Digital Forensics in Crisis as UK Police Struggle with Surge - digit.fyi

Share Home > Security Digital Forensics in Crisis as UK Police Struggle with Surge Elizabeth Greenberg 11 September 2025, 01.12pm “A shortage of digital forensics capacity is putting significant pressure on policing and the justice system,” John Lucey, VP EMEA at Cellebrite said.  Forensic experts are warning that the UK’s digital forensics system is at breaking point, with growing backlogs, staff shortages, and outdated technology leaving thousands of crimes at risk of going unsolved. Over the past decade, every police force in the UK has created its own Digital Forensics Unit (DFU) to analyse mobile phones, computers, and other digital devices seized during investigations. Greater Manchester Police currently has more than 1,300 seized devices awaiting examination. The Police Service of Northern Ireland has more than 100 devices that have been delayed for over a year, and eight devices have been waiting for analysis for more than two years. In contrast, the City of London Police has only 76 devices in its backlog, and none of these have been waiting for more than a month. Digital Forensics Investigators (DFIs) say they are overwhelmed, under-resourced, and under constant pressure from prosecutors. Independent reports by the Police Foundation in 2021, Northumbria University in 2024, and the Westminster Commission on Forensic Science in June 2025 all concluded that the current system is not fit for purpose. There are several reasons for this failure. Devices are becoming more complex, making extraction of evidence increasingly slow and technically challenging. Digital crime is also expanding at an unprecedented scale, with the Internet Watch Foundation reporting that online child sexual abuse content has risen by 830% since 2014. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has warned that artificial intelligence is accelerating the spread of abusive material, making the work of DFIs more urgent than ever. John Lucey, VP EMEA at Cellebrite commented: “A shortage of digital forensics capacity is putting significant pressure on policing and the justice system. The volume, complexity, and diversity of digital evidence continue to escalate, while processes have been unable to keep pace. The result is a widening backlog, delayed investigations and ultimately, justice denied for victims as without sufficient processes in place, rescuing efforts can be jeopardised. Recommended reading Scots Digital Forensics Firm Cyacomb Receives £3.8M in Funding Edinburgh Tech Startup Cyan Forensics Raises £900,000 Funding Fresh Funding to Help Cyan Forensics Target Overseas Markets “This is not a challenge that law enforcement can face alone. It requires sustained investment, stronger collaboration between agencies and clear prioritisation frameworks to ensure the most urgent cases are addressed swiftly. “Not only can it accelerate investigations and help forces stay ahead of the mounting caseload, but it can play a vital role in shielding forensic teams from overexposure to sensitive and often distressing material, a critical factor in protecting their mental health and well-being. “Meeting this crisis head-on means recognising that investment in such technology is not optional, it’s the only way to deliver modern policing. Addressing the issue effectively will demand a long-term, coordinated response, one that balances the need for timely justice with the responsibility to safeguard those carrying out this essential work.” Tell the world! LinkedIn X Facebook Reddit More Related Cyan Forensics Leads Fight Against Child Exploitation with US Partnership August 14, 2019 In "Cybersecurity" Scots Digital Forensics Firm Cyacomb Receives £3.8M in Funding October 12, 2023 In "Business" Fresh Funding to Help Cyan Forensics Target Overseas Markets December 10, 2019 In "Editor's Picks" Tags: digital evidence, digital forensics, digital police, UK Police Elizabeth Greenberg Staff Writer Editor's Picks 1 SpaceX Files For IPO With $1tn+ Valuation in Sight 2 YouTube Faces Backlash Over AI Videos Targeting Kids 3 CMA Launches Antitrust Probe Into Microsoft’s Business Software 4 What Are Proactive Enterprise Agents? 5 Scot-Secure 2026 | Prepare in Peacetime: Lessons from the Frontline Explore Explore Subscribe to Subscribe Latest News AI Skills Report: 95% of Organisations Plan to Hire Internationally as Demand for AI Skills Grows 1 day ago Cryptocurrency Security Crypto Platform Drift Drained of $280M in DPRK-Linked Raid 1 day ago Cybersecurity Leadership Cybersecurity Expertise Still Lacking in the Boardroom 1 day ago Social Media One Smartphone Notification Hijacks Your Attention for 7 Seconds 1 day ago