Cleve Police create three jobs with new forensic mobile phone examination system

A new forensic mobile phone examination system is being set up by Cleveland Police to tackle a backlog of devices they need to probe.

Three jobs will be created in the new department which is hoped to be up and running over the next few months.

The force has come under pressure after a rapid increase in the number of phones officers need to examine in ongoing investigations.

Between January and August last year 1,053 devices were received to be examined - a 440% increase over two years.

This created a backlog of about 130 devices - 23 of which related to priority investigations.

It was feared that time-critical intelligence and evidence could be lost.

Now a new system has been created after £109,000 was approved by police and crime commissioner Barry Coppinger as part of the force’s capital programme.

Fifty officers and support staff will be trained and accredited to examine mobile devices.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Haytack said: “The increase in our workload reflects changes in the world of technology and changes in the way we live – most people now have regular access to smart mobile phones and tablets which allow constant access to the internet.”

Under the system, five touchscreen forensic mobile kiosks will be used to fast track key evidence.

Officers will have constant access to the service to confirm whether phones and other devices have incriminating and needed intelligence and evidence on them.

Det Chief Insp Haytack said three jobs will be created.

He added: “Currently the backlog remains the same, but the kiosks should be installed and staff should be trained within the next few months which should help to get through the mobile phone examinations quickly.

“The funds will also enable the department to create additional posts and recruit extra staff to tackle the increase in Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) investigations which require the forensic examination of computer and other digital storage devices.

“This investment in staff has been approved and it is hoped that the new roles will be filled within the new financial year.”