Outdated digital forensics causing major backlog in criminal cases in Scotland
Outdated digital forensics are causing a major backlog in criminal cases with almost 8000 seized devices still awaiting analysis, Police have warned.Modern investigations require evidence to be extracted from phones, tablets and computers in around 90 per cent of cases ranging from domestic abuse to serious organised crime.But official data shows there are 2691 outstanding electronic forensic requests, alongside 7945 devices awaiting full examination after basic checks.And a stark Police Scotland report reveals outdated processes pose “substantial risks”, with hundreds of Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal deadlines missed – raising the risk of cases collapsing.Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Patrick, head of cyber and fraud at Police Scotland, said: “Nearly every case we handle now involves a phone or a computer and these devices can hold a vast amount of data which could prove crucial to an investigation.“We only examine a digital device where there is a legal basis and where it is necessary, justified and proportionate to the incident or crime under investigation.“Police Scotland is working on improving the way digital devices are examined to allow for secure, remote viewing in a bid to speed up the process.”The force operates five digital forensic labs in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, but has said recruitment freezes and staff departures have left them under strength.The report states that aging processes also have a negative impact on victims, who experience “prolonged distress” as investigations stall and devices pile up in forensic queues.Scottish Conservative justice spokesperson Liam Kerr MSP said: “This is yet another warning sign that Scotland’s justice system is being pushed to breaking point after years of SNP cuts and underfunding.“The new SNP government must now urgently change course or risk more problems mounting up in the justice system.“The public rightly expect criminals to be caught quickly and victims to see justice delivered without delay, but overstretched officers are being left to battle outdated systems and mounting pressures.”Scottish Liberal Democrat Justice spokesman Liam McArthur MSP said: “It’s important that the next Scottish Government ensures Police Scotland has the digital tools it needs to thrive while ensuring that civil liberties are appropriately safeguarded.”In a bid to revolutionise its operations, Police Scotland is developing an ambitious overhaul of Digital Forensics, with an initial business case submission due next month.Senior officers claim modern, automated systems will enable faster, more secure sharing and improve fairness while reducing delays in justice.The force report also states: “Being able to provide the reporting officer with the ability to review the data when it has been processed immediately allows for investigative avenues to be explored earlier, getting quicker outcomes for victims.”The Met Police, Leicestershire Police and Durham Constabulary are said to have shown how automation and improved data management have led to radical improvements.
