I am one of five researchers from the UK, US, and Canada undertaking a new research project surveying investigators who use image-based evidence as part of their criminal investigation work (User Survey) AND also subject matter experts. If you are a LEVA CFVT or CFVA, you would qualify for the Subject Matter Expert Survey. It would be very helpful for as many people as possible to participate in this survey.

Access to the surveys begins on October 1, 2024. You are welcome to share information about this survey to other users or subject matter experts.

Some further information about the survey:

You are receiving this invitation to complete the survey ‘Using Image-Based Evidence in Criminal Investigations and Prosecutions’ to assist in multinational research into the use of image-based evidence and the challenges this kind of evidence may present in practice. The project includes researchers from the University of South Wales (UK), the University of Leicester (UK), Mount Royal University (Canada), and the University of South Carolina (US). There are two separate surveys, but we ask that you only complete the one that is applicable to you and your professional role. 

The User Survey is aimed at police investigators who use image-based evidence in their investigations. We are seeking to better understand the role that image-based evidence plays in criminal investigations. We are also interested in assessing the level of knowledge that exists among investigators about protocols and procedures for the use of such evidence, as well as opinions about challenges and emerging concerns with image-based evidence. 

The Subject Matter Expert Survey is aimed at experts (technicians or analysts) who work with image-based evidence that has been gathered as part of a criminal investigation, irrespective of whether the work is being done at the request of the police, the prosecution, or the defence. We are seeking to better understand the level of knowledge that exists among subject matter experts about protocols and procedures for the acquisition, evaluation, and use of such evidence, as well as opinions about challenges and emerging concerns with image-based evidence.

Please select the survey that applies to your current professional role. If your role includes aspects of both conducting investigations and expert analysis, please select the dominant role that you have been trained for and fill out the applicable survey.

We estimate that the survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete, and you may find the survey easier to navigate on a computer than a mobile phone. All responses are anonymous. We appreciate the valuable time that you would be giving up to assist us and your participation would be gratefully appreciated.  

We would be grateful if you could complete the ONE survey that applies to you in the next week if possible. The final closing date is November 15, 2024. Below, you will find a link to each survey. 

We would be grateful if you could also forward this email to anyone within or outside of your organisation who might have the relevant knowledge or expertise to complete one of the surveys. 

Thank you for your time and assistance.  

User Survey 

https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/southwales/using-ibe-in-criminal-investigations-users

Subject Matter Expert Survey

https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/southwales/using-ibe-in-criminal-investigations-experts