The examination process known as eForensics (electronic forensics) often provides crucial evidence in serious investigations involving, for example, the distribution of child sex images on the Internet, homicide, domestic violence and fraud.
However, as computer crime has increased and techniques have become more sophisticated, the demand placed upon technology experts in police force Hi-Tech Crime Units (HTCU) to examine electronic devices has grown by 300% over the past seven years.
To help forces deal with this increasing demand, the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) has developed a more efficient way for forces to manage the number of devices that need to be examined. This will help to ensure police officers receive the evidence they need as quickly as possible.
The current process for police officers to request an examination of a computer or mobile phone varies from force to force. The aim of the six-month pilot which is now underway is to standardise the process for all forces by providing one management system.
The NPIA has assisted in setting up a central unit in Nottingham to help officers across the East Midlands region with their requests. Police officers can ring or e-mail one of the technology experts from the five force HTCUs involved in the pilot (namely Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire) to get their examination requests assessed in order to ensure that the electronic device is correctly prioritised before being sent to their force HTCU for investigation.
For example, a request to examine a computer is being given a high, medium or low rating depending on several factors such as the seriousness of the crime in question.
All early signs are positive
Early signs indicate that the pilot is proving to be very successful and, when it ends in the new year, the NPIA intends to hold an event to inform all forces of the benefits achieved, lessons learned and the new processes that need to be implemented.
Simon Bramble, head of police science and forensics at the NPIA, said: “This good practice model is helping forces examine more electronic devices faster, increasing the chances of evidence being found that could be used in court to convict more criminals. This is another good example of how the NPIA works with the police service to deliver initiatives that provide more for less and help support frontline officers to protect our communities.”
DCC East Midlands Peter Goodman said:”The East Midlands is at the forefront of innovation. This is another example of how the five forces are working together to increase effectiveness and efficiency in order to maintain a quality police service in light of stringent budget cuts.”
Goodman continued: “We are determined to work with the NPIA to make the most of this important investigation technique to protect the communities of the East Midlands.”
Police warn of music label fraud
Police are warning aspiring musicians to be on their guard after learning that fraudsters are using online forums claiming to be from record labels offering music contracts.
The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB), run by the City of London Police, and the British Recorded Music Industry (BPI) have sent out the fraud alert to raise awareness.
New and unsigned musical talent will be approached via legitimate forums for cross-industry discussions and sent false contracts to sign which request a forward payment to carry out administrative checks.
Once the money has been transferred the artist hears nothing more from the supposed record label, with the reality being they have in fact fallen victim to an advance fee fraud.
Spotting these scams is difficult: fraudsters are using genuine record label names and website links, prompting the NFIB to produce guidelines on their website.
The NFIB is one of the most advanced police intelligence systems in the world, using millions of reports of fraud to help catch serial fraudsters and provide a better picture of the nature of fraud .
The Bureau is Government-funded and run by the City of London Police, which is the National Lead Force for fraud, in partnership with police forces and the public and private sector.
The Bureau’s director, Detective Superintendent Tony Crampton, said: “These fraudsters are using the anonymity of the Internet to prey on the hopes and dreams of aspiring musicians. Money that could have been used to help kick-start their career is instead falling into the pockets of common criminals. At the NFIB we strongly recommend you never send money or pass on personal details after being contacted online without carrying out extensive checks, no matter how good the opportunity may look.”
