Government Digital Forensics & Evidence Preservation
Digital Forensics and Lawful Evidence Preservation for Government Agencies
Redbeard Intelligence and Investigations provides digital forensics and lawful evidence preservation services to municipal, state, and federal clients — recovering, imaging, and documenting electronic evidence from computers, phones, email, and cloud accounts so findings can withstand scrutiny in administrative, civil, or personnel proceedings.
Public agencies increasingly rely on disciplined digital forensics when a matter turns on what a device or account can show: a departing employee’s activity, a disputed record, a compromised account, or a message thread relevant to an investigation. Redbeard, a licensed Florida agency (License ), applies the same forensically sound methodology used in litigation to public-sector matters, with documentation built to withstand review.
Why Agencies Choose Redbeard for Digital Forensics
Public-sector matters demand defensible methodology and documentation your agency can rely on — from intake through final report.
- Licensed & Accountable
A regulated Florida investigative agency, not an anonymous vendor.
- Forensically Sound Imaging
Verified bit-for-bit forensic images with hash confirmation, so analysis never touches the original.
- Chain-of-Custody Documentation
Every item logged from intake to final report, keeping evidence defensible.
- Rapid Evidence Preservation
Fragile digital evidence — messages, posts, files — captured before it can be lost.
- Clear, Sourced Reporting
Findings written for decision-makers and counsel, not just technicians.
- Statewide & National Reach
Offices in Orlando and Naples, with support available across Florida and nationwide.
Who We Support
Digital forensics and evidence preservation serve government clients with distinct needs:
Agency counsel and legal departments. Support for administrative hearings, civil litigation, employment claims, and matters requiring an examiner who can explain findings clearly to non-technical decision-makers.
HR, internal affairs, and records custodians. Investigations into departing-employee data theft, policy violations, records disputes, and allegations of tampering or backdating.
Procurement and IT security teams. Response to unauthorized account access, suspected business email compromise, and insider misuse of agency systems.
Situations That Call for a Digital Forensics Investigator
Agencies contact us when the facts live inside a device or account and the stakes are high. Common situations include:
- Suspected removal of records, data, or client information by a departing or former employee.
- Deleted messages, files, or emails that may be relevant to a personnel or legal matter.
- Allegations of document tampering, backdating, or falsified records.
- Unauthorized account access or suspected business email compromise.
- Public-records and litigation matters where communications or activity history matter.
- Verifying whether a device was wiped, and when.
What We Can Examine
We work across the platforms where modern evidence actually lives, always within the bounds of lawful, authorized access.
Computers and storage. Windows, macOS, and Linux systems, external drives, USB media, and solid-state drives — covering deleted files, file histories, USB connection artifacts, and traces left by installed programs.
Mobile phones and tablets. Agency-issued iOS and Android devices, including messages, call logs, photos, application data, and, where recoverable, deleted content.
Email and cloud accounts. Mailboxes, cloud storage, and collaboration accounts, examined with proper authorization to trace access, sharing, and deletion events.
Lawful Evidence Preservation for Public-Sector Matters
Digital evidence preservation captures electronic content — text messages, emails, screenshots, social media posts, and web pages — in a verifiable way, with metadata and a documented chain of custody intact, before it can be edited, deleted, or lost.
A plain screenshot carries no metadata and can be questioned by opposing parties or a reviewing body. Making digital evidence defensible usually means preserving the original source, recording how and when it was captured, and generating hash values that verify the file has not been altered. That is the difference between a picture and defensible, chain-of-custody evidence.
How the Process Works
Preservation. We first secure the evidence in its current state, halting changes and documenting the device’s condition, identifiers, and how it came into our custody.
Imaging. We create a verified forensic image — a bit-for-bit copy — and confirm it with hash values, so all analysis happens on the copy and never on the original.
Analysis. Using industry-standard tools alongside careful manual review, we recover available data, reconstruct timelines, and test each finding against the questions at hand.
