Local law enforcement supports access to suspect devices

Medford, Ore — In the wake of the San Bernardino shootings last year, the FBI is asking apple to unlock one of the shooter’s phones.

Apple said ‘no’ citing security concerns.

Now local police say it’s an issue they’re familiar with.

In our area computer forensic examiners with the Southern Oregon high tech crimes task force say there’s a need for law enforcement to have access to secure devices.

Colin Fagan, with the task force says the information in a device like a computer or phone can be the key in prosecuting some of the worst criminals.

“The only way that we get it is through signed consent and sometimes we have someone that’s received information that didn’t want it, that signs consent over to us to extract from their device or through the very high standard of a probable cause search warrant,” said Fagan.

Fagan says while they are trying to stay one step ahead of security advances, it is important for the general public to keep their personal information secure.