MSU, MSP team up on new cybercrime training center

Matt Jaworowski
·2 min read
1

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Michigan State University’s School of Criminal Justice has partnered with Michigan State Police to establish a new cybercrime training center.

MSU officials say cybercrimes have increased dramatically over the last two decades, triggering an increased demand on law enforcement.

Sign up for breaking news alert emails

Thomas Holt, a professor and the director of master’s degree programs at MSU’s School of Criminal Justice, will lead the effort. In a statement, Holt called cybercrime a “massive problem” and said law enforcement regularly need updated training to adequately combat it.

“Colleagues and I have studied police responses to cybercrime and recognize that increasing awareness of the offenses can improve their overall agency’s capacity,” Holt said in a statement. “Technology is constantly changing, and offenders are always adapting to these changes. By giving police and criminal justice professionals the most up-to-date information on offenses, victims and offenders, they will be better equipped to aid their communities.”

MSU identifies 7 suspects in campus assault

The new center will receive $1 million in federal funding approved through a community project initiative led by Michigan lawmakers Sen. Gary Peters and Rep. Elissa Slotkin. The MSU facility was selected out of a group of 60 applicants.

“Michigan law enforcement will benefit from a more comprehensive understanding of the skills, resources and tools necessary to effectively respond to cybercrime,” Slotkin said in a statement.

The new Cybercrimes Investigations and Training Center will provide resources, data and training to police departments across the state. Training sessions are expected to begin in August, starting with agencies in the Lansing area and then expanding across Michigan.

New MSP policy limits chases to violent crime suspects

Holt says the grant will help establish the center, but more funding sources will be needed to ensure it can stay open. Part of his focus going forward will be to secure more funding from state and federal sources.

Michigan has 588 law enforcement agencies across the state and employs approximately 17,000 officers.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.