How important are smartphones in criminal investigations?

Smartphones are now the paramount source of digital evidence, instrumental in 97% of criminal investigations, making them a critical tool for law enforcement.

What other sources of evidence are police using?

Besides smartphones, laptops are cited as evidence in 51% of cases, CCTV in 41%, and cryptocurrency is an emerging source used in 22% of cases.

How is technology like AI impacting police work?

Sixty-five percent of detectives are increasingly relying on AI tools to speed up their caseloads, with AI aiding in the time-consuming process of evidence evaluation.

Home / Crime and Justice / Phones: The New Crime Scene in Your Pocket

Phones: The New Crime Scene in Your Pocket

5 Feb

•

Summary

Smartphones are critical digital evidence in 97% of criminal cases.
Laptops and CCTV are secondary sources of digital evidence.
AI tools are increasingly used to accelerate evidence evaluation.

Phones: The New Crime Scene in Your Pocket

Smartphones are now the paramount source of digital evidence in criminal investigations, instrumental in 97% of cases according to a recent report. This represents a substantial leap in reliance compared to previous years, solidifying their role as a "crime scene in your pocket."

Laptops serve as the second most cited source of evidence at 51%, followed by CCTV footage at 41%. Cryptocurrency is emerging as a rapidly growing evidence source, utilized in 22% of cases, largely driven by an increase in online scams. These findings underscore the digital transformation of modern policing.

Law enforcement agencies are increasingly leveraging AI tools, with 65% of detectives reporting greater reliance on artificial intelligence to expedite their substantial caseloads. A typical investigation involves approximately 35 hours of work, with a significant portion dedicated to evidence review, highlighting the efficiency gains offered by AI in accelerating justice for victims.