An ‘Enlightenment Phase’: Police Perspectives on the Contemporary Challenges of Digital Evidence and Digital Forensic Investigations

Digital evidence (DE) continues to evolve alongside rapid technological innovation, including the increasing integration of AI-generated media, algorithmic tools, and digital forensic technologies used to identify, extract, and analyse digital artefacts in criminal investigations. Yet, limited work has examined how frontline police officers interpret and operationalise digital forensic outputs, particularly in the context of emerging forms of AI-mediated evidence. We investigated the perceptions of 13 police officers in England and Wales regarding the evolving role of DE and digital forensic investigations, and the implications for policing practice. Reflexive thematic analysis identified four themes: (i) AI and the evolving landscape of digital forensic investigations; (ii) digital systems and the infrastructure of investigations; (iii) human judgement and trust in the interpretation of DE; and (iv) building digital expertise in modern investigations. Participants described a marked rise in highly realistic AI-generated imagery, which complicates evidence categorisation and proportionality assessments. This also reshapes investigative decision-making while necessitating adaptations in investigative interviewing, particularly around disclosure sequencing and evidential challenge. Findings suggest that understanding of AI and algorithmic systems among some frontline officers remains underdeveloped, raising concerns about the interpretation of outputs. By foregrounding practitioner perspectives, this study contributes a human-centric understanding of digital forensic practice, while offering insights into the future development of investigative approaches in response to emerging technologies and evolving threats.