KOCHI: It is a police job sans khaki and stars. The Kerala police are mooting a corps of freelance cyber personnel to crack complex online crimes with a view to bridging acute shortage of talent in uniform.

"These 'honorary policemen' comprising civilians with high-end IT skills will form a technical advisory team. Apart from assisting us, they will monitor the web for frauds, child pornography and help in the development of new software," said SP, telecommunications, J Jayanath.

The police will allow aspirants to express interest through its FB page, Netizen Police. Or mail at spintsec@gmail.com or a text to 9497996927.

"A panel will analyse each application and do a background check. Only those who clear the parameters will be allowed to serve us. There won't be any remuneration. They can work on their personal computer," Jayanath said.

Many IT experts have offered their service given the increasing number of cyber cases. "The the initiative stems from their interest. They will be part of the 'Hi-tech Public Private Partnership Centre for Cyber Security and Innovations' coming up at the Technopark," Jayanath said.

The centre will work with cyber police stations and cells and develop solutions to online puzzles that police face daily. The move has received many likes from the community. "This is a great initiative. Talented youth will get a chance to crack cybercrimes," said Binosh Alex Bruce, ethical hacker and a cyber-forensic investigator. But cybercrime investigator Pathathil Dhanya Menon has a word of caution too. "Conditions for becoming honorary cops must be stringent but attractive enough for freelancers," she said.