Launceston-based Detective Sergeant Paul Turner has today been awarded the Tasmania Police Investigator of the Year award, highlighting his nation-leading work in online threats and cybercrime.

Since commencing his lead role in 2020, Detective Sergeant Turner has been developing the cybercrime capability of Tasmania Police to respond to complex and evolving cyber threats.

The Tasmania Police Cyber Investigations Unit covers cyber-dependent, and cyber-enabled, incidents of crime. This includes online scams and fraud, identity theft, cyber abuse and device intrusions, and distribution of ransomware.

Detective Sergeant Turner said the impact of cybercrime on Tasmanians was wide-ranging, often involving complex national and international criminal networks.

“Any person connected to the internet is vulnerable to cybercrime. All ages and demographics,” Detective Sergeant Turner said.

“The scammers are very good at selecting their targets. Older people for investment scams, lonely people for romance scams, and so on.

“We have identified a significant number of people with disabilities falling victim to scams so it is important that, as a community, we assist each other, ask questions if you suspect something is not right, and contact police if you need assistance.

“The impact of cybercrime is broad. We investigate matters reported by individuals, business and large corporations. Our primary focus is the prevention, disruption and recovery for the victim.”

In congratulating Detective Sergeant Turner, Tasmania Police Assistant Commissioner Robert Blackwood acknowledged the “outstanding impact” detectives in the Cyber Investigations Unit have had in protecting Tasmanians from online harm.

“As head of cyber investigations, Paul has led complex operations that disrupted organised networks preying on vulnerable Tasmanians,” Assistant Commissioner Blackwood said.

“He has coordinated cross-jurisdictional tasking across Australia and overseas, and helped recover significant funds and prevented further loss to victims.

“Importantly, Paul continues to build capability across Tasmania Police. He mentors investigators, strengthening our Cyber Investigations Unit and sharing expertise with colleagues nationally.”

A 36-year-veteran of Tasmania Police, Detective Sergeant Turner said one of his priorities was building a safer digital future for the state’s young people.

In partnership with the Australian Federal Police and the Department of Premier and Cabinet, he has co-developed a cyber awareness program for school students which promotes ethical online behaviour and digital safety.

“Young people, by virtue of the increasing time spent online, are at high risk of falling victim to cybercrime,” Detective Sergeant Turner said.

“Exhibiting safe practices online is important for young people and this should be supervised and monitored by parents and guardians.

“Young people are falling victim to scams and fraud, cyber bullying and harassment, online grooming and sexual exploitation. They are becoming involved in hacking and denial-or-service attacks, and exposure to misinformation and online influence.

“All these issues can lead to addiction and cause mental health problems in young people.”

If you feel you are a victim of online crime, or wish to report something suspicious, ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au) is the Australian government’s online Cybercrime reporting tool for individuals, businesses and government.

Tips on cyber safety

• Cyber threats evolve. Keep up to date through trusted sources such as Australian Cyber Security Centre (cyber.gov.au) and Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au)
• Beware of scams and learn how to identify them.
• Use strong unique passwords and change across platforms. Don’t use the same one
• Enable multi-factor authentication to protect your data and finances and keep your devices up to date with the latest software