NCJ Number
167437
Journal
Gazette Volume: 58 Issue: 10 Dated: (1996) Pages: 25-27
Date Published
1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Computer-related crime is becoming increasingly sophisticated, often involves organized crime, and points to the need for cooperation among police agencies in Canada and other countries to overcome the current problems that hinder enforcement efforts.
Abstract
The two forms of computer crime involve the computer as an instrument to commit traditional crimes and the computer as the object of the criminality. An international consensus is currently lacking regarding what constitutes a computer crime and what types of computer abuses should be criminalized. These uncertainties have created problems in international cooperation, especially where dual criminality is required to satisfy requests for international assistance. Legal differences can exist between the traditional powers of search and seizure and the rules associated with the interception of communications. In addition, law enforcement training has not always kept pace with changes in technology. Moreover, jurisdictional problems arise in crimes committed on global networks such as the Internet. Canada and its international partners have achieved much success in addressing computer crime, but more common efforts based on common initiative and common input are needed.