Florida Tech Launches Cellular Technology Certification Program with FBI Funding

Cellular data plays a vital role in modern criminal investigations, providing crucial insights into a suspect’s movements, communication patterns and associations. Call detail records (CDRs), tower dumps and other network-generated data often serve as key evidence in prosecutions, helping to establish timelines and corroborate witness statements. However, the interpretation of such data requires a deep understanding of cellular technology to ensure accuracy and reliability in legal proceedings.

Led by associate professor Ivica Kostanic, the Cellular Technology Certification Program, funded by an FBI research grant, is designed to equip agents with the necessary expertise in cellular forensics. The program covers the fundamentals of modern cellular networks and the types of data they generate, with a focus on how these records can be analyzed for crime investigative purposes. It provides structured training on interpreting cellular data, distinguishing between different types of location information, and understanding the limitations of such evidence. The knowledge gained through this program helps agents build stronger cases and provide credible testimony in court.

In addition to structured coursework, the program includes occasional case-by-case advisement, offering direct support to FBI agents during active investigations. This ensures that real-world applications align with technical understanding, allowing investigators to navigate complex cellular evidence effectively.

By improving the accuracy and confidence in analyzing cellular data, the program enhances investigative outcomes and strengthens the use of digital evidence in the prosecution of criminal cases.