System that integrates Hi-Performance Ballistic Materials with an innovative carrier design featuring temperature regulating technologies, antimicrobial protection and our exclusive Moisture Control System. These innovations result in significantly cooler, dryer and more comfortable all-day performance.

Over the past few years one laptop computer has stood the test of time: The Toughbook 30 by Panasonic. From a person who loves gadgets and technology, I truly love this product. The computer has a fast processor and very durable.
The Toughbook 30 is the only MIL-STD-810G certified laptop computer. This means that the computer has to survive a fall of 6 feet and still be able to work. It has a sealed all weather design with an LCD heater for the touchscreen model. The fully magnesium alloy case house a shock mounted hard drive.

Currently the computer comes with Windows 7 and an Intel Duo Processor. The 160 GB Hard Drive and 2 GB ram is upgradeable. The Display is a 13.3” screen and comes with the available touchscreen.. Video Support is available up to 1024x768. The volume from the speakers is very good from its high definition audio complient system.

The keyboard comes with the available backlit capabilities. You can get wireless capabilities via a wireless card and also have broadband support from its internal broadband card.

What is really nice about Panasonic is that it comes with a 3 year limited warranty which means Panasonic really stands behind their product. For more information on the Toughbook 30 and where to purchase it online, please go to Toughbook website for further details.

While living and working in Wisconsin, we have a tendency to get some real cold weather. And lately with temperatures hovering around the 0 degree mark, you need a jacket that will keep you warm when exposed to the harsh weather conditions. The 5 in 1 Jacket from 5.11 does just that.

The 5 in 1 Jacket offers tremendous value for such feature-packed outerwear. Designed with patrol in mind, this 5-in-1 Jacket not only keeps you warm, but also provides you with all the safety and performance you need. From immediate access to your side-arm to hidden ID panels, you’ll find that this 5-in-1 Jacket may be the only outerwear you need. This jacket is cut shorter than our 3-in-1 Parka and has an elasticized waist. The 5-in1 Jacket comes in 4 colors and features our patented Back-up-Belt System™ for safely and securely stowing critical gear. Designed to adapt to different weather conditions the 5-in1 Jacket will keep you comfortable in a number of weather environments. The waterproof and breathable outer jacket can be worn separately or with the fleece liner. Since the fleece liner has removable sleeves it can be worn separately so you have five different ways to stay comfortable in changing weather conditions. This 5-in-1 Jacket is a real performer under most cool or wet weather conditions.

Both the outer jacket and fleece inner liner of our 5-in-1 Jacket have our patented document chest pockets with our trademark Back-up-Belt System™ lining. These pockets can be used to stow gear such as handguns, handcuffs, flashlights and mace with our accessory pouches. We’ve lined the zippered hand pockets with fleece to keep your hands warm and dry. The outer liner has concealed ID panels that are easily exposed and we’ve added side zippers to provide easy access to your duty gear.

The 5-in-1 Jacket is able to handle the most difficult assignments. Our high performance, waterproof and breathable outer jacket is resistant to tears and abrasion. Our fleece inner liner, which can be worn separately, is extremely durable and is water and wind resistant. No matter what combination you use with our 5-in-1 Jacket, you’ll stay warm and comfortable with the knowledge that you’re covered by 5.11 Tactical quality and durability. We use only high quality YKK® zippers and Prym® snaps for our 5-in-1 Jacket. The removal ID panels can be silk-screened with your name, badge and department so you’ll be clearly identified when you arrive at a crime scene or critical incident. The detachable hood is specifically designed to keep water off of your face and head and is fully adjustable with quality elastic cording and cinch locks.

With sizes from extra small to 4XL, you’ll be able to find the right 5-in-1 Jacket for you. The adjustable Velcro sleeves and side zippers give this jacket tremendous versatility in both fit and use. The sleeves have hook and loop closures to help keep the water out when it is raining or let air in when you need ventilation. The elastic waistband holds the 5-in-1 Jacket close to you body keeping the cold out. Both the outer jacket and fleece lining are cut to provide you with superior range of motion.

The value of the 5-in-1 Jacket is exceptional. Its versatility and durability make this jacket an absolute necessity for anyone that is needs a warm patrol 5-in-1 Jacket. With five different configurations you actually get five jackets for the price of one. The price of the Jacket ranges from $200.00 to $260.00 depending on where you get your gear.

Chevrolet has decided to enter back in the police field with a rear wheel drive car. They have brought back the Caprice and will be available with two different engines. The first engine is an impressive 355-hp V8 and a milder V6. After reviewing some of the pictures, the Caprice is a pretty awesome looking vehicle.

Not only will the car look tough, it will be pretty fast off of the line. It will hit 0-60 in less than 60 seconds. With it basically being built on the Camaro platform, it will make the Officer feel like he/she is driving a sport car.

Although some may wonder if the vehicle is going to be a gas guzzler, it it will actually be a better vehicle in terms of fuel economy. When cruising around, the engine automatically shuts off half of the cylinders.

The Caprice is not based on an existing fleet of vehicles. It was specifically designed for law enforcement. The interior o the car offers 112 cubic feet of interior space. That is more than what the biggest competitor has to offer. The seats were designed to give officers easier access in getting in and out of the vehicle. The trunk space is really huge. It also has two heavy-duty batteries.

I have driven different vehicles over the years as a squad car. Some were never meant to be squads while others were. Ford makes a decent squad car and with rumors that Ford will leave the law enforcement market, It is nice to see that Chevrolet has stepped up to the plate. I can't wait until Fall of 2010 when this car come out.

The purpose of this blog is to review some of the items based on experience and from what others have said. I will do my best to criticize both positively and negatively about the product being talked about. I want to give relative information to other departments and to those who have interest in making things better and safer for their community. The posts will range from officer equipment to radios to computers to emergency equipment to vehicle equipment. I hope you enjoy the postings and this website. I also encourage people to give me any feedback about anything posted here.