§ The Earl of Northeskasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many of the available posts within the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit have been filled; and whether they consider that recruitment to, and funding of, the unit are adequate. [HL121]
§ Lord RookerThe National Hi-Tech Crime Unit, within the National Crime Squad, is seeking to fill up to 43 posts by the end of summer 2001. Individuals have been recruited already to fill 26 of those posts and most of those staff are now in post. Selection interviews are taking place in the first two weeks of July to fill up to another 13 posts, with recruitment of staff to fill outstanding posts beginning shortly afterwards. Contrary to recent media reports the unit is not having difficulty recruiting staff.
The Government have made £8 million available to the police this year, £9 million next year and £8 million in 2003–04 to initiate the implementation of a National Hi-Tech Crime Strategy. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has determined how that funding should be allocated between the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit and computer crime units in local police forces. The Government will, with ACPO, be reviewing future funding for the Hi-Tech Crime Strategy to ensure effective policing of hi-tech crime.