§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many police officers are trained to handle digital evidence; [178503]
(2) how many police officers are (a) serving with computer crime units and (b) have higher level forensic skills. [178504]
§ Caroline FlintThe allocation of officers to computer crime units and the training of officers in these and other units in forensic investigation skills is a matter for individual chief officers. There are no centrally aggregated figures of these resources.
However, every police force in England and Wales has expertise in the recovery and analysis of forensic evidence. These skills are utilised in a variety of investigations. With regards to training officers who are not part of specialist units, there is a module included in the probationary training for all new police officers covering the internet and new technology. Centrex are also developing an online training package for existing officers.
1168WThis month the Home Office has produced tactical guidance for managers of computer crime units within forces, which includes advice on running these units and practical guidance on procedures and tools for forensic analysis.