JOURNAL ARTICLE

The health, safety, wellbeing and discrimination: Is there a place for young people to work in digital forensics?

  • Published In: Occupational Psychology Outlook, 2024, v. 3, n. 1. P. 44 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Tehrani, Noreen 3 of 3

Abstract

This article examines whether young people aged 18 to 25 should be employed as digital forensic investigators (DFIs), a role involving exposure to distressing material related to serious crimes such as child abuse and terrorism. It reviews neurobiological development and psychological surveillance data from UK police forces, finding no significant difference in mental health risks between younger DFIs and their older colleagues. The study highlights the importance of organizational duty of care, recommending trauma-informed support, psychological surveillance, and reasonable workplace adjustments to protect all DFIs’ wellbeing. It concludes that excluding individuals under 25 from DFI apprenticeships could be discriminatory under the Equality Act, and with appropriate safeguards, young people can successfully and safely enter this profession.

Additional Information

  • Source:Occupational Psychology Outlook. 2024/01, Vol. 3, Issue 1, p44
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Computer Science
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:2976-8780
  • DOI:10.53841/bpsopo.2024.3.1.44
  • Accession Number:178268984
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