Technological Development and Security – Challenges in Criminal Analysis

For those who have watched their share of police detective programmes, you will have seen police analysts deep at work, speedily creating a digital overview of a case, which helps the team conclude an investigation – all wrapped up in 30 or 60 minute window!

But what is the true nature of an analyst’s role? What kind of challenges must they contend with? Let’s explore some of these questions and highlight an action that brings some real-life experts together in Poland to see what’s new in criminal analysis and intelligence.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that society has never generated so much data through our daily lives. People share images and updates- from their daily run, what they ate for breakfast, where they went for a walk, on holiday, or night out to what they achieved in their latest gym session. Much of the data stays on a local device, but a considerable amount is posted on social media. We leave digital traces constantly!

Consider a thought experiment – how could you spend a day without leaving behind any digital evidence?

Having a mobile linked to your person is impossible, as the mobile network continually detects your location. You must give up your smart devices; no more smart watches, smart heating controls or video doorbells. You would have to pay with cash for all purchases, but if you don’t have any, how to avoid using an ATM? Navigating the streets and public transport network would be challenging; your movements are recorded and payments monitored. You won’t be able to use the internet on any devices owned or linked to you. You would have to lead an analogue life. This example is simplified, but it illustrates an important point: it’s becoming increasingly difficult to live in complete anonymity.

We Leave Traces Everywhere

According to the Digital 2024 Global Overview Report, more than 66% of the world’s population uses the internet. The same report shows that 97% of internet users are active on social media. Research from Poland’s National Media Institute revealed that 78% of Poles own a smartphone, while the World Bank states that 96% of the population has a bank account. A less traditional payment method – cryptocurrency – is held by 12% of Polish citizens, according to a report from the Polish Economic Institute. These statistics underline how many of us use tools that make daily tasks easier but also leave traces of our activities.

As established, it’s hard to use these tools without leaving at least a fragment of information somewhere. The authorities responsible for security in Poland have been developing skills and strategies to understand and process the data especially since the beginning of the 21st century.

This field of work is known as criminal analysis and intelligence. Its goal is to help create an understanding of events and track the digital footprints across devices and systems – helping to detect and identify criminals. Rapid technological development has shaped this relatively new discipline within law enforcement.

For an analyst, the process typically begins with a request, followed by the collection, assessment, and compilation of relevant materials. Based on this, an analysis is conducted, and conclusions are drawn, which are then passed on to the requester. Activities in this area often involve analysing links between individuals, establishing timelines, reviewing financial transactions, or tracing phone connections. Suspects provide a wealth of data (text, audio, video files, etc.) that help law enforcement prove their innocence or guilt.

Technological Development: Helping and Hindering

Law enforcement agencies have dedicated teams and specialists responsible for criminal analysis who face many challenges.

First, the sources and types of data are constantly evolving. Technology development produces new kinds of information and file formats that need to be analysed. Existing tools are often not equipped to handle these changes because their functionalities cannot be updated quickly enough. The natural consequence of new data types is an increase in the volume of data and the array of tools required to process the information. Having access to data is useful, but analysts must decide, based on their knowledge and experience, which materials deserve further examination.

To be effective, analyses are conducted thoroughly, which generates even more work. When one considers the volume of tasks and cases to be reviewed, it’s clear why analysts are often facing an overwhelming workload.

Undoubtedly, Polish security agencies are becoming more professional, with broader access to tools, increased capabilities and capacity. Still, many units need more staff, and when they do recruit new employees, leadership faces the dilemma of assigning cases and balancing workload between new and experienced team members.

Criminals are getting more technologically sophisticated, constantly trying to stay one step ahead of law enforcement. They use encrypted connections and messaging apps, hide their IP addresses, and rely on seemingly untraceable cryptocurrencies, all in an attempt to prevent authorities from uncovering illegal activities. It can also be challenging to gain access to data due to internal procedures that sometimes hinder information exchange between institutions and jurisdictions, this is challenging nationally, within Europe and worldwide.

A more subtle challenge, though not directly affecting analysts’ work, is public perception of what law enforcement is analysing and how they justify it. High-profile cases of abuse, such as the Pegasus scandal in Poland and accusations of using spyware to gather data from politicians and opposition activists without their consent, do not help. Regulation and stringent application of procedure is needed to build and maintain trust.

Analysts’ Knowledge is Key!

A pivotal challenge in criminal analysis and intelligence. Producers of modern tools designed to support law enforcement are leveraging technological advancements by offering new solutions, which is undoubtedly a positive trend. Many of these tools, however, are paid services, and a lack of licensing means that interested parties cannot use them in their daily work.

Due to the nature of their work and their inherent dedication to detail, analysts are very committed to their responsibilities and eager to learn. However, knowledge gaps are still noticeable. This isn’t their fault. It’s the result of the dynamic nature of the field they work in, the overwhelming number of tasks, and the lack of sufficient specialised training, industry events, meetings with technology providers, and opportunities to test innovative solutions.

CINTiA 2024: A Synergy of Services, Science, and Business

Thankfully, many initiatives have emerged to support security institutions in improving their skills and exchanging knowledge and experience. One such initiative is the upcoming third edition of the international “Criminal Intelligence – New Trends in Analysis Conference 2024” (CINTiA 2024), which will take place from 24th to 26th September in Krakow, Poland, under the Honorary Patronage of the Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Police, among others.

The event brings together law enforcement, technology providers, and academics specialising in criminal analysis and intelligence. Importantly, participation for law enforcement, public institutions, and the academic community is free of charge, and the event focuses on the practical aspects of analysts’ daily work.

This year’s edition of CINTiA 2024 will feature two panels: practical and scientific. Research findings and the latest products related to the event’s themes will be presented. The programme will include workshops where participants can try out specific solutions in practice. Additionally, there will be an exhibition area with stands from technology providers offering innovative solutions for law enforcement.

Most importantly, there are more and more initiatives like this, launched by law enforcement agencies, public institutions, universities, and NGOs. Thanks to this, Polish analysts can stay up-to-date and demonstrate that the level of analysis conducted in Poland is on par with that in other countries. However, it remains crucial to remain aware of the challenges discussed above and to support positive changes step by step, both systematically and from the grassroots.