Digital Forensics in UK Law Enforcement
Police forces across the world are grappling with technology changes that have transformed society, and as a consequence, crime, over the past 15 to 20 years. As recognised by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) in 2020’s Digital Forensic Science Strategy, law enforcement’s response to the increasing sophistication of criminals has been “slow, fractured, and piecemeal.” Many police agencies have lacked the capacity to process digital devices efficiently, creating substantial backlogs of data delaying the criminal justice process. This report examines data provided by 38 police forces across the UK to draw conclusions about the present state of digital forensics and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, resolve backlogs, and achieve justice for victims of crime.
Download this report to learn:
- How large and well-funded police digital forensic units are across the UK
- How digital forensics units deal with increasing volumes and potential backlogs of devices requiring analysis
- How police forces are taking measures to protect the mental health of digital forensic investigators