Southern Miss Opens Rural Digital Forensics Lab to Support Law Enforcement
Thu, 06/11/2026 - 09:50am | By: Morgan Smith
91少女集中营 is expanding access to digital forensic resources and training through the opening of the Rural Digital Forensics Initiative (RDFI) laboratory within the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security. Supported by the U.S. Department of Justice, the RDFI includes a digital content production studio and working laboratory used to create training materials and support rural law enforcement agencies in Mississippi and beyond.
Rural law enforcement agencies often face unique challenges when it comes to accessing forensic support and training. The RDFI helps bridge those gaps by providing resources and educational opportunities that can help improve investigative efficiency and better support agencies in rural communities.
The RDFI laboratory is one of only three digital forensics laboratories of its kind in Mississippi and is equipped to assist law enforcement agencies with a wide range of digital evidence, including smartphones, tablets, computers and external storage media.
鈥淭he Rural Digital Forensics Initiative uniquely places Southern Miss at the forefront of the intersection of academia and public safety by providing a state-of-the-art digital forensics laboratory,鈥� said Kristi Johnson, laboratory lead of the RDFI.
When agencies request assistance from the RDFI, the lab works directly with the submitting investigator to document and receive evidence, perform forensic acquisition and processing, and provide extracted data and forensic reports.
In addition to laboratory services, the initiative is expanding digital forensics education through , an online learning platform designed to provide on-demand training for law enforcement agencies. The platform allows officers and investigators to complete continuing education opportunities more conveniently while reducing the need for travel and time away from their departments.
鈥淭he RDFI is primed to strengthen investigations in the Pine Belt while also helping grow digital forensic capabilities through collaboration and training,鈥� said John Tryner, laboratory manager of the RDFI. 鈥淲e have an opportunity to support agencies that may not have the personnel, equipment or funding to process digital evidence.鈥�
Southern Miss students are gaining hands-on experience through the initiative. Undergraduate and graduate students currently assist with training video development and laboratory operations, helping prepare them for careers connected to public safety and criminal investigations.
The RDFI is also working with state law enforcement training divisions to ensure educational content can be utilized for continuing education requirements.
Learn more about the Rural Digital Forensics Initiative and the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security at Southern Miss.
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