Law Enforcement & Computer Forensics Training

Law enforcement will often work closely with computer forensic specialists to aid them in recovering evidence.

Computer forensics have been utilized by law enforcement since the first computer forensic program was created by the U.S. Federal Bureau of investigation in 1984. As the digital-age has progressed so too have those who would use the technology to their own criminal ends. Whether you are a private citizen looking to enter the world of computer forensics, or you are currently in law enforcement, understanding the role computer forensics plays in modern police work will allow you to choose the right training for your future.

Role

Computers and the Internet are the fastest growing technology used by criminals, according to Gary Kessler, an associate professor and director of the Computer and Digital Forensics Information Security program at Champlain College. Kessler says that at the very least, all law enforcement officers should obtain a basic level of understanding of how computer forensics can assist them. “Investigators need to know when information on a computer might have a nexus to a crime, how to write an appropriate warrant to seize and search a computer, and how to gather and search cyber-evidence,” he states in an article for “Officer.”

Law Enforcement

Many colleges and universities offer certification programs in computer forensics. These courses, which require from 15 to 21 credits, are more beneficial to those already working within law enforcement or those involved in investigative work, according to o the U.S. Bureau of labor Statistics. The Federal Bureau of Investigation operates numerous Regional Computer Forensic laboratories (RCFL). Each of these units is a full-service forensic laboratory and training center designed specifically to investigate and educate on the use of digital evidence in support of criminal investigations. RCFLs offer several training courses to current law enforcement personnel, including: Case Agent Investigative Review; Internet Crimes and Tracing and Image Scan Training.

Private Sector

For those looking to operate as private-sector forensic specialists, a degree in computer science is seen as being more helpful than a criminal justice degree. If you are looking to work in investigating computer fraud, a degree in accounting will provide a good starting point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that many people looking to enter the field of computer forensics will often enter law enforcement, specifically to receive training before moving to the private sector.

Internships

The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), an interagency law enforcement training organization for federal agencies, offers a college intern program for students majoring in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Accounting, Information technology or other suitably-related fields of study, throughout the U.S. Qualified students will, according to FLETC, participate in three intern sessions, each lasting 12 weeks, that will expose them to “world-class training, broadening their horizons and helping to develop a foundation for a career in federal law enforcement.”

Prospects

Demand for qualified computer forensic specialists by law enforcement agencies is growing, according to Mitch Betts, in an article for Computer World. That demand is increasing in part because law enforcement is competing with the private firms who are looking to recruit skilled graduates in a bid to identify employees using computers for criminal activities. Betts states in his article that starting salaries in the field range between $85,000 to $100,000.

References

• Officer: the Role of Computer Forensics in Law Enforcement
• Bureau Of Labor Statistics: Private Detectives and Investigators
• Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory: Course Descriptions
• Federal Law Enforcement Training center: FLETC College Intern program
• Computerworld: HotJobs: Computer Forensics Grads can get Six-Figure salaries

Resources

• Computer World: QuickStudy: Computer forensics