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Law Enforcement

Week 7 Discussion on Cybercrime Policing

Week 7 Discussion on Cybercrime Policing

Due: Nov 3 at 11:59pm
Course: SOC 305 Cybercrime: A Sociological Perspective

Introduction

In this week's discussion, we delve into the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in policing cybercrime. Drawing insights from David Wall's video "Policing Cybercrime," we explore the complexities of investigating and prosecuting cybercrimes in the digital age. As technology advances, so do the methods employed by cybercriminals, posing unique obstacles for traditional policing methods. Let's examine the key takeaways from the video and discuss the implications for law enforcement in combating cybercrime.

Key Challenges in Policing Cybercrime

Policing cybercrime presents a formidable challenge for traditional law enforcement agencies. Law enforcement policy and standard practices have evolved to address physical crimes. In contrast, digital cyber threats are constantly adapting, taking advantage of individuals in other jurisdictions where law enforcement may have to navigate complex legal frameworks to prosecute offenders.

The anonymity provided by VPNs, Tor networks, and digital currencies makes it much harder to track down perpetrators of cybercrimes. With the large number of cybercrimes being committed, law enforcement agencies are often overwhelmed and under-resourced without the help of automation and machine learning tools to assist in identifying patterns and potential threats.

Lastly, cybercrime often goes unreported due to the bias of the severity of the crime and victims feeling helpless or embarrassed. This underreporting leads to a shortage of resources to combat cybercrime effectively.

Overall, global cooperation and the use of advanced technologies by every law enforcement agency are required to hold cybercriminals accountable.