Authored by Chad Gish. A few years ago, my lab at Nashville Police Department hit the breaking point. Our backlog was growing, and we were waiting weeks for devices to come back, and I caught myself thinking the same thing many investigators do: We’ll just overtime our way out of this. But you can’t outwork exponential data growth. We were effectively babysitting every step of every case, and the pressure to deliver was relentless.
Authored by Chad Gish. A few years ago, my lab at Nashville Police Department hit the breaking point. Our backlog was growing, detectives were waiting months for devices to come back, and I caught myself thinking the same thing many investigators do: We’ll just overtime our way out of this. But you can’t outwork exponential data growth. As the cases piled up, so did the pressure. In homicide or violent-crime work, time isn’t a luxury; it’s the difference between a solved case and a family that never gets answers. When you’re the lead detective, that weight sits squarely on your shoulders.
Videos, images, and audio recordings often provide the most persuasive evidence in criminal cases. Their impact, however, depends on authenticity, integrity, and lawful acquisition. Courts demand proof that digital evidence is reliable, verifiable, and properly documented. When evidence is legally obtained, securely preserved, and accurately authenticated, prosecutors not only ensure admissibility, but simultaneously strengthen their overall case.
Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) has evolved rapidly from purely reactive investigations to incorporating proactive approaches that utilize cloud-powered forensics and AI. But while the tools and techniques may have advanced, so too have the complexities: hybrid and remote workforces, supply chain compromises, expanding attack surfaces, and the increasing pressure to collect evidence before it disappears.
In this special episode of Cyber Unpacked, hosts Doug Metz, Senior Security Forensics Specialist, and Jeff Rutherford, Forensic Consultant, bring together a panel of DFIR leaders to explore the state of digital investigations today. We’ll unpack some of the top challenges investigative teams face, from AI’s opportunities and risks to common pitfalls they’ve overcome. They’ll also share how different organizations are adapting, why celebrating internal wins matters, and what trends DFIR leaders should be paying attention to next.
Join us for what’s sure to be a lively discussion on where DFIR is headed, and how you can equip your team to respond with speed, accuracy, and confidence in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
In digital forensics, the fight against technology can sometimes get in the way of the fight for justice. Whether it’s an encrypted phone sitting in a lab queue awaiting support or a crucial lead buried in gigabytes of data, solving a case can sometimes come down to a single update or surfacing a single artifact. And in some cases, that one artifact doesn’t just whisper its significance—it screams.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) faced mounting pressure from a growing volume of digital evidence and having manual workflows.
Apple has hit the jump to light speed and jumped from iOS 18 to iOS 26! In this episode of Mobile Unpacked we’ll explore the new changes and challenges Apple’s yearly upgrade cycle is bringing to the table. We’ll explore the overall UX changes of “Liquid Glass” and see if it impacts anything we’ve come to use in our daily forensic lives. We will also explore some of the changes to the Phone and Messages app that could have some serious core impacts to our favorite go-to artifacts.
Developed by experienced prosecutors and informed by relevant case law, this guide equips you with the essential knowledge needed to turn digital artifacts into compelling and reliable courtroom evidence.
The evolution of privacy rights under the Fourth Amendment has created one of the most pressing challenges facing today’s law enforcement and prosecutors.
In this session Chad Gish sits down with Chris Brennan, Special Investigation Division, MNPD to discuss how Metro Nashville’s forensics team’s leverages leading edge forensics solutions in the fight against fentanyl.
