This month saw the much-anticipated annual Government Agency Intelligence Network (GAIN) conference at Leicestershire Police Headquarters.
The oversubscribed event had over 110 law enforcement delegates from police forces and partner agencies across England, Wales and even a guest US Embassy official!
The full day involved informative presentations from the Home Office Immigration Enforcement, Casework & Intelligence Team, an insight into Clear Hold & Build new Home Office SoC initiative and an introduction to the good work National Investigative Service (NATIS) have been doing around the multi-million pound Bounce Back loan frauds. All three inputs stressed the importance of the GAIN network and whole system approach too enhance its intelligence picture.
To spice things up two ‘speed dating’ networking sessions were introduced to create an informal networking activity giving delegates the chance to find more about the core responsibilities of many of the GAIN partners.
“I really couldn’t think of a better format for getting the word out about how I can use my position as the CBP UK Police Liaison Officer to assist UK law enforcement with their investigations. I had a couple of forces ask for my help on some of their jobs, so that was really encouraging to hear.” (Daniel Mendat, UK Police Liaison Officer, US Customs & Border)
“It’s the first GAIN networking event I (Environment Agency) have been to, and I found it very useful. Not only to meet the GAIN coordinators but talking to different partners at the event. I’ve already put crime officers in contact with partners such as a ROCU disruption teams, and contacted DVSA intel team and Trading Standards national team to discuss how we can work closer together.” (Kev Knight, Head of JUWC, EA)
