A specialist team within West Midlands Police can find an download the data hidden in a device almost all of us carry. The Digital Forensics Unit is the team unlocking clues to solve murders, gun crime, sex offences including online sex predators, drug offences and helping the vulnerable.
In the past year the DFU has examined almost 3,000 phones and 1,000 computers to help find data to find evidence to help gain a successful prosecution.
A team of around 80 experts, work to gain access to and analyse hidden material such as photos, videos, text messages and more. They can find information on computer hard drives, phones, cameras, games consoles, smart watches and more – even after it’s been deleted.
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On a recent investigation into gun crime in Birmingham, phone downloads from a number of criminals was critical in proving how a number of firearms were being supplied across the city. Four people are now awaiting sentence.
Seven new apprentices joined in November aged 18 to 40 and they have worked on live investigations straight away helping secure lengthy jail terms for people who have committed very serious crimes, including murder, sexual offences and kidnap
Digital Forensics Officer Ben explains how he extracts vital clues from electronic devices to help West Midlands Police officers
Detective Chief Inspector Bryn Robins, from the Major Crime Unit, said: “With more and more crimes being researched, committed, captured or discussed online, the need for a large, well skilled and efficient Digital Forensics team is clear.
“More than 80 people applied for the apprentice posts and we’re confident that we picked the best of the best. It’s all about unlocking people’s potential. This is a great scheme and will enhance the service we deliver while offering high-quality training to those seeking work in digital forensics.”
The force is on the lookout for more DFU apprentices. Glynis Partis, apprenticeship manager for the force, added: “Our ever-growing apprenticeship programme benefits WMP as we are attracting new talent from outside the organisation that may not typically join via traditional recruitment channels.
“The course gives students the opportunity to earn as they learn – benefitting from practical experience within a leading force and ending with a globally recognised educational qualification. This makes them really employable.”