Criminal Detection By Technology | Kangs National Criminal Defence Team
The development and use of technology in the detection of crime increases almost on a daily basis.
Whilst for a number of years police and prosecuting authorities have been relying on what have become recognised and accepted appliances such as CCTV and Automated Number Plate Recognition, police in Germany have widened the scope by recently successfully relying upon a ‘Health App’ (‘the App’) installed into a suspect’s mobile phone.
Sukhi Randhawa of Kangs Solicitors comments on this fascinating development.
The Circumstances | Kangs International Criminal Advisory Team
As is now generally known, forensic analysis of an individual’s cell phone is able to identify the location of that phone, to within a few hundred metres, at any particular time when a call is made or received.
The use of such technology is now virtually standard police practice when engaged in the pursuit of, for example, drug dealing activity.
Even more specifically than this, police in Germany, during a recent murder investigation utilised the App and although the suspect’s location was unknown at crucial times, the police analysed the data stored in the App which revealed that, at critical moments, there was a dramatic increase in activity which coincided with a vital part of the prosecution case, namely, the suspect dragging a body down a river bank, before climbing back up to street level.
Whilst, initially, the suspect refused to provide the police with the password for the mobile phone, specialist equipment can now easily identify the password.
In the UK, police can request a suspect to disclose pin numbers and passwords and failure to co-operate can constitute a criminal offence carrying a prison sentence of up to five years under s. 53 Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
How Can We Assist? | Kangs National Criminal Defence Team
If you have been arrested by the police and asked to provide the pin number or password for any electronic device you should seek immediate assistance from a Solicitor.
At Kangs Solicitors we have a highly experienced team who can deal with all aspects of crime.
All necessary steps are taken to ensure our client is properly guided and fully advised from the Police Station process through to trial and we are happy to provide our clients with an initial no obligation consultation.
If you need assistance please contact our team immediately through any of the following:
Suki Randhawa
srandhawa@kangssolicitors.co.uk
0121 449 9888 | 020 7936 6396 | 07989 521210
Helen Holder
hholder@kangssolicitors.co.uk
020 7936 6396 | 0121 449 9888
