A team of experts who volunteer their time to help tackle cybercrime have been praised for their hard work and dedication by the Force's leading figures.
Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness and Northumbria Police’s Chief Constable Winton Keenen dropped in to meet the people who make up the Force’s new cyber volunteer team this week.
Made up of recent graduates, professionals and retirees, the team was recruited over a year ago as part of a plan to bring industry experts and specialists into the Force to help with complex and lengthy cyber investigations.
Their roles are varied and change week to week but they often help test companies’ cyber security and apply their knowledge to assist with ongoing investigations.
Commissioner Kim McGuinness said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to come and spend time with the cyber volunteers and learn more about the fantastic work they do for the Force.
"Cybercrime is growing nationally and we need to make sure we utilise all the skills and expertise we can to help us tackle the problem head on.
“Having professionals who know what they are doing working alongside trained officers and detective is fantastic to see.”
Chief Constable Keenen said: “We are incredibly lucky to have recruited such expertise into the Force. It has been an absolute privilege to meet our cyber volunteers and see their specialist skills and knowledge being put to use.
“Just seeing the results this small team can bring is fantastic and it’s definitely a huge benefit to us. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your hard work, your passion and for choosing to share your skills with us.
Chief Constable Keenen and Commissioner Kim McGuinness visited the volunteers in person at Byker station on Saturday, August 17.
