Microsoft calls for better e-crime investigation training

Microsoft wants Europe to help fund a training initiative to tackle e-crime

Microsoft has called on the European Commission to help establish a network of university Centres of Excellence to train law enforcement agencies in e-crime investigation techniques.

The training of law enforcement agencies by IT firms has historically been run in a somewhat ad-hoc manner, according to Microsoft.

However, new Cybercrime Centres of Excellence Network for Training (2CENTRE) facilities, to which Microsoft and other IT companies will donate expertise and training materials, will develop courses to more consistent academic standards, the Redmond firm said.

The first 2CENTRE programmes are scheduled to start in 2010 at Université de Technologie de Troyes in France and University College Dublin in Ireland.

Future courses could include subjects such as preserving the electronic crime scene and developing investigative techniques, said Microsoft.

The plan received the backing of the Council of Europe. "Internet crimes are complex, global and difficult to investigate," said Alexander Seger, head of the Council's Economic Crime Division.

"Success lies in proactive, energetic public-private partnerships such as the 2CENTRE initiative, which is a tremendous step forward and enables commerce, academia and law enforcement to come together under a shared objective."