Capitol News

Michigan State University (MSU) is establishing a new center dedicated to cybersecurity training. The initiative, led by the School of Criminal Justice, aims to enhance the state's response to cybercrime through comprehensive training for law enforcement agencies.

The Cybercrimes Investigations and Training Center will be based at MSU's School of Criminal Justice. It will provide resources and information to local police departments across Michigan. The center plans to offer free multiday training sessions for criminal justice staff at all levels, focusing on contemporary issues, offender and victim characteristics, investigative methods, and community support.

Thomas Holt, a professor in the School of Criminal Justice, is spearheading this project. Funding for the $1 million initiative was secured through community project funding applications involving Sen. Gary Peters and Rep. Elissa Slotkin's offices.

"Cybercrime is a massive problem and one that police agencies need regular training on in order to effectively investigate and provide assistance to victims," Holt stated. He emphasized the importance of increasing awareness among police agencies about cyber offenses.

Slotkin highlighted the benefits of this funding: "This funding will allow the MSU Cybercrimes Investigations and Training Center to conduct trainings for local law enforcement agencies on contemporary cybercrime problems, offender and victim characteristics, investigative methods and resources for victims."

The demand for such specialized training has grown as cybercrimes have increased over the past two decades. Michigan hosts 588 law enforcement agencies with approximately 17,000 officers who require updated skills to tackle these crimes effectively.

Training sessions are designed to comply with standards set by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards. Initial offerings will begin in East Lansing in August before expanding statewide. All expenses for participants are covered by center funding.

"Our focus will be on offering training to line officers initially," Holt explained, aiming to equip them with knowledge about offense characteristics and evidence storage locations.

The center also plans courses addressing staffing and resource allocation issues within local agencies' command structures.

These efforts aim not only to improve law enforcement capabilities but also enhance digital safety for citizens, businesses, and government entities across Michigan.

With the establishment of this center, Holt intends to seek additional state and federal funding sources along with grants to sustain ongoing training initiatives.