The Rockland County District Attorney’s Office announced that Criminal Investigator Detective Barbara Willen has successfully completed advanced mobile device forensics training at the National Computer Forensics Institute in Hoover, Alabama — further strengthening the office’s ability to recover critical digital evidence.
Detective Willen completed the intensive one-week “Introduction to Phone Repair” course, a specialized program designed to equip law enforcement professionals with the technical skills needed to diagnose and repair damaged or non-operational mobile devices that may otherwise prevent evidence recovery.
The training combined classroom instruction with hands-on practical exercises, focusing on troubleshooting and repairing common mobile device issues that can impede forensic analysis. Participants were also introduced to foundational electrical theory and developed soldering skills necessary for advanced repair techniques aligned with forensic recovery objectives.
As part of the program, Detective Willen received training in replacing mobile device screens and batteries, repairing and replacing damaged charging ports, direct-booting devices to a logic board using an external power supply, performing clean logic-board transfers to donor devices, and restoring functionality to enable data extraction and evidentiary preservation.
“There’s always a possibility of receiving digital devices that are damaged or cannot function properly,” said Detective Willen. “This training gives our office the ability to repair and recover critical evidence in-house.”
With digital evidence playing an increasingly vital role in modern criminal investigations, the enhanced capabilities will allow the investigative unit to recover data from compromised or damaged devices more efficiently and effectively.
District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II praised Detective Willen’s dedication to professional development, noting that her expanded expertise strengthens the office’s ability to remain at the forefront of technology-driven investigations while continuing to serve the residents of Rockland County.
By completing the course, Detective Willen brings advanced technical skills back to Rockland, bolstering the office’s capacity to handle complex cases involving digital evidence and emerging technologies.