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Technology Crime Investigation and Response Cadre (TCIRC) (previously known as Technology Crime Initial Response Cadre) of the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) held the 20th Anniversary cum Inauguration Ceremony at the Police Sports and Recreation Club on July 23. The ceremony was officiated by Assistant Commissioner (Crime) (ACP (Crime)) Yip Wan-lung.
The Technology Crime Initial Response Cadre (TCIRC) was established in 2001 to enhance the Force’s capability to combat technology crime. When it was first established, approximately 80 officers from various police districts volunteered to take up secondary duties as TCIRC members. After receiving professional training and passing stringent assessments, the TCIRC members were then deployed to assist frontline officers to handle technology crime scenes and preserve digital evidence.
Apart from handling daily technology crime cases, TCIRC also provided assistance in large-scale operations, including the 2008 Olympic Equestrian Events, Operation SOLARPEAK in 2014 and Operation TIDERIDER recently. Their tremendous support enabled investigators to secure sufficient evidence to arrest and prosecute offenders.
On the 20th anniversary of its establishment, TCIRC started a new round of recruitment exercise, which utilised technology, such as the use of an electronic examination system and remote interviews, to enhance the efficiency in the recruitment process with digitalisation. A record number of over 200 officers applied for this round of recruitment, of which 187 officers passed the selection process and were selected to participate in a five-day training course.
At the ceremony, ACP (Crime) thanked all TCIRC members for overcoming challenges with the Force over the past 20 years, and encouraged them to continue to serve the Force with dedication. Chief Superintendent of CSTCB cum Officer-in-charge of TCIRC Dr Law Yuet-wing stated that the functions of TCIRC have been expanding. In addition to handling technology crime scenes and providing technical advice to OC case, TCIRC members also need to conduct digital forensic examination on mobile devices and provide technology crime-related training to Force members. This fully demonstrates the professionalism of TCIRC and the diversity of its duties. In view of this, the team has been renamed as the Technology Crime Investigation and Response Cadre.
A total of 90 new members, who had completed the training and assessment, received certificates of appointment from ACP (Crime) at the ceremony. The remaining 97 members will receive training in August and November. By then, TCIRC will be expanded to 300 officers so as to embrace the use of technology for policing in the digital age.
