Date:30/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/12/30/stories/2006123000551700.htm

Back Software companies to train Mumbai cops on cyber crime

Our Bureau

Nasscom to set up labs in Bangalore, Pune on Mumbai model

Mumbai , Dec. 29

With a view to countering cyber crime, software institutes and training companies may soon `adopt' police stations in Mumbai.

"We are in talks with reputed institutions and training companies to educate our officers and provide them with certificate courses in cyber crime," Mr A.N. Roy, Police Commissioner of Mumbai, said at a news conference on Friday, on the first day of the week-long `annual cyber safety week', organised by Mumbai police in partnership with software industry body Nasscom.

The Mumbai cyber lab of the city's police department has, with the help of Nasscom, trained about 1,000 police officers in the two years of its existence.

Currently, all cyber crime related offences are referred to the cyber crime investigation cell in Mumbai. "We want every investigating officer in our police stations to be well equipped to deal with cyber crime related issues," Mr Roy said.

As per current norms, officers below the cadre of Assistant Commissioner of Police cannot investigate cyber crimes.

"We are awaiting changes as the proposed amendment is still in initial stages," said Mr Roy.

Using the Mumbai lab as a model, Nasscom will establish cyber crime labs in Bangalore and Pune by January, Mr Nandkumar Saravade, Director, Cyber Security & Compliance, Nasscom, said.

As victims of cyber crime are mainly found in the areas of banking, securities markets, and rail and air bookings, Mumbai police will have regular interactions with the top technology officials of these companies.

They will have monthly interactions with technology officers of major airlines, banks, hotels and other companies, Mr Roy said.

These officers would be invited to train themselves and acquire expertise in the requisite areas, he added.

e-panchayat

Mumbai police aims to create an `e-panchayat', which will serve as a forum for customers to address their grievances. "Trained officers of the cyber crime cell and experts will act as panellists to redress the consumers' grievances," Mr Roy said.

It is proposed that the e-panchayat will be contactable by e-mail and video-conferencing, and other modern methods of communication.