§ Michael FabricantTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the availability of forensic computing skills in law enforcement. [176694]
§ Ms BlearsEach police force in England and Wales has a minimum of one data recovery officer and one network investigating officer. In addition the National Hi-Tech Centre have their own data recovery unit, with approximately 56 officers. The National Technical Assistance Centre (NTAC) provide specialist technical support to the UK law enforcement community in respect of encrypted data.
Her Majesty's Customs and Excise maintain two units, one for investigations and the Computer Audit Unit for VAT investigations.
A number of other agencies including, Inland Revenue, Ministry of Defence, Royal Mail PID, Royal Air Force, British Transport Police, the Forensic Science Service (FSS) and Trading Standards have their own capabilities.