Other tools let them encrypt e-mail messages, conceal information within messages, and strip out the sender's name, address, and other identifying information. Even without such tools, criminals can effectively cover their tracks by scattering evidence across the Internet, Toddington says. Investigators have to overcome numerous legal and jurisdictional obstacles when hunting down and prosecuting cybercrime. Investigations that cover multiple jurisdictions quickly bog down in legal and procedural complexities. Police agencies face organizational challenges which slow their response to the rapid pace of change.
Acute cutbacks make it hard to keep competent high-tech investigators.
Meanwhile, organized criminals continue to recruit the best hackers available. David Toddington has been offering operational support and training to the law enforcement and investigative professions since 1997. For more information on the distance learning course Using the Internet as an Investigative Research Tool, contact the Canadian Police College . It enforces federal laws, provides contract policing to most provinces, many municipalities and First Nations communities. The RCMP participates in peacekeeping efforts and supplies world-leading expertise in areas like forensics and criminal intelligence to Canadian and international police.