Mobile devices belonging to victims
Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request ref: 01/FOI/24/007218/M
Version Date: 21/11/2024
The South West Forensics Department and Performance & Analysis Department and have provided the following information.
- What is the average turnaround time (in days) for the investigation and analysis of mobile devices belonging to victims, from the time of submission to the time the device is returned to the victim?
2. What is the average turnaround time (in days) for the investigation and analysis of mobile devices belonging to victims of sexual offences, from the time of submission to the time the device is returned to the victim?
Devices/cases are risk assessed and completed in a priority order – not a standard queue. It is therefore not possible to provide an overall average time.
Device examination time varies from 1 day to several months dependent upon the risk and priority of the investigation and surrounding circumstances.
3. What policy documents or guidelines your force follows regarding the handling and investigation of mobile devices from victims?
The Victim and Witness Care (D135) policy adheres the Force to the code of practice for victims of crime. Right 10 of the Code of Practice for victims of crime states that victims have the right to have their property returned as soon as it is no longer required.