Rishi Sunak has seen how cutting-edge technology in Northallerton is helping support criminal investigations across the UK.
The Richmond and Northallerton MP toured CACI’s Digital Forensics Laboratory, to see how digital evidence is extracted and analysed from mobile phones and other electronic devices to support law enforcement agencies and national security partners.
Opened in 2023, the Northallerton laboratory provides accredited digital forensic services to police forces and investigators. With more than 90 per cent of crimes now containing a digital element, demand for forensic examination of electronic devices continues to grow.
During the visit, Mr Sunak was shown the specialist equipment used by forensic investigators and heard how the laboratory helps increase capacity for police digital forensic units, ensuring evidence can be processed to the standards required for use in court.
He also heard about CACI’s pioneering work in proficiency testing. In 2024, the company became the first provider in the UK to achieve UKAS accreditation for digital forensic proficiency testing schemes.
These schemes allow digital forensic laboratories to test and benchmark their performance using realistic criminal investigation scenarios, helping ensure evidence is gathered, analysed and presented to the highest possible standards.
The Northallerton facility has achieved UKAS accreditation to both ISO/IEC 17025 for testing activities and ISO/IEC 17043 for proficiency testing. Its services are used by local, regional and national police organisations, alongside other public and private sector forensic providers working within the criminal justice system.
Rishi Sunak MP said: “Digital evidence now plays a role in the vast majority of criminal investigations and the work being carried out here in Northallerton is making an important contribution to law enforcement and public safety.
“It was fascinating to see the technology and expertise involved in digital forensics and to meet the highly skilled team supporting police forces and investigators across the country. The investment that has been made in this facility demonstrates the strength of North Yorkshire’s growing reputation for advanced technology and specialist services.”
Cathy Sutherland, CACI’s Senior Vice President of Information Intelligence, said:
“We were delighted to host Mr Sunak and showcase the work our teams do every day to support law enforcement and identify improvements through our accredited digital forensic investigation and Proficiency Testing services.”
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