Sugden announces funding boost for PSNI’s fight against cyber crime
Date published:
Justice Minister Claire Sugden today announced additional funding to enhance PSNI’s ability to tackle cybercrime.
PSNI plans to use £167k of funding to introduce two purpose-built mobile cyber labs. Important evidence is increasingly held on computers and digital media devices and this development will allow officers and technical staff to capture evidence ‘at the scene’.
Claire Sugden said: “I am delighted that my Department has been able to identify funding to support PSNI’s efforts in this area.
“It is estimated more than 50% of all crimes committed nowadays utilise the cyber environment to some degree. My recent visit to the PSNI Cyber Crime Centre brought home just how prevalent the use of technology is in crime today and the need for law enforcement to constantly develop its response.
“Tackling cybercrime is a priority for the PSNI, which has established a dedicated Cyber Crime Centre. The introduction of these mobile labs will both improve the capacity and capability of officers to respond to these sorts of crime.”
Detective Chief Inspector Douglas Grant, Head of PSNI’s Cyber Crime Centre, said: “We are continually seeking improvements in our investigative capabilities in this emerging crime area and the development of these mobile labs, funded by the Department of Justice, will enable the PSNI to Keep People Safe online throughout Northern Ireland.”
Notes to editors:
- All media enquires should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office 028 9052 6139. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974383 and your call will be returned.
- DOJ allocated PSNI an additional £142k funding for the mobile cyber labs. The remaining £25k cost was met from within PSNI’s existing budget.