No alternative to boosting police capacity to combat cybercrime: IGP

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir has said there is no alternative to enhancing the skills and capabilities of police personnel to combat cybercrime.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of a Training of Trainers (ToT) course on cybercrime case investigation at the Police Staff College Bangladesh in Dhaka’s Mirpur on Sunday (September 13) morning.

The IGP noted that in the current era of information technology, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, deepfakes, encrypted communication systems and cloud computing have opened up new opportunities while also creating new challenges for law enforcement agencies.

Criminals are misusing technology to commit cyber fraud, online financial crimes, data theft, hacking, online harassment and digital extortion, he said.

“Changing the way we conduct policing is now a necessity to deal with the growing threat of cybercrime,” the IGP stated, adding that developing investigative capabilities to handle cybercrime is essential for modern policing.

Addressing the police officers attending the training, he remarked that the course would help them develop not only technical skills but also training and communication skills.

“The knowledge and skills gained through the training must be shared with other investigators. If you effectively train other investigators, the number of police officers capable of investigating cybercrime cases will increase manifold,” he said.

The IGP thanked the Training Wing of Police Headquarters and the authorities of Police Staff College Bangladesh for organising the timely training programme.

He stressed the need to organise such training programmes regularly and keep training materials and modules updated.

-ARR/AAH