Digital Forensic Program Manager (DFPM) Lisa Arnold began her career with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) 10 years ago as a digital forensic investigator and has provided digital forensics assistance for investigations of child sexual exploitation, child abuse and molestation, fraud, theft, and homicide. In her current role, she manages the daily operations of the Digital Forensic Lab located at GBI Headquarters.  

DFPM Arnold also directs several initiatives focused on growing the GBI’s digital forensic initiative. These efforts require her to coordinate various tasks and responsibilities, including managing budgets and personnel; establishing standard operating procedures; overseeing policy compliance and audits; implementing forensic technology; and reporting case data metrics. 

DFPM Arnold’s leadership strength lies in her ability to encourage strategic, innovative thinking and inspire her team to take action. DFPM Arnold’s leadership directly resulted in positive outcomes when she implemented an electronic warrant terminal at the GBI Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes (CEACC) Unit office. Additionally, she has partnered with various digital forensic vendors to test advanced technology with active investigation data and has used the results to encourage GBI investment. Years ago, when the GBI began to encounter devices that were locked using facial recognition technology, DFPM Arnold experimented with zoom levels, lighting, and angles to create a photograph that would unlock the devices, resulting in the discovery of evidence that would’ve otherwise been lost. 

In addition to her forensic work directly contributing to the arrests of child predators, DFPM Arnold’s broader efforts to advance the role of digital forensics have served future generations. 

“I am proud to advocate for this growing field and for the opportunity I have to help shape the next generation of digital forensic leaders.”