Newsbeat Daily
A DEDICATED digital media capability launched earlier this month within the force’s Communications Data Investigation Unit (CDIU) to provide detectives with specialist advice on any investigations which are related to the use of technology and data.
In the photograph (l-r); DC Nick Curry, Anna Parrack and DC Hinesh Mehta
Force CID will be the first department to pilot use of the new role comprising of nine police officers highly trained in investigating all matters related to communications data, digital forensics and open source capabilities.
These ‘digital media co-ordinators’ (DMCs) will act as the conduit between the CDIU and investigations teams, enhancing the way in which communications data is handled.
Detective Superintendent Richard Baker, Force CID strategic crime manager, said: “This is an expanding area of the business not only in the case of major investigations but also for many proactive and reactive criminal investigations such as those linked to most serious violence and also gang-related issues.”
Involving a DMC in the investigation at the earliest opportunity is the most effective way of making full use of their expertise to progress the investigation.
Det Supt Baker continues: “These highly skilled officers will help to ensure we are one step ahead of criminals and can keep pace with advancements in technology as they happen – maximising evidential opportunities and contributing to successfully prosecuting offenders.”
[pullquote_right]“These highly skilled officers will help to ensure we are one step ahead of criminals and can keep pace with advancements in technology as they happen…”[/pullquote_right]DMCs can be appointed by senior investigating officers through the force’s lead officer for the pilot, DC Nick Curry.
The CDIU is leading a number of projects aimed at delivering innovative solutions to the meet the challenges presented by criminals using modern technology to commit offences.
CDIU Manager, Alison Strain, said: “We now live in a digital world of converged technology, where information is recorded at many stages throughout our daily activities.
“Phone call logs; applications downloaded from the internet; websites you have visited; social networks you interact with – the list goes on.
“The question is no longer ‘what phone number are you using?’ but ‘what devices do you have access to?’ And a comprehensive review of all this information creates a fairly accurate profile of an individual’s activities.”
[pullquote_left]“The question is no longer ‘what phone number are you using?’ but ‘what devices do you have access to?’”[/pullquote_left]The CDIU is also working closely with other forces who have expressed an interest in the concept of DMCs, sharing best practice and facilitating the continual development of the role.
For further information on digital media co-ordinators, visit their intranet site.
(Please note that the force’s intranet site is only accessible to WMP officers and staff from force computers).
