New insights on the wellbeing of digital forensic investigators (DFIs) are in the pipeline, following a multi-agency event in Munich that the FCN participated in. 

The CYCLOPES project is EU funded and aims to connect European law enforcement agencies and officers working to tackle cybercrime. 

The workshop, which was hosted by German IT and security organisation ZITiS, brought together practitioners to discuss how to support those operating in some of the most challenging and emotionally demanding roles in law enforcement.

In attendance were law enforcement practitioners, mental health professionals, and researchers who shared insights, experiences, and practical recommendations. The FCN's Jo Morrissey presented on work completed in England and Wales, and updated on a DF wellbeing survey which is currently being evaluated. 

"DFIs face ongoing exposure to traumatic content, high operational pressures, and often work within organisational settings where structured wellbeing support is limited or inconsistent. This workshop provided a collaborative space to confront these realities and explore actionable solutions," according to an updated by CYCLOPES.

A full report with recommendations will be published soon by CYCLOPES, but key insights from the discussion can be shared in the meantime.

The workshop highlighted the fact that cultural barriers still persist, with a stigma around seeking help, plus a lingering ‘macho’ culture, discouraging some people from seeking support.

Also, the group agreed that organisational frameworks require strengthening: current approaches to screen breaks, exposure limits, and return-to-work support remain fragmented and undefined. "Wellbeing must be built in, not bolted on, through mandatory rest periods, dedicated wellbeing time, and structured support programmes," according to the CYCLOPES article. Similarly, leadership plays a pivotal role, with line managers requiring better training to recognise early signs of distress and instigate an open dialogue.

And finally, the group considered opportunities presented by technology to reduce harm to DFIs, for example, through innovations such as blurred viewing interfaces, trauma exposure trackers, and AI-assisted triage.

For more on wellbeing, visit our workforce webpage.