A digital forensics training company based at Wyboston Lakes Resort, Bedfordshire is playing a major role in helping the police to solve crimes by training people to gather crucial evidence from computers and mobile devices.
Control-F trains around 600 delegates a year in techniques to extract, and then interpret, vital evidence for criminal investigations. While many of the course delegates are working with the police, some are from the armed forces, Trading Standards and private sector organisations.
As the sophistication of digital technologies and cybercrime continues to advance, Control-F helps investigators stay ahead by launching new and updated courses.
Kevin Mansell, managing director of Control- F commented: “The many ‘true-crime’ and drama series on TV have raised the profile of digital forensics as a profession. There are always new developments and challenges. An interesting one was recently highlighted in the Netflix series Adolescence which showed how the colour of an emoji can convey a specific meaning in some communications. This is typical of the subtle points we train investigators to spot.”
This type of training needs to be hands-on. Learners must physically connect devices, run specialised software tools, and understand real-time data extraction challenges – tasks that simply cannot be replicated through virtual training alone. The unpredictable nature of working with digital devices means learners need direct trainer support, which requires close supervision and immediate troubleshooting, which Mansell says is best delivered face-to-face.
“We never run groups of more than 12 students, because it’s very important to us to keep that student to trainer ratio at a level where we can support everyone in the classroom. Our courses are usually 4 and a half days residential with accommodation available onsite at the resort.”
The shift to custom-built facilities
After initially training learners at other venues, Control-F moved to Wyboston Lakes Resort, once a police training centre and familiar to law enforcement clients. In 2017, the resort proposed a contracted training space – renting rooms on a longer-term basis. This bespoke arrangement allowed Control-F to design and equip the room to suit the need of its learners.
The environment matters too. Mansell says the estate, catering and leisure facilities make a huge difference to the learner experience.
“Our learners are in a comfortable, pleasant environment. with a lot of green space and there’s a gym, golf course and spa as well. Those facilities make a difference when we’re trying to attract first-time delegates and mean that they’re more likely to return for more training in the future.”
Kevin Mansell concluded, “A good indication of the growing demand for our services and our strong partnership here is that last year we expanded further, adding a second classroom and doubling our office space. The result is that we can run more courses and have the space to continue growing the team.”
