NT Police Cybercrime unit faces outdated legislation and lack of resources

NT police’s cybercrime unit is so under resourced that they have to rely on interstate units to help with cases, a committee looking into authorities’ response to cybercrime has found.

The NT Police Force has called for legislative review into cybercrime legislation. Picture: Supplied

A NT Police submission to an inquiry by the Joint Committee on Law Enforcement looking into the capability of authorities to respond to cybercrime has highlighted the deficiencies faced by the force.

The submission states that the NT Police Force’s Cybercrime Unit is staffed by two people and that they often have to rely on the Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre and interstate police to help with cases.

The submission also claims that legislation is holding back the unit, forcing them to partner with the Australian Federal Police for digital device searches.

“Current NT legislation is not fit for purpose in the digital age, particularly in the areas of searching and seizing digital devices, digital evidence and cryptocurrency,” NT Police said.

“This has resulted in, wherever possible, NT Police partnering with the AFP to allow the use of Commonwealth digital search powers as a workaround of the archaic NT legislation.

“There is currently no policy, procedure or requisite legislation for the seizure of cryptocurrency in the NT.”

Sextortion is one of a number of growing cybercrime concerns for NT Police. Picture: Supplied

NT Police also said a lack of resources was hampering their ability to investigate cybercrime and more specialised officers were needed.

“The NT Police Force maintains a Cybercrime Unit staffed by one sergeant and one constable,” the submission said.

“This provides a limited capability for NT Police to detect, investigate and prosecute cybercrime, including both cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled crimes.

“Acknowledging the resource constraints that this genre of offending poses, the need for staff with specialised skill sets and training opportunities for law enforcement officers is critical, as the demand for this skill set is not yet met by available resources.”

The submission goes on to describe the emerging cybercrime threats and challenges that are set to impact Territorians ranging from email fraud and crypto currency investment scams to sextortion.

The NT Police Force is calling for “legislative review” into the enforcement of cybercrime laws to help them keep the community safe.

“Law enforcement can be further impeded by the accessibility of lawful access to encrypted communications and devices,” they said.

“It would be welcomed if further consideration be given to ensuring law enforcement can meet community expectations in managing offending that is empowered through the use of such communication platforms and devices.

“An opportunity exists for legislative review at both the NT and Federal level.”