"In the ever-evolving era of cyber crime, the law enforcement community is continually faced with forensic, investigative and prosecutorial challenges that require heightened awareness and training," Attorney General Martha Coakley said. "I have asked law enforcement leaders for their input and support in assisting our office to create a coordinated approach to fighting cyber crime across this state. The results of this survey, coupled with the ideas and research discussed by law enforcement at this planning session have brought us one step closer to developing the first-ever strategic approach to fighting cyber crime in Massachusetts."
Wednesday's meeting, held at the Attorney General's Office, followed a survey circulated to law enforcement in April from Attorney General Coakley. The Attorney General's Office compiled responses to the 72-question, in-depth survey from police agencies covering 55 percent of the state's population, including State and local police, and the District Attorney's Offices. The questionnaire asked law enforcement for information about their agency's experience responding to crimes with a cyber component. Some of the findings included:
- Of the 150 respondents, 13,184 investigations with a cyber component were conducted in 2006
- Fraud, criminal threats and forgery were the most investigated crimes that involved cyber issues. Those were followed by larceny, drugs, and online child solicitation and pornography
- More than 900 forensic exams were reportedly conducted by Massachusetts law enforcement in 2006
- Two of the legal impediments law enforcement face include the need for administrative subpoenas and increased penalties for cyber crimes
