Nearly all companies now rely on smartphones as a primary source of evidence in internal investigations, according to a new global survey released Wednesday by Cellebrite, a digital intelligence solutions provider.

The report found that 97% of organizations use smartphones as a key tool in internal investigations, while 95% believe that digital evidence improves the chances of solving cases.

The study, conducted by Cellebrite, examined how organizations collect, manage, and analyze digital evidence. Responses were gathered from 1,200 professionals across 63 countries, who were surveyed on their investigation methods and the adoption of AI tools.

“Today’s investigations involve an exponential explosion of devices, data, and complexity that agencies must manage,” said David Gee, Chief Marketing Officer of Cellebrite. “Their only choice to evolve is to mobilize and leverage technology that will help them process evidence efficiently, while preserving the accuracy and ensuring the defensibility of evidence on which the justice system relies.”

Artificial intelligence is becoming a prominent tool in investigations, particularly in public safety. Sixty-five percent of respondents believe AI can help accelerate investigations. However, nearly one-third of those surveyed said internal policies at their organizations prevent the use of such tools, limiting broader adoption.

The study noted that while two-thirds of respondents cite review time as the main barrier to progressing cases, many also say AI could address this challenge.

“Two-thirds of respondents cite review time as the biggest barrier to moving cases, yet AI can solve this, with respondents agreeing one of its best features is quickly analyzing communications to identify links between people,” the report said.

Alongside these findings, the survey revealed growing concerns about the challenges of digitizing evidence. While 95% of respondents agreed digital evidence improves solvability, 94% said the complexity of this data is placing additional pressure on caseloads.

Trust and transparency remain central in law enforcement

“The relationship between the public and the police is fundamental,” said Matt Scott, a UK Police and Crime Commissioner. “As new technology is introduced, it is important that the public’s consent is sought and that appropriate safeguards are put in place to ensure that decision-making remains in the hands of officers and staff.

“Any use of AI or automation in policing should follow consultation with the public and be applied only where appropriate and where it can responsibly support productivity.”

Detective James Howe of the Columbus Police Department added that digital evidence is now a starting point for many cases:

“Digital evidence is increasingly where our investigations begin. This modern reality has us rethinking our workflows across the agency, not just in the lab. Digital evidence shapes how our cases are built from day one.”