In a holiday gesture, Mission Darkness, a Santa Barbara-based tech company, has donated nearly $65,000 in state-of-the-art digital forensics equipment to local law enforcement agencies across the region.
The donation, which includes equipment like Faraday tents and signal-blocking technology, is designed to enhance the ability of the agencies to protect evidence and advance investigations.
Mission Darkness’ gift was presented at the Digital Forensics Equipment Giveaway + Lunch event held Dec. 11 at the company’s downtown Santa Barbara headquarters.
Local law enforcement professionals gathered to receive the equipment, foster collaboration, and applaud the work of digital forensics investigators in the region.
Donation highlights:
• Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department: A Mission Darkness CYBERCYLENT Faraday Tent with Vestibule Doorway valued at $25,500.
• Santa Maria Police Department: Multiple tools including a Mission Darkness BlockBox Lab XL, Blocker Locker 7, and Crack Cabinet 30, totaling $10,779,
• Ventura County District Attorney’s Office: A Mission Darkness CYBERCYLENT Faraday Tent with Vestibule Doorway valued at $25,500.
• San Luis Obispo District Attorney’s Office/Central Coast Cyber Forensic Lab: A Mission Darkness BlockBox Lab XL valued at $2,800.
The advanced tools play help investigators protect key evidence from remote tampering or “wiping,” ensuring that critical data from electronic devices — including phones, computers and drones — remains intact for ongoing investigations, according to Mission Darkness.
By safeguarding this data, the new equipment directly supports law enforcement efforts to fight crime, solve cases, and successfully prosecute offenders, ultimately helping to create safer communities, the company said.
“We are proud to support our local law enforcement with these cutting-edge tools,” said Ryan Judy, CEO of Mission Darkness. “The work these agencies do is vital to the safety of our communities and these resources that will enhance their ability to protect and serve.”