The health, safety, wellbeing and discrimination: Is there a place for young people to work in digital forensics?

Abstract

Digital forensic investigators (DFI) are involved in examining computers, mobile phones and other electronic devices containing images and text related to child abuse, violence, terrorist activities and other distressing activities. Identifying, classifying and preparing evidence for courts is time-consuming and may delay cases coming to court. Police forces are under pressure to reduce a backlog of electronic devices requiring investigation (Forensic Capability Network, 2023) and the need to recruit more skilled DFIs. In response to the shortage in DFIs, the national police Forensic Capability Network (FCN) is developing digital forensic apprenticeships for young people based on a College of Policing (2023) role profile aimed at people aged 18 and over. Concerns were raised with the FCN on the potential harm that could be caused to young forensic investigators employed in a role that exposes them to distressing images. This paper describes the examination of evidence from neurobiology and psychological surveillance to provide advice to the FCN on the organisational duty of care to DFI apprentices under Health & Safety and Discrimination & Equality legislation.