§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 24 February 2003, ref 97541, how many(a) network and (b) forensic investigators he estimates will be trained in (i) the current year and (ii) each of the next three years.[100257]
§ Mr. DenhamAssessing the training requirements for existing and new staff in network and forensic investigation is a matter for individual chief officers. This information is not aggregated centrally.
The National Specialist Law Enforcement Centre for National High Tech Crime Training Centre (part of Centrex) was created to ensure that police staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to meet the challenges set by criminals who use technology in their criminal endeavours. Its course include the development of network investigation and computer forensics skills. Forces may also receive local training, from other providers.
1228WIn addition to the ongoing support for high tech crime, in December 2002 the Home Office provided a one-off payment of £500,000 to the Association of Chief Police Officers to support operations to combat child abuse on the internet. This money has been used in part to provide relevant hardware and software, and also to train 86 individuals within forces in basic forensic analysis this financial year.