New tech to help fight crime

The long arm of the law is set to stretch even further as cops enlist new technology in the battle against crime.

So-called‘cyber kiosks’are set to be rolled out in Stirlingshire in a bid to unlock key evidence from mobile phones earlier.

The desktop computers will be used by specialist officers to quickly determine whether the handsets contain information of value to a police probe.

As a result of the move, material from phones can be accessed faster and devices which do not contain relevant evidence can be handed back.

Previously phones had to be sent away for specialist analysis.

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, said:“People of all ages now lead a significant part of their lives online and this is reflected in how we investigate crime and the evidence we present to courts.

“Many online offences disproportionately affect the most vulnerable people in our society, such as children at risk of sexual abuse, and our priority is to protect those people.

“Increases in the involvement of digital devices in investigations and the ever-expanding capabilities of these devices mean that demand on digital forensic examinations is higher than ever.”

He added:“Current limitations, however, mean the devices of victims, witnesses and suspects can be taken for months at a time, even if it later transpires that there is no worthwhile evidence on them.”

A total of 41 kiosks have so far been created and will be located across all police divisions before May 1 this year.