Reporting. We deliver clear, sourced findings and can explain our methodology to non-technical readers, agency counsel, or a reviewing body.
Deliverables
- A written forensic report describing scope, methods, and factual findings.
- Supporting exhibits such as recovered files, message threads, and activity timelines.
- Hash verification and chain-of-custody documentation.
- Optional declarations or testimony where we are engaged to provide them.
What to Provide
The faster we receive the right materials, the sooner we can begin. Helpful items include the physical device or a written description if it must remain in place, credentials you are legally entitled to share, proof of ownership or authorization to examine the device or account, a short timeline of events, and the specific questions your agency needs answered. If you are unsure whether your agency may lawfully grant access, tell us — we will help you and your legal counsel confirm the proper footing before anything is touched.
Confidentiality, Legal Compliance & Engagement
Redbeard Intelligence and Investigations operates under Florida Agency License and examines only devices and accounts your agency is legally authorized to access. We decline requests that would require unlawful interception or unauthorized entry, and every matter is handled on a need-to-know basis, coordinated with your designated point of contact or counsel. Most engagements begin with a confidential consultation, followed by a clear scope and estimate before any work begins. For time-sensitive matters, contact us directly at (888) 564-8300.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Redbeard perform digital forensics for government agencies?
Yes. We provide digital forensics and lawful evidence preservation for municipal, state, and federal clients, including agency counsel, HR, and records custodians.
Can deleted files and messages really be recovered?
Often, yes — deleted data can remain until it is overwritten. Recovery depends on the device, storage type, and how much time has passed, so we assess each matter honestly rather than promising results.
What is chain of custody, and why does it matter for agency matters?
It is the documented record of who handled each item of evidence, when, and how, from collection through analysis, so its integrity can be demonstrated to a reviewing body or court.
Can you preserve evidence before it is lost or deleted?
Yes. Digital evidence preservation captures messages, posts, and account data with metadata and hash verification before it can be edited, deleted, or auto-expired.
How do we engage Redbeard for a government digital forensics matter?
Call (888) 564-8300 or email contact@redbeardpi.com for a confidential consultation. We will discuss the matter, define scope, and provide a clear estimate before work begins.
Defensible Digital Forensics for Public-Sector Matters
When a matter turns on what a device or account can show, methodology matters. Redbeard Intelligence and Investigations delivers forensically sound imaging, lawful evidence preservation, and documented chain of custody for municipal, state, and federal clients.
What is the cost? | how does it work?
At Redbeard Intelligence & Investigations, we offer upfront, transparent pricing that reflects the specific details and complexity of each case. Instead of vague estimates or hidden charges, we provide clear, upfront pricing tailored to your investigation’s unique requirements—without unexpected fees, hidden costs, or additional unexpected expenses. Our goal is to offer efficient, high-quality investigative and intelligence solutions with transparency and peace of mind.
To begin an investigation, intelligence operation, or technical security assessment, the first step is a confidential consultation via phone or email with one of our experienced professionals. During this initial discussion, we will gather key details about your situation to determine the most effective strategy tailored to your needs. Whether you require private investigative services, intelligence gathering, or technical security solutions, our team will develop a customized plan designed to achieve your objectives. Based on the specific requirements of your case, we will then provide a transparent price quote and/or invoice for the cost of the services needed. Throughout the process, we ensure clear and consistent communication, keeping you informed of any significant developments. Upon completion, you will receive a comprehensive written report detailing our findings, along with any supporting evidence such as photos, video documentation, or technical security assessments.
Helpful Guides
Contact us through phone or email for an initial discussion and provide key details about your needs.
Based on the specific requirements of your case, you'll will receive a flat-rate price quote and invoice for the cost of the services needed.
With pricing and mutual terms accepted, payment will be collected for the predetermined costs, and you'll officially become our client.
Throughout the process, we keep you informed of any significant developments. Upon completion, you will receive a written report detailing our findings, along with any supporting evidence or documentation.
