Computer forensics experts investigate crimes such as identity theft, credit card fraud, intellectual property theft, threats/harassment, pedophilia, and unauthorized computer system intrusion. These computer crimes or “cyber crimes” constitute a significant risk to individuals, companies, and governments. Cyber crimes result in tens of millions of dollars of dollars in losses each year.

Computer forensics examiners need a wide range of technical skills and knowledge. They must have expertise in network security, protocols, software, computer file formats, routing, cryptology, reverse software engineering, password cracking, and diagnostic techniques. In addition to technical skills, professionals in this field must have good oral and written communication skills, understand and comply with investigation procedures, work under tight deadlines, have problem solving abilities and be creative and persistent in the pursuit of evidence.

Experts in this field may also be involved in crimes that were not directly committed via computer. There may be information stored on a computer or storage device that is important for the case. For example, e-mail evidence can be used in cases against robbery and homicide suspects. Computer forensics experts are needed in these cases, as there are very specific procedures that must be followed for digital information to be presented as valid evidence.

The functions of uniformed police officers include traffic control, active crime response, and crime prevention. The officers that belong to this group are easily identifiable by the public.

Plainclothes police detectives do not wear uniforms. They engage in investigative work and are usually involved in a single case for long periods of time. They gather information partly by blending in with the crowd. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, they usually do not reveal that they are law enforcement officers. At times, they actually take on false identities during undercover operations.

There are also specialized groups within the department of law enforcement. The bomb squad is a group that deals primarily with explosives. A special unit called the narcotics department, or the NARCS, specializes in cases that deal with illegal substances. The most important police officers in terms of field operations are the members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams. The members usually carry smaller, more powerful weapons that allow them to defend themselves during violent situations. They are also equipped with non-lethal weapons such as tear gas, concussion grenades, and rubber bullets, as well as protective bulletproof vests.

Even law enforcement officials have their own watchdogs. The Department of Internal Affairs deals with the overseeing investigations within the department. The scope of their work is limited to bribery, graft, and other methods and cases of internal corruption.

There are a lot of really good, caring officers that do a great job, but we still have too many that “the thin blue line” protects when they shouldn’t. Too many states can still seal the file of an officer investigation and this usually means that they resign their position and keep their mouth shut. This saves the embarrassment and even a possible arrest. What this does though, is allow the bad cop to move on and apply for a position in another department or even state. This problem is not unique to law enforcement. It happens in almost every profession even though it does happen less than it used to. In Florida for example, nothing is supposed to be hidden. The laws are supposed to be followed that make any investigation public record once the investigation is completed and charges are filed or decided against. This is kind of a double edged sword. A good officer that does his or her job can have a concerted effort against him or her in an attempt to remove the officer. It doesn’t matter how good or honest an officer is, if he or she gets 15 complaints in one month for the same problem, such as excessive force, the officer will look bad no matter if he or she is cleared of the charges. It should be noted that this can happen to the citizen too. That is why it is my opinion that is you are charged with a crime and found not guilty, the charge should be immediately removed from the persons criminal history.

How do we fix this? First, every officer investigated should have the same rights as a regular citizen. He or she should have the right to face their accuser. All complaints should have to be in writing and notarized. If the investigation is handled in house, the evidence from the investigation should be corroborated by an outside, uninterested party. Finally, if the investigation is proven to be baseless or even worse, a total fabrication, the accuser should suffer the consequences. Just like an officer should be reprimanded or even charged if he or she does that to a citizen, it should be the same penalty for a citizen who is lying just to get attention or to cause an officer grief.

The whole idea of covering up an investigation or hiding it does nothing to establish trust and it certainly doesn’t do justice to all of the good, honest officers that are out their giving their all and doing their best to make a difference.