NCJ Number
207684
Journal
Policng: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management Volume: 27 Issue: 3 Dated: 2004 Pages: 341-357
Editor(s)
Lawrence F. Travis III
Date Published
2004
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study assessed the needs of law enforcement across the State of Michigan resulting from the commission of computer and Internet-related crimes.
Abstract
Today, computer and Internet-related crimes present a significant threat to the wellbeing of individuals and businesses. Many State and local police departments have pioneered task forces to address and tackle computer-related crime. The Michigan State Police (MSP) recognized the problem and collaborated with other public sector entities within the State to address computer and Internet-related crime. In 1998, the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice (NIJ) funded a study assessing the needs of law enforcement on both a State and local level in responding to electronic crime. Building on findings from the NIJ inventory, this study analyzed the computer crime needs of agencies in Michigan and the MSP’s goals to serve their communities with a specialized computer crimes unit. In May 2001, a comprehensive survey was mailed out to the head of law enforcement agencies in the 73 counties that the Lansing Criminal Investigation Division (CID) covers in order to understand the role and function the Computer Crimes Unit (CCU) might best attempt to fulfill. Overall, the data supported the needs expressed in the NIJ inventory (i.e. public awareness, data and reporting, uniform training and certification, management assistance for task forces, updated laws, cooperation with the high-tech industry, special research and publications, management and awareness support, investigative and forensic tools, and structuring a computer crime unit. The information retrieved from the study demonstrated that continued financial assistance was merited. Tables, notes, references