Police ‘overwhelmed’ by digital evidence as 12,000 seized devices awaiting examination

Police blame explosion of data for delaying investigations, which is causing victims to drop out of cases, writes

(PA)

More than 12,000 phones and other digital devices are being held by police in England and Wales as case backlogs worsen in the criminal justice system, new figures show.

Police have a responsibility to investigate relevant material from suspects and witnesses, but the policy has sparked controversy by delaying investigations and distressing victims.

Some forces said devices could take more than a year to investigate, and the Police Federation said officers were “overwhelmed” by digital evidence.