A recent graduate from Staffordshire University, Ayodele Oduola, has made waves in the law enforcement sector with the development of an innovative mobile application designed to improve the way police handle digital devices during investigations. Oduola’s app is already being used by over 800 officers within the Staffordshire Police, marking a significant step forward in digital forensics.
Oduola, who earned a Master’s degree in Software Engineering with distinction, was named the Best Graduating Student in 2024. The app, which was developed as part of his MSc project, is aimed at reducing delays and minimizing errors in the collection of digital evidence, a critical aspect of modern criminal investigations.
The mobile application, built using Flutter, provides real-time guidance for officers and staff on how to safely and efficiently process electronic devices found at crime scenes. Its main goal is to ensure that devices such as phones, tablets, and computers are handled properly, preserving digital evidence that could be crucial for solving cases. The app is designed to streamline processes that were previously time-consuming and prone to errors.
One of the app’s standout features is its cross-platform compatibility, meaning it can be used across different types of mobile devices. This flexibility ensures that it can be accessed by officers, regardless of the type of smartphone or tablet they use. Additionally, the app includes automatic device detection using IMEI numbers, which helps officers identify the specific device they are working with and ensure that no evidence is overlooked.
The app also comes equipped with tools to uncover hidden apps and media, which is particularly valuable in cases where offenders attempt to conceal evidence on their devices. It even has the ability to identify AI-generated content, a growing area of concern in digital forensics. To further assist law enforcement, the app includes a cyber glossary, making technical terms and digital forensics concepts accessible to non-technical users.
This intuitive design and the practical features have received widespread praise from the Staffordshire Police force. The app has already been tested and successfully deployed in the field, and officers have commended its user-friendly interface and smooth performance.
Oduola’s journey in developing the app began with his desire to tackle the inefficiencies and errors often associated with digital evidence processing. During his studies at Staffordshire University, he noticed the struggles faced by law enforcement officers in handling electronic devices—an area that has grown in importance as crime increasingly moves into the digital world.
“Digital evidence is now a critical part of almost every investigation, from cybercrime to drug trafficking, and even terrorism. However, officers often lack the tools to properly handle devices without compromising the evidence. My goal with this app was to bridge that gap,” Oduola explained.
Oduola was responsible for every aspect of the app’s development. As the sole developer, he led the complete rebuild of the software, replacing outdated workflows with a more efficient, user-centered system. His approach to the app’s design focused on scalability, security, and usability, ensuring that it could evolve to meet future demands.
The app also addresses some of the common frustrations in digital forensics, including excessive paperwork and time-consuming manual checks. With this app, officers can focus more on critical tasks, like solving cases, and less on the time-intensive process of digital evidence documentation.
The app’s development was supported by the Staffordshire Forensic Partnership, an organization that works to improve forensic services across the region. Following a quarterly programme board meeting, the partnership praised Oduola’s innovation in a LinkedIn post. The post highlighted the app’s potential to assist both front-line staff and offender management teams in navigating the increasingly complex digital world.
Chris Noble, from the Staffordshire Forensic Partnership, described Oduola’s work as groundbreaking, particularly his efforts to develop the app post-graduation. The partnership also noted that the app’s success has led to positive feedback from both law enforcement personnel and departmental teams.
The app was demonstrated at a recent meeting, where Oduola was invited to present his work. The positive reception suggests that the app may soon be expanded beyond Staffordshire Police to other law enforcement agencies, potentially transforming how police forces handle digital evidence nationwide.
The app’s success in Staffordshire Police has led to talks of further development and wider implementation within the police force. The app is currently under review, with hopes that it will be rolled out more broadly across UK law enforcement. The app’s potential to reduce errors, save time, and improve the handling of digital evidence has made it a promising tool for police officers, not just in the UK but in other countries facing similar challenges.
Oduola’s achievement has also been recognized by his supervisor, Professor Elhadj Benkhelifa, who described him as a “future leader” in the field of software engineering. Benkhelifa commended Oduola for his practical approach to problem-solving and his ability to innovate within the field of digital technology. Oduola’s work is a shining example of how technology can be used to solve real-world problems and improve public safety.
In a statement, Oduola said that his next goal is to continue developing software that can aid law enforcement agencies in combating the growing threat of digital crime. “The digital world is constantly evolving, and so are the methods criminals use to exploit it. My mission is to ensure that law enforcement has the tools to stay ahead,” he said.
Oduola’s app represents a significant leap forward in the way law enforcement agencies handle digital evidence. As crime continues to shift into the digital realm, the importance of digital forensics will only grow. Oduola’s innovative solution is not only a technical achievement but a vital resource for police officers working to keep their communities safe.
