A POLICE officer who’s played a leading role in enhancing digital forensics has been named in the King’s New Years Honour list.
Sergeant John Price has been bestowed a King’s Police Medal (KPM) for his work to introduce technology to catch criminals and keep the public safe.
John joined West Midlands Police over 20 years ago and has worked in neighbourhood policing, CID and the counter-terrorism unit before moving into digital forensics in 2016.
He has since helped improve ways of working to assist not only policing – but other law enforcement agencies.
His dedication and skills have been acknowledged by receiving the KPM in the New Year Honours List.
He said: “It was a huge surprise to be told about the award but I’m extremely honoured. “It’s a privilege to be part of the forensics unit and everything we do is very much a team effort.”
During his time in forensics John has helped develop the role of Digital Crime Scene Manager to provide on-the-spot digital advice to officers investigating serious crimes and ensure potential evidence is gathered at the earliest opportunity.
This has included the introduction of Digital Scene Triage – ‘digivans’ – which provide officers, investigators and forensic staff with faster and easier access to tools and technology to allow them to examine digital devices at any location.
John has also used his knowledge to introduce a better way of processing digital data and ensuring it’s stored safely, and cost effectively, to assist ongoing investigations across a wide variety of cases.
This has proven best practice and been recognised at industry awards with requests for the expertise to be shared internationally.
John has also supported work at the heart of developing an approach to tackle cyber crime – particularly preventing the exploitation of children and vulnerable people.
This has received Home Office backing for roll out across UK policing.
Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “This recognition for John is very much deserved and acknowledges his outstanding contribution to not only West Midlands Police, but UK and international law enforcement agencies.
“His professionalism in showcasing the important work West Midlands Police Digital Forensics have been undertaking for victims of crime is inspiring.”
