DSU to host regional law enforcement computer crimes training

Dakota State University will be the site of the first-ever regional training class to teach law enforcement on computer crimes.

With the ever-growing Internet world, law enforcement need to know the newest technologies available to help keep the Internet a safe, fun environment for all involved, especially children.

Between 30 and 60 participants from a 12 state area and South Dakota will be on the Dakota State campus in July to take part in a four-day training session. One class is planned for this summer with more classes planned in the future.

Mike Curran, special agent for the State of Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations and Bill Mickelson, South Dakota Internet Crimes Enforcement Officer spearheaded the effort to help local, state and federal law enforcement get training about computer crimes.

“Because of the budget restraints we effectively were looking at new creative ways (to train officers) and our obvious alternative was a regional training site,” Mickelson said.

Mickelson stated Dakota State was a perfect fit to host the regional training because of its central location and its emersion in the newest technologies. Law enforcement officers will be staying on campus to reduce expenses for their departments.

The case management software package and training used for the class were developed by Curran and Flint Waters, Curran’s partner in Wyoming. The software will be available for free to all law enforcement who attend.

“It’s basically replacing the old filing cabinet with new technology,” Curran said about the software.

Participants in the inaugural class will learn how to electronically organize evidence into a comprehensive report and how to manage digital evidence. Participants can then take what they’ve learned back to their respective stations to teach other officers.

According to Mickelson and Curran, the class will enable officers to share resources across state lines and give them the ability to exchange information easier.

“It’s important for law enforcement,” Mickelson said.

A majority of those attending the first session are members of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force.

“There is one common theme- to get better at our jobs to protect our kids,” Mickelson stated.

“The whole reason we’re doing this is to help keep our kids safe online,” Curran added.

Mickelson has a website devoted to just that at www.sdcybersafe.com. The first ever regional training on computer crimes will take place July 15-18.

“A learning curve (for Internet crimes) is taking place,” Mickelson said about the need for computer trained law enforcement. “We’re just getting started. We are constantly going to be evolving.”