WIREDGOV

The inaugural Blue Lights Digital Intelligence and Investigations awards, held yesterday, featured several NCA teams and officers being recognised for their pioneering work. The awards celebrate excellence, innovation and progress across law enforcement, in addition to notable achievements in the fields of digital investigation and cyber capability.

The NCA received seven nominations, and three awards in their respective categories. 

Two officers won in the categories of 'Intelligent use of Forensic Triage in a Complex Investigation' and 'Use of Big Data Analysis in a Complex Investigation,' while the CEOP Forensics Team won in the category of 'Recognised Contribution to Digital Ethics in Policing'. 

The Digital Intelligence and Investigations awards recognise work across a broad variety of challenging areas; categories also include Excellence in Management of a Digital Investigation Unit, Significant Contribution in developing the use of Communications Data, Advanced use of Cloud Data Sources in an Investigation, and Intelligent & Advanced use of Open Source Intelligence.

Senior figures were present to give the awards, including NCA Director General Lynne Owens and Director of Intelligence Jamie Saunders, who paid tribute to the work of the officers and teams involved both from the agency and from our law enforcement partners. Attendees included a Deputy Director from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as Chief Constable Steve Kavanagh (Essex) and Assistant Chief Constable Richard Berry, the National Police Chiefs Council lead for Communications Data. 

The awards ceremony also features case studies demonstrating the cutting-edge capability and progress among the law enforcement community.

Lynne Owens said: "I am exceptionally proud of the work which has gone into building our digital capability. We are doing all we can to use these capabilities to protect the public, and it is very apparent that we are not only keeping pace with the latest developments in criminal behaviour, but innovating to stay one step ahead.

"Congratulations to Russ, Nigel, and the CEOP Forensics Team for your awards. I couldn't be more impressed and proud of the progress you have made in what are unique and challenging areas of law enforcement. The recognition you are receiving tonight is a mark of your creativity and dedication."

Jamie Saunders, who sat on the judging panel, said that the NCA "has an important role to play in providing capability at the more specialist end, and I'm pleased to see a good number of my colleagues scattered around the audience - but I'm equally pleased to see that the nominations are drawn from across the policing network. 

"This is a team, and we draw our strength from the diversity of ideas, our ability to challenge each other, and also from the fact that we're united by a common sense of purpose and a set of standards and principles that make UK law enforcement the best in the world."