Investigation Into The Current Use Of Computer Forensic Tools In The Area Police Force And Their Effects On Finding Police Evidence.

Abstract

Abstract This dissertation investigates the current computer forensic tools used in the area police force (South Wales Police) and the effect that these tools have when finding police evidence. It focuses on the types of tools used currently within forensic departments, the laws and legislations used when collecting police evidence, and the types of evidence each investigator extracts from the suspects devices. As there has been little academic research into the particular tools that are used within the forensic departments of the South Wales Police this study has focused on the knowledge and research specific to this topic area. Thus a critical review of extant literature included published articles, journals, books and webpages aimed as providing an insight into which tools are currently adopted and their utility. The empirical data collected from five semi-structured interviews conducted with members of the police forensic departments identifies the forensic tools used and evidences how they were used and their efficacy. Findings illustrate some interesting results. Although the participants reported good performance of the forensic tools in question, they further highlighted other forensic tools that they use but which are not significantly acknowledged in the available secondary research. This suggests that the South Wales Police use a number of different tools to those reportedly used within forensic departments in other areas.