Computer / High Technology Investigation

Course Description - This 36-hour course is designed to provide law enforcement personnel with foundation skills and knowledge necessary for the investigation of computer related crimes. Special circumstances arise and special consideration has to be given when a computer is used as an instrument of crime, when a computer is the target of criminal activity or when a computer contains records of criminal activity. This course will help the investigator better understand and respond to these types of criminal activity. This course is currently under review by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training for approval of meeting the ICI Domain Specialty course requirement for certification as a Computer Crime Investigator.

NOTE: Students must have a working knowledge of computer operating systems and simple operations (word processing, spreadsheets, copy files, etc.) before enrolling in this class. This class will be directed at individuals already in possession of these skills. No class time will be devoted to developing these skills in the students.

Who Should Attend - Law enforcement personnel assigned to high technology crime investigation units, white collar crime units, fraud or forgery units, identity theft units as well as individuals whose primary responsibility is to seize computer evidence/equipment discovered at crime scenes.

Course Objectives - Upon completion of this course, students will have the knowledge to investigate crimes committed by use of computers and seize computers used in criminal activity.

Course Outline

  • Using a Computer to Commit a Crime
  • Records of Criminal Activity on Computers
  • How computers work and store data
  • Seizures of Computer Crime Evidence
  • Working with a Computer Forensic Specialist
  • Writing Search Warrants for High Tech Crimes
  • Specialized Legal Problems with Electronic Data and Equipment
  • Resources to Assist Investigations

NOTE: This is not a computer forensics class.

Additional Information - For further information contact the ATC at (916) 464-1200, and ask for the Program Training Officer or Secretary for this course.