Nanaimo RCMP are poised to add two investigative specialists to help clear the backlog of data collected during child porn investigations. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

DATA OVERLOAD

New specialist positions at Nanaimo RCMP focusing on child porn investigations

Dec 14, 2020 | 5:13 PM

NANAIMO — Two positions at the local RCMP detachment are being looked at to help process the immense volume of information collected during major crime and child porn investigations.

A digital forensic technician and major case file specialist would work in concert to help officers during investigations and process evidence for Crown Counsel.

Acting supt. Lisa Fletcher said told councillors during a December finance and audit committee meeting the detachment is lagging behind due to a lack of resources in a very specialized field.

“Right now we have a backlog of 100 devices [collected from child porn investigations], we don’t know the capacity that’s within those devices. If we send it out for analysis through independent, private agencies…it’s on average $6,000 a device.”

The digital forensic technician is be responsible for collecting data from devices seized and making the information available for investigators. Data is then handed to the major case file specialist to format and organize it for Crown Counsel’s consideration.

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Both positions require a specific skill set, according to Fletcher, who said previous attempts to download the work to other officers without the extensive, necessary training did not work.

“They were literally in tears or anger over the frustration, pressure and the responsibility they felt to get this file developed…they were overwhelmed with the stress of knowing they had individuals they could charge but they couldn’t get it into the court.”

Fletcher said the detachment added a major case file specialist from Surrey RCMP in 2019. The officer, using their education background and training, transformed how the detachment processed the large volume of information it collects from these cases.

The two positions, accounting for a 0.18 per cent tax increase in 2021, were unanimously supported at a meeting in early December and are awaiting final council approval.

“We have a moral obligation to support these positions,” coun. Ben Geselbracht told council. “Nanaimo has one of the higher rates of child poverty [compared to other cities] and it does leave children vulnerable to this type of predation, it’s horrific.”

If approved, RCMP would post the positions early in the new year with the goal of having officers working in Nanaimo by the summer.

alex.rawnsley@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley