Quick device return?

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NAI7187

Member since
April 2026

8 posts

Hey guys,

Just wondered if anyone else has been through this because I'm finding it quite strange.



Day of arrest was 31/3/26, all devices seized and taken to forensics.

Head officer tells me it could take 9-12 months and some for devices to come back. My ex is the person being allegated for potential possession of IIOC. Ex messages me today to tell me they have handed over all the devices back (including two of mine) but kept one of his old phones.

Can it be normal for devices to take a few weeks rather than months?

Also, If this is true what didn't police update me? Considering we share an 19 week old son together, it would be nice to of been updated on the ins and outs.

Posted Sun April 26, 2026 9:29pmReport post

Ocean

Member since
September 2023

1114 posts

My persons work phone was returned immediately on the day of his arrest, his laptop within a few weeks and his personal phone a few months later.

Posted Sun April 26, 2026 10:35pmReport post

edel2020

Member since
March 2022

725 posts

It is possible to triage devices fairly quickly and if there are no images found then they could be returned. Every force operates differently so it is a postcode lottery.

Posted Mon April 27, 2026 11:09amReport post

Sunshine&Rainbows

Member since
July 2025

233 posts

It really can vary place to place. I know his phone arrived really quickly to the forensic unit bevause SS told me they had recieved it. SS then made it sound like they were continuously trying to break his phone from then until the police said they had received the data 6 moths later to his solicitor. I had zero update from police the entire process. They searched our laptop there and then when the knock happened as I was using it for a course I was doing with my mental health team. So they can do it really quickly when they need to.

They will send any clean devices back which will vary time wise area to area.

Posted Mon April 27, 2026 4:03pmReport post


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