The High Tech Crimes Division (HTCD) was created in 2009 to investigate computer crimes and to assist local and federal law enforcement agencies as needed. The HTCD is comprised of four sections: High Tech Crimes Section (HTCS), Northern Virginia / District of Columbia Internet Crimes Against Children (NOVA/DC ICAC) Task Force, Technical Support Section (TSS), and the Computer Evidence Recovery Section (CERS).
Victims of computer-facilitated crimes should report computer fraud / cybercrime to The Internet Crime Complaint Center. Ransomware and other types of malware should also be reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
The High Tech Crimes Section (HTCS)
The High Tech Crime Agent’s primary role is the investigation of complex computer crimes and to assist local and federal law enforcement agencies as needed. High Tech Crime Agents are specifically trained to investigate highly sophisticated computer facilitated crimes such as computer trespass and ransomware attacks.
In addition, High Tech Crimes Section Agents facilitate general investigations such as homicide, narcotics trafficking, child exploitation, and sexual assault by conducting forensic examinations of cell phones, computers, and digital media. High Tech Crimes Section Agents actively investigate internet crimes against children and provide expert testimony as needed in court.
As the primary role of the High Tech Crimes Agent is to investigate computer crimes and/or support other law enforcement agencies and investigators, in the event local law enforcement agencies require additional expertise to fully investigate computer-related crimes; the High Tech Crimes Agents will provide them with technical and investigative assistance at their request.
In addition to reporting cybercrime to the Department of State Police, victims of computer-facilitated crimes should also report computer fraud to The Internet Crime Complaint Center. The Internet Crime Complaint Center has been established to provide the public with a reliable and convenient reporting mechanism to submit online fraud complaints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Ransomware and other types of malware should also be reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Identity theft and unwanted phone calls should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
Computer Evidence Recovery Section (CERS)
The primary purpose of the Computer Evidence Recovery Section is to provide computer evidence recovery services, digital forensic examination services, and expert testimony for law enforcement agencies through in-depth examinations of digital data stored or seized during the course of a criminal investigation.
CERS supports all types of criminal investigations including homicide, narcotics, robbery, embezzlement, child exploitation, etc. and conducts recovery, repair and analysis of digital storage platforms in support of those investigations.
CERS computer labs in Richmond, Fairfax, Harrisonburg and Roanoke.
Northern Virginia – District of Columbia Internet Crimes Against Children (NOVA-DC ICAC)Task Force
The NOVA-DC ICAC Task Force partners with more than sixty local, state and federal law enforcement agencies dedicated to the prevention, detection and prosecution of child exploitation.
The task force was established in November 2004 through a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, with the Virginia State Police serving as the coordinating agency.
The task force provides training and information about Internet crimes to parents, children, community organizations, criminal justice professionals, judiciary officials, and legislators. For more information, please see our website: novadcicac.vsp.virginia.gov
To submit a CyberTip, please visit The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC): report.cybertip.org
Technical Support Section (TSS)
In 2020 the Technical Support Section received 2,318 requests for service from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Each request was related to ongoing criminal investigations. The section continues to support significant investigations and uses sophisticated methods and technologies to assist any requesting law enforcement agency in the investigation of virtually any criminal offense. Section personnel also provide Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) equipment and services to courts for the purpose of facilitating the testimony of child victims and witnesses pursuant to state law in certain circumstances.
CONTACT
Phone: (804) 674-2767
Closed-Circuit Equipment Requests
Use of Closed-Circuit Equipment Form (.pdf)
Fax your request to (804) 674-2198 or email cctv@vsp.virginia.gov
