Improving Current Capability

Urgent action is required in three areas to improve current capability and stakeholder confidence:

• Data management capability (sharing and review).
• Lab Automation.
• Frontline Digital Forensic capability (Kiosk).

Investment in these areas is expected to be modest relative to the operational and reputational risks of inaction. Work is ongoing to fully understand the costs, but even at a preliminary level, such investment would transform how DF is delivered in Police Scotland. It would empower frontline officers and specialist departments to rapidly access, assess, and present digital evidence, while allowing analysts to focus on the highest-risk cases and supporting a sustainable, thriving workforce.

Data Management – This capability would enable frontline officers to access device extractions remotely, expediting investigations, reducing the need to transport devices to laboratories, and potentially providing COPFS with appropriate access. It would accelerate investigation progression, empower investigators, and deliver cost efficiencies.

Lab Automation – Automation of manual processes for data extraction, processing, and reporting, improving demand management, reducing exposure to harmful content, and bringing Police Scotland in line with best practice across other UK forces.

Frontline Digital Forensic capability – The Cyber Kiosk solution was introduced in 2018 however the capabilities were heavily restricted; it was brought to assist dealing with increasing demand and to empower the frontline. The current Cyber Kiosks are however nearing end of life and need upgrading.

Benchmarking shows other UK forces have already adopted these three solutions, with measurable gains in investigative capability, staff wellbeing, and improved case throughput. Engagement with the Metropolitan Police, Leicestershire Police and Durham Constabulary have shown how data management (sharing and review), automation, and effective frontline Digital Forensic capabilities have radically improved DF for each force.

It is important to ensure Police Scotland’s DF model is scalable and adaptable to emerging technologies. Embedding flexibility into our future model will protect investment, maintain resilience, and ensure Police Scotland remains aligned with best practice and technological change.
Embedding accreditation within this future model, rather than pressing ahead in parallel with the proposed changes to the current model, will ensure a better long-term fit.