Cybercrimeology
Building the Basics: Preparing Officers for the Present and Researching Training for the Future
Episode Summary
What does it take to improve law enforcement’s response to cybercrime? Dr. Tom Holt from Michigan State University discusses his efforts to develop an evidence-based training center for police officers tackling cyber-enabled and cyber-dependent crimes. From identifying gaps in local law enforcement training to bridging the divide between academic research and real-world needs, Dr. Holt shares the challenges and opportunities in this critical area.
Episode Notes
About Our Guest:
Dr. Tom Holt
https://cj.msu.edu/directory/holt-tom.html
Key Topics Discussed:
- Dr. Tom Holt emphasized the urgent need for consistent and evidence-based cybercrime training in law enforcement, pointing out disparities in how local agencies handle these crimes.
- He highlighted the challenges agencies face in responding to cyber-enabled and cyber-dependent crimes, particularly in rural areas.
- Dr. Holt discussed the development of training modules covering both basic digital evidence handling and specialized topics tailored to agency needs.
- The conversation underscored the importance of bridging resource gaps between rural and urban agencies.
- Dr. Holt explained how police leadership’s support is crucial for improving the adoption and effectiveness of training programs.
- The prevalence of interpersonal cybercrimes like sextortion and fraud, often encountered by local officers, was addressed.
- Dr. Holt elaborated on long-term evaluation plans for these training programs, aiming to measure their impact on officers and agencies.
- He also discussed the potential for a national standard curriculum to bring consistency to cybercrime training across the U.S.
Papers and Resources Mentioned:
- Articles on the Training Center Initiative:
Other:
This episode was recorded on location in at HEC Montreal. The occasional background noise from students only adds to the vibrant atmosphere of the discussion. So you can’t complain about the noise being distracting, consider it an authentic experience!