Discussion and possible action to approve a grant award from the Tohono O’odham Nation to the City of Peoria in the amount of $40,000 to fund Criminal Investigations – Digital Forensic training.

The rapid advancement of technology has drastically changed the landscape of criminal investigations. Nearly every modern crime—including human trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors, fraud, cybercrime, and violent offenses—now involves some form of digital evidence. However, these cases require specialized expertise to properly collect, analyze, and present digital data in a legally defensible manner.

This grant award addresses that need by funding expert-level training courses in mobile device forensics, video analysis, cyber investigations, and cellular data interpretation. By attending industry-recognized programs our personnel will be equipped with the skills and certifications needed to process digital evidence thoroughly and effectively.

This training will directly strengthen our investigative capabilities, improve the quality of our casework, and ensure that our department remains equipped to meet the evolving challenges of digital crime.

Staff’s recommendation is to approve the Tohono O’odham grant award in the amount of $40,000. to fund needed Criminal Investigation – Digital Forensic training.