Communications data investigation

Providing core skills in data communication investigation.

Aim

To provide core skills in data communication investigation to agreed Industry and Home Office accreditation standards.

After attending this course, the participant will:

understand and be able to put into practice the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 to facilitate the lawful acquisition of communications data (CD)
have knowledge of all types of CD available from postal, communication and internet service providers, including data retention policies
be accredited to have the authorisation to use an online system to obtain data from providers
be able to advise SIOs and applicants of the best use of CD during the course of crime investigations, and have a full understanding of the specialist services that are available
ensure that protection of covert methodology is maintained, and understand how to deal with this in an evidential arena
understand how to trace IP addresses and resolve them
understand all communications data and how it can assist an investigation

Prerequisites	Delegates will be or expected to be in a role that requires acquisition of communications data (CD) regulated by the Investigatory Powers Act 2016. Investigative experience to PIP (professionalising the investigative process) level 1 or above would be an advantage but is not a prerequisite. Students should have an understanding of telephony and be using computers on a regular basis and will have knowledge of applications such as Microsoft Office and internet services such as the web and email. An understanding of the following legislation would also be of assistance: Human Rights Act General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Data Protection Act 2018 Freedom of Information Act Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act (CPIA)
Practitioner group	Officers and staff from the law enforcement and wider public authorities who need to lawfully acquire and use communications data in criminal investigations, both historically and during live crime action scenarios.
Accreditation	Yes Accreditation notes: Students attending this course will be continually assessed, and will also undertake a skills and knowledge assessment on the final day of the course. Accreditation will only be awarded to students who successfully complete the course.
Course contact	Booking deliveryadmin@college.police.uk

Additional information

Trainers will be employed by the College of Policing, and will all be Home Office SPoC accredited officers or industry experts.