AI and digital evidence 'reshaping police work'

Technology now sits at the heart of almost every police investigation as officers deal with a growing number of cases involving digital evidence and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Guernsey Police has said.

The force said the growing use of digital devices and new technologies had increased officers' workloads and it was investing in tools and training to keep pace with emerging threats and bring offenders to justice.

Sgt Marcus Lewis, from the Digital Forensics Unit, said the rise of AI had become increasingly noticeable.

He said in some cases, victims found their likeness had been used to generate explicit images or fake messages.

Guernsey Police works closely with the National Crime Agency to identify suspects, using information such as IP addresses and online account data to trace individuals.

Det Ch Insp Ian Tanner said offenders should not assume they could hide online.

"Anyone accessing or sharing illegal material online will be identified and investigated," he said.

Tanner added that cases involving indecent images were often referred from UK partners, but stressed victims would always be supported locally, including through specialist interviews.

Tanner said the force was placing a major emphasis on staff welfare as digital investigators continued to deal with some of the force's most distressing material.

Officers in the Digital Forensics Unit received specialist National Crime Agency training before they were allowed to examine indecent images, and were given mandatory counselling to help manage the psychological impact of the work, he said.

The force also operates a two‑examiner rule for viewing the most graphic content, and rotates staff on to less sensitive cases after major investigations to protect their wellbeing.

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