Investigating High Tech Crime

Computers have become an integral part of our daily lives. It should come as no surprise that the criminal minds have turned to computers and the Internet to commit crimes. New crimes and criminals are enduring as each new technology is introduced.

This text never loses touch with the reality that not every investigator is computer savvy, while still offering advanced knowledge in an easy to understand manner. Everything is based upon a building block approach, with each chapter forming a foundation for the next

Written in everyday language, this text demystifies the often complex world of computer technology, translating it into a format that can be easily understood by a computer novice, while striving to incorporate concepts and references useful for the experienced investigator. It doesn’t end there, it continues with exploring high-tech crimes demonstrating all of the tools and methods used by criminals, while teaching the techniques used by investigators to catch and prosecute them.

“This well-written book is truly a one-stop-shop overview of the high-tech crimes career field, whether the student is a college student, basic police recruit, or a mid-level manager… Concepts are laid out with crystal clarity.”

Dave Pettinari, Colorado State University, Pueblo, CO

“This book provides a thorough overview of the major current computer crimes or cyber crimes and specific investigative techniques necessary for future practitioners.”

Jennifer Gossett, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA

Written for first responders, this book was developed to address the need for an investigator’s guide to high tech crime. Filled with real world examples, it is meant to be a hands-on training tool as well as a long-term reference manual. Chapters and materials are sequenced using a building block approach–one that ensures all readers have the baseline knowledge needed to advance to the more complex topic areas. With an emphasis on demystifying the world of high tech crime, this book uses plain terms and real world analogies to make concepts accessible and meaningful to those on the front lines.

Helps individuals with varied experience grasp important technology concepts and become more confident in the field. Starts with the broad base level knowledge and works steadily toward explaining the complex rules and methodologies associated with a full computer seizure and forensic examination. Contains a variety of material (learning goals and objectives, individual and collaborative exercises, search warrant examples, technology comparisons etc.) so information is meaningful to diverse learners.

Functions as an investigator’s guide to high tech crime and can be used as a hands-on training tool or long-term reference manual.

Michael R. Knetzger is a fourteen-year law enforcement veteran and currently a Lieutenant and Field Training Supervisor with the Green Bay (WI) Police Department. Prior to in Titletown, USA, he served as a patrol officer and detective for the Town of Brookfield (WI) Police Department. Mr. Knetzger is also a certified State of Wisconsin Technical College Instructor and teaches criminal justice courses at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC), Colorado Technical University Online (CTUonline) and ITT Technical Institute. He has successfully completed the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) forensic examiner program, Basic Data Recovery & Analysis (BDRA) course, and several other courses and seminars on investigating internet crimes. Mr. Knetzger has written and developed college course curriculum and co-wrote the "Investigating High Tech Crimes" course at NWTC. He is also a certified tactical instructor and teaches defensive and arrest tactics (DAAT), firearms, and professional communications skills courses to new law enforcement recruits.

Mr. Knetzger holds a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh, a Bachelor's degree in Justice and Public Policy from Concordia University (WI), and an Associate's degree in Police Science from Waukesha County Technical College.

Jeremy A. Muraski is an eight-year law enforcement veteran and currently an Advanced Patrol Officer, Webmaster and Field Training Officer with the Green Bay (WI) Police Department. Prior to serving and protecting in Packer City, USA, he works as a Network Administrator for Kimberly Clark Corporation. Prior to that, he worked various jobs as a Computer Support Engineer and Help Desk Specialist supporting online investors for Fidelity Investments. A proud graduate of The University of Wisconsin - Madison, Mr. Muraski is also certified to teach for The Wisconsin Technical College System and teaches criminal justice courses at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC), including Investigating High Tech Crimes, and Juvenile Law. He has successfully completed AccessData's Forensic Toolkit Course, the National White Collar Crime Center's Basic Data Recovery & Analysis (BDRA) course, and several other courses and seminars on investigating Internet crimes. Mr. Muraski has written and developed college course curriculum and co-wrote the "Investigating High Tech Crimes" course at NWTC. In addition to computer forensic certifications, Mr. Muraski also holds numerous other computer forensics certifications including Microsoft Access Database Design and Administration, Website Design and Computer Network Administration.

Mr. Muraski holds a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science and Law from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, with a Criminal Justice Certificate.