Local authorities fight cyber crime with help from F.B.I.

MARQUETTE -- With today's rapid advances in technology, it's not surprising that cyber crime is on the rise.  To fight it, U.P. law enforcement officials are teaming up with the F.B.I.  They've now established an office that will specifically target cyber crimes.

Before this, the closest F.B.I. Cyber Crimes Task Force office was located hundreds of miles away, downstate, in Bay City.  It's no wonder why it's great news for the U.P. that this office has opened in Marquette.  But there's more benefits and advantages for the Marquette Police Department from this new office than just a closer location.

"By having this position with the F.B.I. Cyber Crime Task Force, it allows that officer to work specifically on those kinds of cases.  So, the more experience, the better.  It also allows that officer to be constantly trained in changing technology so he can investigate the crimes involving technology," said Gordie Warchock, M.P.D. Detective/Captain.

It's crimes like online scams, frauds, intrusions, illegal downloading, and child pornography that Detective Sergeant Steve Snowaert will work on as a part of the task force.  He's experienced.  He's been fighting computer crimes for the last decade.  He'll now be working with local law enforcement across the U.P., and he'll be busy.

"Well, I think one of the most important things is that computers have no boundaries.  And here in the Upper Peninsula, we are like any other place across the country who have received complaints of cyber crimes.  It is a national problem, computer crime.  And I think bringing the F.B.I. in brings another resource," said Snowaert.

As the cyber crimes continue to increase, it seems likely the Marquette Cyber Crimes Task Force office will also grow in the years ahead.

Courtesy of UpperMichigansSource.com

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