Police bring in digital forensic experts after “significant” data loss including body-cam footage

SOUTH Yorkshire Police has referred itself to the Information Commissioner's Office for a “significant and unexplained” reduction in data stored on systems across a near three-year period.

Digital forensic experts are working to recover data of body-worn video footage recorded between July 2020 and May 2023, said the force.

Data includes footage filmed by officers attending an incident or engaging with the public and can be used in evidence in criminal and civil proceedings, said a spokesperson, with up to 69 cases are potentially affected.

The force said it was “working closely” with victims and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Assistant Chief Constable Rick Alton (pictured) said he was “deeply sorry” and a team was working “around the clock” to manually check each case.

“We’ve brought in digital forensics specialists to explore how this data loss occurred and to establish if the data can be recovered," he said.

“Whilst we remain hopeful, there are no guarantees, so it’s important the victims and the wider public are informed.”

The spokesperson said an update would be provided after further work has been undertaken.