SCD9 will fight obscene publications and related problems

Experts in several different fields have been brought together into one London unit named SCD9.

The aim of the unit is to tackle crime in areas such as trafficking, prostitiuion, violence, drugs and other relevant crimes. Approximately 39 officers with the necessary experience have been hired to work within the unit.

One area of the unit will also focus on obscene publications, extreme pornography and sharing of indecent images of children via the Internet. It is hoped that the research and work done in this part of the unit will cut down the overall problem of indecent imagery and related sex offences.

SCD9 has been criticised as being a waste of Police resouces and money. However, the Metropolitan Police are confident it will make a significant difference in the fight against crime.

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Adam Walsh Law

Happy Easter!

I’ve been having an interesting exchange with a Canadian based forensic analyst who contacted me quite out of the blue after reading one of my papers floating around the Internet. He’s brought up the subject of the Adam Walsh Law and the impact that the legislation is having on domestic forensic specialists.

There certainly are very good reasons for not disclosing sensitive electronic evidence exhibits to specialists, however, is this going to help or hinder the course of Justice? I can see both sides of the argument – increased costs and logistical issues vs. security and control over who gains access to the contraband. Then again, quis custodiet custodes ipsos? Personally, I’m in favour of more stringent requirements to limit the specialists working in this field to those with demonstrable depth to their experience and certifiable expertise.

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