An examination into the level of training, education and awareness among frontline police officers in tackling cybercrime within the metropolitan police service

Abstract

The term cybercrime is used to describe acts, which incorporates the unlawful usage of computer technology and the internet. Cyber criminals have no jurisdiction as they can operate from anywhere in the world. The complexity of investigation of such crimes will make it difficult if the police are not adequately trained or educated on the subject matter in being able to identify the offenders and bring them to justices. This chapter aims to highlight the importance of the UK Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) valuing, protecting and processing its information and intelligence with confidentiality, integrity and availability (CIA), as this would have a direct impact on the public’s trust and confidence in the police. If the security of this information protection is breached this could have a detrimental effect on the MPS service to deliver, public confidence and the organisations reputational values. Therefore, it is extremely important that the right level of training and education be provided to police officers to be able to protect and safeguard the information on their Information Communications and Technology (ICT) systems. This chapter will review the current policing practices and training that officers undertake to combat cyber-crimes and highlights the effectiveness of these training.