Informal communication and cultures in Digital Evidence investigations

• In Event: Clarus: Culture, Bias, Language and Communicaiton in Digital Evidence Investigations

Abstract

The processing and integration of Digital Forensic Evidence from a crime scene to a court report relies on both formal and informal structures and communication practices, across multiple specialised domains of policing and technical expertise. Mapping of these structures as well as exploring any stated interpersonal, organisational and cultural influences driving their use was an essential first step in support of the wider project aims (the focus of Work Package 1). This presentation will give an overview of our comparative findings related to informal structures and practices in Scotland, Finland, Greece, Portugal and the Czech Republic. Semi-structured interviews and a daily research diary method were used to develop a rich, targeted picture of how those working within these systems undertook and understood the work in practice. While this did often involve formal systems and procedures, there were several cases where informal communication was needed (sometimes prior to undertaking the formal process), as well as some colleagues needing to ‘translate’ material and requests for other teams. We will reflect on these findings considering organisational cultures literature.

Authors

• Amy Long, Univesity of Dundee

• Megan O'Neill, University of Dundee