Question

Even if a crime that has been committed by computer is discovered and reported, the odds of being both arrested and convicted greatly favor the criminal. Each of the following, if true, supports the claim above EXCEPT: (A) The preparation of computer-fraud cases takes much more time than is required for average fraud cases, and the productivity of prosecutors is evaluated by the number of good cases made. (B) In most police departments, officers are rotated through different assignments every two or three years, a shorter time than it takes to become proficient as a computer-crime investigator. (C) The priorities of loeal police departments, under whose jurisdiction most computer crime falls. are weighted toward visible street crime that communities perceive as threatening- (D) Computer criminals have rarely been sentenced to serve time in prison, because prisons are overcrowded with violent criminals and drug offenders. (E) The many police officers who are untrained in computers often inadvertently destroy the physical evidence of computer crime.

Short answer

Option D does not support the claim.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Task

We need to find one statement that does NOT support the claim that the odds favor criminals in computer crimes when it comes to arrest and conviction.

Analyze Option A

Statement A mentions that preparing computer-fraud cases takes longer than usual, which suggests that it may be discouraging for prosecutors. This supports the claim because it indicates inefficiency in handling such cases.

Analyze Option B

Statement B explains that police officers rotate assignments too quickly to become proficient in computer-crime investigations, supporting the claim of low odds of arrest or conviction.

Analyze Option C

Statement C addresses the priorities of local police departments, which focus more on visible street crime than on computer crimes. This also supports the claim.

Analyze Option D

Statement D points out that computer criminals rarely serve prison time due to an overcrowded prison system, supporting the claim that convictions are unlikely or less meaningful.

Analyze Option E

Statement E asserts that untrained officers often destroy the physical evidence of computer crime inadvertently, making successful prosecution less likely. This supports the claim.

Key concepts

Computer Crime

Computer crime refers to illegal activities conducted via a computer or network. These crimes can range from data breaches to digital fraud, hacking, identity theft, and more. Due to the digital nature of these crimes, it can be challenging to trace and prove the perpetrators.

• Computer crimes often occur without immediate physical signs.
• They require specialized knowledge to both commit and investigate.
• The dynamic nature of technology means laws and detection methods must constantly evolve.

Understanding the complexities of computer crime is essential for anyone interested in law enforcement or the criminal justice field. It involves a mix of technical skills and traditional investigative techniques to successfully prevent and prosecute these offenses.

Criminal Justice System

The criminal justice system is the set of institutions and processes established to manage crime, enforce laws, and administer punishment. It comprises law enforcement agencies, judicial courts, and correctional facilities.

• The system aims to deter, investigate, and penalize people who commit crimes.
• For computer crime, the system faces unique challenges, such as identifying electronic evidence and applying current laws to new types of crime.
• There needs to be ongoing integration of technology and law to address evolving criminal tactics.

The effectiveness of the criminal justice system in dealing with computer crime heavily depends on up-to-date knowledge and resources.

Law Enforcement Challenges

Law enforcement agencies encounter numerous hurdles when tackling computer crime. These challenges stem from both internal and external factors:

• Limited technical resources and training for officers can hinder their ability to investigate effectively.
• Frequent rotations and reassignment of personnel can disrupt the continuity and accumulation of specialized knowledge necessary for complex cyber-crime investigations.
• Resource allocation often prioritizes more visible or traditional types of crime.

Addressing these challenges requires investment in education and technology for law enforcement, along with a strategic focus on cross-training officers to handle digital crime effectively.

Evidence Handling in Law

Handling evidence in computer crime cases is critical and often more complicated than in traditional crimes. Digital evidence can be easily altered or destroyed, requiring careful collection and preservation.

• Officers must be trained in specific protocols for digital evidence to avoid tampering or accidental destruction.
• The integrity of digital evidence is crucial for the prosecution; any mishandling can render it inadmissible in court.
• Tools such as digital forensic software are essential for retrieving, preserving, and presenting evidence from computers and networks.

Proper evidence handling is key to overcoming the barriers to successful prosecution and conviction in computer crime cases. This includes technical training for law enforcement and clear procedures to maintain evidence integrity.