West Midlands Police’s Digital Forensics Unit reveals how they extract crucial data from devices to solve serious crimes.
Birmingham: A specialized team at West Midlands Police is doing some pretty amazing work. They’re part of the Digital Forensics Unit, and they can dig up data from devices that most of us carry around every day. This team is key in cracking cases involving murders, gun crimes, and even online predators.
In just the past year, they’ve looked at nearly 3,000 phones and 1,000 computers. All this effort is aimed at finding evidence that can lead to successful prosecutions. It’s impressive how they can access hidden stuff like photos, videos, and messages—even if it’s been deleted.
There are about 80 experts on this team, and they’re skilled at analyzing all sorts of devices, from phones to game consoles. They’ve been crucial in recent investigations, especially in tackling gun crime in Birmingham. Thanks to their work, four people are now waiting to be sentenced.
Recently, they welcomed seven new apprentices, aged between 18 and 40, who jumped right into live investigations. These apprentices are already helping secure long sentences for serious crimes like murder and kidnapping.
Digital Forensics Officer Ben shared how he extracts vital clues from devices to assist police officers. Detective Chief Inspector Bryn Robins emphasized the growing need for a skilled Digital Forensics team as more crimes are happening online.
With over 80 applicants for the apprentice roles, they’re confident they’ve chosen the best candidates. It’s all about unlocking potential and providing top-notch training in digital forensics.
Glynis Partis, the apprenticeship manager, mentioned that their program is attracting fresh talent. It’s a win-win situation where students can earn while they learn, gaining practical experience and a recognized qualification that makes them highly employable.
