Connecting Global Insight to Local Action
The NRCN International Project Delivery Group (PDG) collaborates with global partners to share research, intelligence, and effective practices aimed at addressing rural crimes that cross international borders.
About The Group
Rural crime is not confined by geography. Issues such as equipment theft and trafficking require coordinated international responses. The International PDG ensures the UK remains at the forefront of rural safety through global cooperation and innovation.
Objectives
Strengthen international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Analyse cross border crime trends and prevention approaches.
Develop joint solutions with policing agencies, NGOs, and research partners.
Current Priorities (2025–2028)
Our PDGs are our operational core strategies for 2025–2028, ensuring that our work is
focused, collaborative, and aligned with our strategic goals.
Global Rural Threat Insights Programme
A continuous information sharing effort connecting police forces and research bodies worldwide. It monitors changes in theft methods, trafficking routes, and emerging rural cybercrime, providing practical guidance for UK agencies and communities.
International Best Practice Library
A curated repository of proven interventions, case studies, and comparative research from international partners, enabling practitioners to quickly identify and apply effective solutions.
Project Group Lead
Jo Coles
Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire & Crime, York and North Yorkshire
Jo Coles was appointed Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire & Crime for York and North Yorkshire in July 2024 and has served on the NRCN Board since the same year. Her priorities include tackling domestic abuse, reducing violence against women and girls, strengthening public confidence in policing, and improving budget efficiency to support prevention and early‑intervention initiatives.
Born in North Yorkshire and raised in York, Jo studied at the University of Warwick before spending several years in Paris, where she became a fluent French speaker. She has worked across the private and voluntary sectors, with experience in the crime and justice system and youth provision, and has advised senior political leaders in both government and opposition.
Get Involved
We welcome international law enforcement bodies, NGOs, and academic institutions seeking shared learning and collaboration.