NCJ Number
191848
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 65 Issue: 2 Dated: September 2001 Pages: 11-17
Editor(s)
Ellen W. Fielding
Date Published
2001
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article recommends new strategies for investigators and courts dealing with “computer” criminals as well as new techniques for supervisors of such offenders.
Abstract
The dynamics of crime has changed in the last decade with the rapid growth of computer technology, providing new tools and resources for the criminal and creating a new type of crime. These “high tech” criminals tend to have the advantage over the criminal justice system that has lagged behind in technological proficiency. Law enforcement agencies are providing training programs in order to bridge this knowledge gap. In addition, the U.S. Sentencing Commission is developing new guidelines so that these offenders are more appropriately punished. The author says the courts need to act immediately instead of waiting for a crisis to occur. He calls for creating new policies as well as developing new investigation and supervision techniques to meet the challenges posed by these offenders. The article discusses the following recommendations: hire qualified staff, improve training techniques and programs, adopt polices for search and seizure of computers, and create and fund a regional computer lab to conduct forensic examinations. References