Mr. Brill estimates the number of law-enforcement agencies that have adequate computer crime units to be 20 to 25 percent, but growing. The potential of serious consequences is too high. Following years of grass-roots organizing, the US Justice Department last year formed the National Cybercrime Training Partnership, which coordinates efforts for state, local, and federal enforcement agencies. They are joined by state units such as Northern California's Sacramento Valley high-tech unit. Courses include how to obtain and preserve computer evidence.
Advanced work includes networking and encryption.
At the Los Angeles Police Department, the computer crime unit currently has three members handling about 120 cases a year. All are former cops. In Phoenix, the State Department of Public Services has a four-man computer team, handling about 300 cases a year. The officers average about 20 years police work. Both teams handle cases for other agencies and departments.