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East of England Constabulary - QinetiQ digital forensics speeds up the wheels of justice
Police forces throughout the UK are constantly unearthing digital evidence to support prosecutions for offences such as fraud and paedophilia.
This involves detailed forensic examination of computers and other digital media seized during investigations. For one UK police force in the East of England, huge increases in workload had left them with a significant backlog. A team of forensic investigators from QinetiQ was called in to help.
Using specialised forensic software, QinetiQ extracted suspect images and videos and converted them into a format that made it easy for investigators to view and grade them. Initially, 50 computers were processed in six weeks to clear the backlog.
QinetiQ continues to provide forensic services to the police force's Crime Unit. More timely availability of evidence results in quicker convictions and earlier protection for potential victims.
Using specialised forensic software, QinetiQ extracted suspect images and videos and converted them into a format that made it easy for investigators to view and grade them. Initially, 50 computers were processed in six weeks to clear the backlog.
QinetiQ continues to provide forensic services to the police force's Crime Unit. More timely availability of evidence results in quicker convictions and earlier protection for potential victims.
“It is always at the forefront of our thoughts that we must bring offenders to justice in a timely manner and so protect potential victims. QinetiQ digital forensic services enable us to do this in a flexible and cost-effective way.”
Detective Sergeant, Hi-Tech Crime Unit Manager of an East of England Constabulary
Detective Sergeant, Hi-Tech Crime Unit Manager of an East of England Constabulary
Challenge
- The small Hi-Tech Crime Unit of an East of England Constabulary had a backlog of computers that had been seized during criminal investigation and were awaiting examination. It needed help with digital forensic services that provide evidence to support prosecution for offences such as fraud and paedophilia.
Solution
- The unit engaged a QinetiQ team of specialists in Intelligence and Digital Security, which has worked with other police forces.
- They first make a copy of the hard drive or device. Using specialist software, they then extract images or other suspect materials and convert them into a format suitable for quick viewing and classification by investigating officers.
- Initially, QinetiQ processed 50 machines to clear the backlog in six weeks and continues to provide the Crime Unit with ongoing forensic services.
- To ensure potential prosecutions are not compromised, the work was fully audited and carried out in compliance with Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) guidelines.
Results
- Digital evidence is made available more quickly, bringing offenders to justice sooner and protecting potential victims in cases such as paedophilia.
- The Hi-Tech crime unit has eliminated its backlog of work and now has an ongoing forensic computing process in place.
- It receives a cost-effective service that exactly meets its needs.
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