1. A computer-readable storage medium upon which is embodied and stored a sequence of programmed instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform functions comprising: extracting information from input data; detecting suspect data contained in said extracted data using a forensic search tool of a computing platform associated with a first agency, said detecting performed by matching said extracted data with one or more pre-defined data patterns specified by said forensic search tool, wherein said suspect data comprises data identified by said forensic search tool as being associated with inappropriate or illegal activities; including the suspect data and a non-readable and non-modifiable representation of sensitive data in the forensic search tool; outputting a report identifying said suspect data; and outputting said forensic search tool by said computing platform associated with said first agency to at least one computing platform associated with a second agency, wherein the instructions associated with said digital forensic search tool further comprise a header; a search markup language portion; a data features portion containing features of data, wherein the digital forensic search tool enables said computing platform associated with said first agency to share the suspect data with said at least one computing platform associated with a second agency in a manner that enables utilization of the suspect data by the second agency while not revealing the actual content of the sensitive data to the second agency; and wherein instructions implementing said digital forensic search tool are provided in accordance with a search markup language.