Celebrating Digital Justice: Cellebrite’s Inaugural Digital Justice Awards
On April 1, 2025, the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, DC, became a beacon of recognition and celebration as Cellebrite (Nasdaq: CLBT), a global leader in Digital Investigative (DI) solutions, hosted its inaugural Digital Justice Awards. This landmark event, marked by the roll-out of an orange carpet, honored ten outstanding individuals and initiatives that have made significant contributions to the field of digital forensics and law enforcement.
A Night of Inspiration and Recognition
The evening was a testament to the dedication and courage of those who work tirelessly to protect their communities. Tom Hogan, Cellebrite’s CEO, expressed his admiration for the award winners, stating, “It was inspiring to celebrate those who tirelessly protect their communities. The evening shined a bright light on the courage, passion, and dedication of these heroes and the ways they’ve leveraged digital forensics to make our world a better, safer place.”
The awards recognized a diverse array of achievements, from innovative programs that enhance community safety to the remarkable efforts of individuals who have excelled in digital investigations. The event not only celebrated the winners but also highlighted the critical role of digital forensics in modern law enforcement.
Award Winners and Their Contributions
The Digital Justice Awards featured several categories, each aimed at recognizing specific contributions within the realm of digital forensics. Here’s a closer look at the winners:
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Rising Star Award: This award honors newcomers in digital forensics within law enforcement. The inaugural winner was Amy Laabs from the Lakewood, Colorado Police Department, recognized for her exceptional promise and contributions to the field.
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Voice for the Voiceless: This category acknowledges cases or individuals who have used digital forensics to give a voice to survivors. Winners included Raymond Coles from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, John Jones from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and Stephen Nowatkowski from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, all of whom have made significant impacts in their communities.
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Mentor of the Year: This award highlights those who guide the next generation of digital forensic professionals. Heather Charpentier from the New York State Police was recognized for her exceptional mentorship.
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Design Partner of the Year: This award celebrates collaboration in Cellebrite’s Design Partner program. Jarrod Scott from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations was honored for his innovative feedback and commitment to improving Cellebrite’s solutions.
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Digital Bridge Builder: Recognizing initiatives that connect law enforcement agencies, Sean Taylor from the Columbus, Ohio Police Department was awarded for his outstanding efforts.
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Community Guardian Award: This award acknowledges innovative programs that enhance community safety. Glenn Devitt from Stop Soldier Suicide was recognized for his impactful work in suicide prevention.
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Excellence in Digital Forensics: This award honors investigators who excel in digital forensics. Donna Montague from the Gainesville, FL Police Department was celebrated for her significant contributions.
- Case of the Year: This award honors an exceptional investigation solved with digital evidence. David ‘Britt’ Dove from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (Ret.) received this award for his work on the high-profile Murdaugh murders investigation.
Setting the Stage for Future Collaboration
The Digital Justice Awards set a celebratory tone for Cellebrite’s three-day Global C2C (Case-to-Closure) User Summit, which commenced the following day. This sold-out event attracted hundreds of customers from around the globe, eager to engage in expert-led sessions, training, and inspiring keynotes from notable figures such as Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow and Congressman John Rutherford (FL-5).
The Importance of Digital Forensics in Law Enforcement
Cellebrite’s mission is to empower global customers to protect and save lives through enhanced digital intelligence. Their AI-powered Case-to-Closure (C2C) platform enables law enforcement agencies to lawfully access, collect, analyze, and share digital evidence, all while preserving data privacy. Thousands of public safety organizations and intelligence agencies rely on Cellebrite’s solutions to close cases more efficiently and safeguard their communities.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the importance of digital forensics in law enforcement cannot be overstated. The inaugural Digital Justice Awards not only recognized the achievements of individuals and organizations but also underscored the vital role that technology plays in ensuring justice and community safety.
Conclusion
The Digital Justice Awards by Cellebrite marked a significant milestone in recognizing the unsung heroes of digital forensics. By celebrating the achievements of individuals and initiatives that have made a difference, Cellebrite has set a precedent for future recognition of excellence in this critical field. As we look to the future, the collaboration between technology and law enforcement will undoubtedly continue to evolve, paving the way for safer communities and enhanced justice.