Background

The purpose of this paper is to provide an update to the Committee in respect of Cyber Kiosks. Police Scotland last reported to the Committee in March 2022 where updates were provided on the background to Cyber Kiosks, how requests were managed, how devices were examined and the return of devices.

As the Committee are aware Cyber Kiosks, also known as a ‘Digital Triage Devices’, are desktop computers with specific software that enables specially trained Police Officers to view data stored on a mobile phone or tablet.

A total of 41 Cyber Kiosks were installed during a phased rollout which commenced in January 2020 in the Forth Valley (C) and Fife (P) Divisions and concluded in August 2020 in the Highlands and Islands (N), North East (A) and Tayside (D) Divisions. Dedicated Cyber Kiosk single point of contact (SPOC) Officers within management ranks are present in all Divisions, having responsibility for ensuring the security and upkeep of their respective Cyber Kiosks and maintaining records of trained Officers in their area.

Cyber Kiosks provide a triage capability which allows the contents of a digital device associated with a Police investigation or incident to be assessed to establish if evidence is present.

Since the conclusion of the rollout, governance and oversight of Cyber Kiosks within Police Scotland has been managed by SCD Cybercrime Digital Forensics, who have provided support in relation to maintenance, software updates and the dissemination of advice and guidance bulletins to Police Officers and staff across Scotland.

Police Scotland remains committed to demonstrating transparency and strict accountability in relation to the use of Cyber Kiosks, producing monthly management information detailing how many Cyber Kiosk examinations have been progressed in the previous month.