A multi-agency and collaborative approach to tackling cybercrime

Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstractpeer-review

Abstract

The proliferation and ubiquity of digital media supported crimes and incidents of cybercrime have been comprehensively reported in the media and throughout the academic literature. These ‘incidents’ along with the associated pervasion of digital devices in police investigations are placing heavier burdens on police and propagating innovative ways to respond and tackle the threat posed. The rise in digital enabled crime is forcing law enforcement agencies in the United Kingdom and across the world to strategise approaches and means to manage and process the increased volume of devices, implement novel technological approaches and broaden operational capacity. This increased demand and burden placed on police agencies in the United Kingdom has, in some instances, resulted in increased waiting times for processing digital media, often delaying investigations. Rapidly evolving technology translates to evolving methods of criminality changes quickly and, commensurately, the operational response is trying to catch up with the new methods and processes. It produces a broader requirement for new and emerging technologies and enhanced skill bases to tackle the threat. Furthermore, and confounding the ability to meet this demand, local law enforcement in the United
Kingdom are undergoing an extended period of austerity and therefore, the continued investment to future proof the working environment, staff skills and associated technologies required is often compromised or slow to form and respond. The Hampshire region of the United Kingdom has taken a partnership approach to tackle these issues and meet the demand. Delegates will be given a detailed overview of this approach which includes relocating an operational digital forensic unit, including its entire staff, to the University of Portsmouth campus. All digital media and forensic imaging materials and evidence from the region’s crimes and investigations are being processed at the facility. Academics, researchers and students are working alongside practitioners to enhance and optimise the education of future cyber and digital crime investigators and to facilitate applied and mutually beneficial research incorporating a unique model to coordinate and allocate relevant research. This is designed to meet operational requirements, improve capacity and provide purpose built facilities and resources. Delegates will also receive an overview of the research and projects ongoing along with the outcomes. This includes the development of a multi-stakeholder research, educational and collaborative response hub in the community under the name Cybercrime Awareness Clinic, and the deployment of ‘cybercrime specials’ or volunteers with specific skills to meet the increased demand.
Original languageEnglish
Pages57
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 25 Aug 2017
EventIAFS 2017: 21st Triennial Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Sciences 2017 - Toronto, Canada
Duration: 21 Aug 201725 Aug 2017

Conference

ConferenceIAFS 2017: 21st Triennial Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Sciences 2017
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityToronto
Period21/08/1725/08/17

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