How a UK Police Unit Cut Device Submissions by 76% and Cleared CSAM Backlogs with Digital Triage
Digital forensic backlogs are one of the most persistent challenges facing law enforcement agencies today. When investigations stall for one to two years while devices wait to be analysed, the consequences are serious: victims wait longer for justice, suspects remain free, and investigators lose momentum on active cases.
A recently approved case study from a UK regional police force illustrates just how significant the impact of that backlog can be—and how frontline digital triage helped the agency turn it around.
The Challenge: A 300% Rise in Caseloads
The Pedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT) at a UK regional police force experienced a 300% increase in caseloads over four years. Despite growing the team from 8 to 28 investigators, the backlog continued to build. Seized devices were being sent to the Digital Forensic Unit (DFU) for full analysis, creating delays of one to two years before investigators could act on the evidence. There was no effective triage system in place to quickly assess risk, reprioritise cases, or identify which devices genuinely required a full forensic examination.
The Solution: Bringing Triage to the Frontline
POLIT adopted ADF Pro to introduce rapid digital triage into their investigative workflow. Using ADF Pro, detectives could preview mobile devices and extract relevant evidence such as chat logs within minutes. That capability changed how the team approached suspect interviews—investigators could now confront suspects with fresh digital evidence during interviews, leading to quicker confessions and faster case file submissions to court.
By prioritising high-risk cases through triage, the team reduced its reliance on lengthy DFU examinations. The DFU itself began to recognise the value of early triage, and the approach also improved internal communication, cross-team collaboration, and overall workflow efficiency—without compromising forensic integrity.
The Results: 76% Fewer Devices Sent for Full Analysis
The operational impact was substantial. In one year, the unit sent 76% fewer devices to the DFU for full forensic analysis. During that same period, 24 out of 200 cases—approximately 10%—were processed through a streamlined charging pathway. High-risk cases were managed more effectively, and the faster identification of evidence contributed to quicker arrests and improved outcomes for child protection.
"ADF is the preferred tool for CSAM investigations because it is quicker, more detailed, and adaptable." — Detective Inspector, POLIT Team
"ADF's flexibility, ease of use, and customizable reports streamline cases and support self-reporting." — Sergeant, POLIT Team
A Model Worth Considering
For any agency managing high volumes of digital devices in online exploitation or CSAM investigations, this case study demonstrates the operational value of embedding triage early in the investigative process. Reducing unnecessary device submissions frees forensic resources for the cases that genuinely require deep analysis, and faster evidence access can directly influence charging decisions and victim outcomes.
Download the Full Case Study
For the complete breakdown of the challenge, solution, and results, read the full approved case study from ADF Solutions:
Download the UK Police Agency Case Study
