Three agents with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office have been ranked among the top 20 computer forensic examiners in the United States, according to the U.S. Secret Service National Computer Forensics Institute. Agent Reggie Hammond placed No. 12, Agent Nalicia Bailey No. 18, and Agent Joseph Bracey No. 19 in the annual rankings, which evaluate the volume of data processed during criminal investigations. The rankings were announced February 26, 2026, as part of the institute’s recognition of top law enforcement officers nationwide.
Hammond processed over 256 terabytes of data, equivalent to 85 million books, while Bailey examined 113 terabytes—roughly 10 times the size of the Library of Congress. Bracey analyzed 276 terabytes, comparable to 1.8 billion high-resolution photos. The agents’ work involves recovering and analyzing digital evidence from devices used in crimes, often including exposure to disturbing visual content. “Their dedication ensures critical evidence isn’t overlooked,” said Sheriff Wayne Ivey in a statement.
The rankings are based on the number of examinations conducted and the volume of data processed. This year’s list included approximately 5,000 law enforcement officers from across the country. The Secret Service institute trains and certifies forensic examiners, emphasizing the importance of digital evidence in modern criminal cases. Brevard County’s agents have been part of the program for years, with Hammond, Bailey, and Bracey completing advanced training at the institute’s facility in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The sheriff’s office highlighted the agents’ contributions to solving cybercrime, financial fraud, and other digital-related offenses. “This recognition reflects the rigor of our training and the commitment of our team,” Ivey said. The three agents are expected to attend a ceremony in Washington, D.C., later this month to receive their awards. Their work has helped secure convictions in multiple high-profile cases across Brevard County since 2020.