Understanding the Child Abuse Image Database (CAID) & Grading

The Child Abuse Image Database

In cases involving illegal images, law enforcement agencies in the UK rely on their own Child Abuse Image Database (CAID) to identify and assess the severity of the images. This database is compiled from records of illegal images collected worldwide, with the UK CAID reportedly containing over 1 million images as of 2014. Additionally, the Internet Watch Foundation maintains its own international database of illegal material.

Identifying Indecent Images of Children

To identify illegal images during an automated scan of a suspect's hard drive, police technology compares the hash value or digital signature of the image being examined with the hash values of known illegal content stored in the CAID database. This technology is similar to what many social media companies use to block or identify illegal content on the internet.
 

Grading Indecent Images of Children

Grading is a crucial step in the investigative process. When an illegal image is identified in the CAID, it receives a provisional grading. This grading is determined through a review conducted by examiners from three different police forces. The purpose of this approach is to minimize the need for multiple experts and investigators to repeatedly review distressing material.

How the Child Abuse Image Database Is Used In Court

In the case of R v Pinkerton the Court of Appeal cautioned Prosecutors and police against presenting their own analysis of images to the Court. Instead, they were directed to rely on detailed descriptions available on the Child Abuse Image database. With the existence of the database, judges were deemed unnecessary to personally view materials in these cases unless under exceptional circumstances.

Challenging Incorrect Grading Decisions

The Child Abuse Image Database categorisation is far from fool-proof. In fact, in our experience at BSQ, grading errors are not uncommon. There are many instances where images on the CAID have been found to be inaccurately graded. We have successfully challenged the grading assessments made by police forensic examiners in many cases. See the case of J for example in our FAQ: Case Studies.  

How BSQ Can Help

The law and procedures in indecent images cases is far from straightforward. Most of our clients - who are mainly working professionals but can be drawn from every walk of life - find themselves in a situation they never imagined. Seeking guidance and legal advice from an experienced professional who specializes in indecent images cases becomes critical.

At BSQ, we provide an initial post-police interview consultation to our clients. During this consultation, we outline the following:

• What to expect in the upcoming legal process.

• Potential defences and alternatives to prosecution.

• Worst-case scenarios and possible outcomes.
  

Our goal is to ensure that our clients have a clear understanding of their situation and the legal options available to them.

If you are worried about your partner or a close friend or family member who has recently been arrested in an indecent images investigation, we would be happy to speak to you. As long as certain rules are complied with, we are permitted to taking instructions from third parties. 

You can find more information about our indecent images solicitors defence services, see our practice page.

 If you are accused of an indecent images offence and require legal representation, please contact our London offices on 020 3858 0851.