Sept. 25, 2007 -- Following through on a campaign promise, Attorney General Paul Morrison announced today the creation of a Cyber Crime Unit within the Kansas Office of Attorney General. Morrison also outlined plans for an expanded Cyber Crime Initiative to provide Kansans with more tools and resources to fight Internet crime.
Last year, Morrison recognized the serious problem of cyber crimes in Kansas, and the lack of resources and leadership at the state level in fighting these crimes. Cyber crimes are the fastest growing crimes in our country and involve Internet fraud, online scams and Internet predators.
“Today, I have begun the battle on cyber crimes in Kansas,” Morrison said. “This new unit is a starting point for fighting Internet crime. But, we must make further investments to really make a difference in the safety of Kansas families.”
The Attorney General’s Cyber Crime Unit will begin with one assistant attorney general and one investigator funded with existing resources. During the announcement, Morrison outlined plans for growth and urged lawmakers to adopt his Expanded Cyber Crimes Initiative during the 2008 legislative session.
“Internet crime is the fastest growing area of crime in the nation,” Morrison said. “Lawmakers must make it a top priority next session and give law enforcement the resources they need to stop Internet criminals.”
Following successful models used across the nation, Morrison proposes that the new unit focus on both education and prosecution. The new unit will investigate and prosecute crimes in which a computer was used, such as email scams and online solicitation. Furthermore, they will develop training programs to help law enforcement deal with Internet crime and to educate the public about the threats that lurk online.
Morrison recommends adding four additional full-time employees to the unit, one Internet Trainer, who will focus on public trainings, one crime analyst, an additional investigator and an additional prosecutor.
“Criminals are finding new and complex ways to use the Internet to find victims, scam seniors, or steal money,” Morrison said. “This unit will find better ways to fight these crimes, protect our kids and put criminals behind bars.”
In addition to the new unit, Morrison recommends increased funding to the NetSmartz program for educating children about the threat of online predators. He also proposes that the Kansas Office of Attorney General produce an educational video for schools, consumers, seniors and parents about the dangers of Internet crime.
Morrison has already worked with KBI Director Bob Blecha to enhance the KBI’s High Technology Crimes Unit. The KBI has doubled the number of cyber crime special agents to assist with forensic computer investigation. Morrison also commissioned eight new officers with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force based in Wichita.
“The Internet provides us with easy access to an incredible amount of information, entertainment and services,” Morrison said. “Unfortunately, with the click of a button, the Internet can also connect our children with dangerous predators and send our personal information into the hands of identity thieves.”
New resources for kids, parents and consumers have been added to the Attorney General’s website, www.ksag.org. There are tips for kids, parents and consumers about how to protect themselves on the Internet, as well as Internet terms and a directory of instant messaging chat language.
Ksag.org Resources: