High Tech Crime Unit
The High Tech Crime Unit was created as a joint partnership between the Austin Police Department and local high tech industries on Feb. 1, 1995. The unit, which is comprised of three Austin Police Officers, was the first of its kind in Texas. The unit was patterned after a similar unit in San Jose, California. The High Tech Crime Unit was formed to take a pro-active approach in tackling high tech crimes before they become a problem in the Austin area's growing high tech industry. Currently, there are over 3,000 high tech companies in the Austin metro area employing more than 100,000 persons. Law enforcement focuses on issues such as computer component theft, computer hacking, trademark counterfeiting, theft of intellectual property, robbery and burglaries of high tech companies. Law enforcement agencies which are involved with the High Tech Crime Unit include the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigations Division, U.S. Customs Service, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Attorney's Office, Texas Attorney General's Office Internet Bureau, Texas Department of Public Safety and the Travis County District Attorney's Office. The Austin Metro High Tech Foundation, an organization sponsored by several local high tech companies, provides financial support for materials, equipment and training to Austin area law enforcement agencies, including the APD High Tech Crime Unit.The Austin Police Department High Tech Crime Unit can be contacted by email at high.tech@ci.austin.tx.us.When contacting the High Tech Crime Unit, please keep in mind that the unit does not investigate Internet related crimes (Cyber Crimes) unless they fall into the categories mentioned below. Internet fraud, credit card abuse, identity theft and harassment can be reported to the Austin Police Department by calling 3-1-1. Internet child exploitation (solicitation of a child or child pornography) should be reported to the Child Abuse Unit at 3-1-1. Helpful Web Sites: Need to report an instance of internet fraud to Federal Authorities?
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