2005-06-07 15:27 While fingerprints and DNA are still being used to solve most crimes, advances in computer technology have brought a new dimension to contemporary criminal investigation. Hong Kong Police (HKP) computer forensics examiners, therefore, are teaming up with crime investigators in analysing digital evidence, with a view to detecting crime and cracking down on cybercrime, be it "stealing virtual online game weapons" or money laundering using a handy PDA. In 2004 alone, the Forensics Section of Technology Crime Division (TCD), Commercial Crime Bureau of HKP recovered and analysed more than 20,000 Gigabytes of computer data, a three-fold increase over 2002. To enhance the Force's computer forensics capability, Crime Wing of HKP organised a two-week "Computer Forensics Certification Course" in collaboration with Training Wing last month. The first part of the course covered file system level analysis which underpins all computer forensics theories, while the second part concerned "Encase Intermediate Analysis and Reporting", a highly reputed forensic software developed by Guidance Software of the US. Countless law enforcement officers engaged in computer forensics worldwide have attended the "Encase" training conducted by Guidance Software. A total of 18 computer forensics examiners attended the Computer Forensics Certification Course. Speaking at the opening of the course, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Lo Yik-kee stressed the importance of the course in developing the Force's capability of fighting technology crime. "You are the first batch of police computer forensics examiners accredited by the Force through this Computer Forensics Certification Course. The course is a milestone in professionalising our officers in forensics work and will equip you with updated expertise in the field." The course was held at the new $1.7 million Technology Crime Training Suite on the 19th floor of Arsenal House, Police Headquarters. Declaring the training suite officially open, Mr Lo said: "This new training facility underlines the Force's investment in human resource development and our determination to combat technology crime at a time when technological and social changes in and outside Hong Kong have brought new and myriad challenges to the Force." Trainees of the course received their certificates from Assistant Commissioner of Police (Training) Tse Shu-chun at the closing ceremony. In his closing speech, Mr Tse emphasised the importance of training in enhancing officers' professionalism. "The future Police College will build on and share professional knowledge and expertise within the Force, and with the help of highly qualified instructors, will offer first class training programmes, which will ultimately advance the operational capabilities of the Force and develop an effective and efficient police service," he noted. Mr Tse thanked Mr Frank Butler of Guidance Software and the computer forensics team of TCD for their contributions in providing the related training. An intensive two-week training and a demanding examination have given the trainees a sense of achievement, and enable them to rise to future challenges with more confidence. |