Inside the team fighting crime on the digital frontier
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Behind almost every serious crime is a potential treasure trove of evidence locked away behind passwords and PIN codes on phones, laptops and other digital devices.
In charge of unlocking the clues that could solve a murder or identify an online sexual predator is our Digital Forensics Unit (DFU) - dedicated staff who work to gain access to and analyse hidden material such as photos, videos, text messages and more.
Over the last year, the team was tasked with examining nearly 3,000 phones and more than 1,000 computers.
The specialist unit of around 80 people can retrieve data – even after it’s been deleted – from things like computer hard drives, phones, cameras, games consoles and many other devices.
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.
To further expand the team’s size and capability, in November, we welcomed seven new apprentices, aged between 18 and 40, to the DFU.
Not only is the programme building skilled employees for the future but also allowing apprentices to meaningfully contribute from the beginning. From day one, the group has been supporting live investigations and dealing with a wide range of cases, under the close supervision of highly experienced colleagues.
Their work has helped secure lengthy jail terms for people who have committed very serious crimes including murder, sexual offences and kidnap.
Some of the apprentices have recently completed higher education or vocational courses and are looking for their first careers. Others were employed elsewhere and are looking to take their careers in a new direction.
Apprentice Aimee Jones, who has been a special constable with WMP, said: "I have a degree in Criminology, Policing & Investigation, and it has always been a dream of mine to solve crime. This is a great opportunity, and I am really excited for what the future holds.”
Our Digital Forensics unit already has around 80 specialists helping detectives solve crimes and the seven apprentices are a welcome new addition.
Det Ch Insp 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.”
WMP is one of the UK’s top 100 apprenticeship employers alongside organisations such as Amazon, McDonalds and the armed forces. The diversity of our apprentices has received national recognition too.
Glynis Partis, Apprenticeship Manager for the force, said “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.”
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