Neumann’s forensics lab has assisted local law enforcement with more than 500 cases since it began operation in January of 2024.

According to Detective Joe Walsh, in the last 20 months the NITE Center has analyzed pieces of digital evidence in 220 cases and supported police investigation of real-time crime 312 times.

And the workload for Walsh and his interns isn’t slowing down. The lab’s average number of cases per month was 19 in 2024. This year, they’re handling 37.

The intern team has helped investigate a variety of high-profile crimes, including stolen vehicles, burglaries, hit-and-run incidents, an organized shoplifting ring, and social media threats.

Local law enforcement agencies are grateful for the assistance.

“The capabilities of the center have helped us in prosecuting felony drug cases as well as theft cases,” wrote Eddystone Police Department Joseph Pretti in a letter to Aston Police Chief Daniel Ruggieri. “The equipment the center has to extract information from cell phones, computers, etc. is very important in assisting us with investigations.”

Marple Township Police Chief Brandon Graeff agrees. “Because your staff has consistently provided unique technological assistance in incredibly efficient timeframes, my detectives have been able to follow up investigative leads that would have otherwise been virtually undiscoverable,” he wrote.

Walsh, the center’s director, supervises 10-12 interns during the fall and spring semesters and about half that number in the summer.

The lab is a popular internship for students who major in cybersecurity, criminal justice, and psychology.