Digital forensic vans rolled out

Mobile phones belonging to victims and suspects can be analysed at crime scenes following the roll-out of digital forensic vans.

The force has bought two unmarked “digi vans”, equipped with digital forensic technology making them a mobile lab. This allows digital evidence to be identified and extracted at crime scenes reducing the number of devices being taken into police custody.

The vans – partially funded by the Home Office – include state-of-the-art technology that enables targeted and specific searches, to limit intrusion.

Specially trained Digital Media Investigators from Cambridgeshire Constabulary can now at scene identify devices that contain evidence of offending, meaning we seize fewer devices and thereby returning more at the scene.

Detective Inspector Denise Harper said: “This process is especially useful when dealing with paedophiles who operate online. Early identification of evidence has meant more early anticipated guilty pleas, enabling swift justice for victims and saving valuable time and money.”

The force has also implemented new processes which aim to return adult victims of rape devices within 24 hours.

DI Harper continued: “We know that phones are pivotal to our community’s day to day life with phones doing more and more. We therefore want to return devices back to their owners as quickly as possible.

 “We want to minimise the trauma experienced by survivors as much as possible by returning devices quickly, while improved digital capabilities will mean evidence of serious offences will be more readily available, ensuring offenders are brought to justice swiftly.

“This is a great example of departments working together, transforming processes and feeding in to the wider Violence Against Women and Girls strategy.”

Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston said: “Supporting victims is at the heart of my Police and Crime Plan. These digitally equipped vans will help speed up investigations and enable victims to concentrate on recovery.”