United States Division Of Computer Crime

Every scientific innovation is a double-edged sword that can be used for the benefit of the society. Improper use can be detrimental. In a similar way, internet is a tool that can be used as a powerful means of communicating and learning that is facilitated by widespread availability of computers. However, some individuals prefer to use internet as a means of broadcasting criminal objectives and committing gruesome crimes.

With the objective of dealing with crimes and criminals related to computers and internet services, the US Department of Justice has a separate section known as the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. In the US, there are appropriate law enforcement authorities at the local, state, federal and international levels that investigate computer and internet-related crimes. Law enforcement agencies that investigate domestic cyber crimes include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), The United States Secret Service, The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), The United States Postal Inspection Service, Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Internet Crime Complaint Center, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). The same agencies deal with cases related to intellectual property crimes such as copyright piracy, trademark counterfeiting and theft of trade or business secrets. Other government agencies where cyber crimes can be reported include The STOP Initiative and the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center. Some of these agencies like the FBE and FTC deal with certain international cyber crimes that can pose a potential threat to the US.

Each of these law enforcement agencies has individual offices that are located in each of the state headquarters so that it becomes convenient to report any such crimes. Cases related to cyber crime are investigated by specialized investigation agents, those who have undergone proper training in these areas of crime.