Cyber cops plug into new kiosk technology
ANDREA LAMBROU
Cops can now pull data from mobile phones and tablets without needing a password through new cyber technology.
The phased roll-out of Police Scotland’s cyber kiosk technology began this week.
The desktop computers will be located in police stations across local policing divisions.
Officers will be able to override encryption from the laptop-sized devices.
The technology allows specially trained officers to triage mobile devices to determine if they contain information which may be of value to a police investigation or incident.
This will allow lines of enquiry to be progressed at a much earlier stage and devices that are not relevant to an investigation to be returned quicker.
It’s hoped the devices will help investigations run at a faster pace but the technology will only be used when it is “necessary, justified and proportionate” to the crime in question and on a legal basis.
Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “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.
“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.
“By quickly identifying devices which do and do not contain evidence, we can minimise the intrusion on people’s lives and provide a better service to the public.”
Forty-one cyber kiosks have been procured and will be located in police stations across all policing divisions. It is anticipated all will be operational by May 1.