Trends In Law Enforcement

The prevailing presence and growth of the computer industry has rapidly escalated the threat of digital crimes orchestrated by terrorists and common criminals. "The emergence of computer technologies and the growing threats created by digital criminals and terrorists have worked to produce a wide array of challenges for law enforcement officials charged with protecting individuals, private businesses, and governments from these threats"(Digital Crime). Due to the size and complexity of this evolving and growing threat, the federal government and agencies have led the effort to target and deter all computer crimes. Collectively they commit the very best technical expertise combined with political leverage which provides lucrative financial

Which has led to local, state, and county agencies to develop and implement cybercrime task forces, despite lacking adequate training, knowledge, or equipment. Law enforcement agencies everywhere continually struggle to find qualified officers to staff the ranks of their department due to budget shortfalls. The financial strain and public perception of adding additional people to a small department can be very difficult to justify. However, federal agencies mentorship and potential grants may help with by: increasing resources and provide appropriate technology required to effectively mitigate computer crimes. There are four specific needs that greatly enhances police efforts and effectiveness pertaining toward computer crimes: equipment, training, federal mentorship (I.E. expertise and equipment), update criminal codes that match current law enforcement efforts. Training at all levels is of the upmost importance, and is many times very challenging to acquire at smaller departments. The lack of proper training has catastrophic consequences that ultimately can ruin the ability to prosecute a case. The focus of any case is the preservation of evidence and chain of custody, any mishandling of evidence destroy any chances of effectively