GLYNCO, Ga. – As January 2024 concluded, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) Cyber Division (CYD) saw the approval of two critical courses – Digital Forensic Examiner (Jan. 25) and Technical Investigations Level 1 (Jan. 18). This marks substantial progress in an ambitious initiative to overhaul advanced cyber programs for law enforcement. The initiative, introduced in the Dec. 2021 Curriculum Advisory Meeting, seeks to enhance the efficiency and impact of cyber training amidst expanding demands and cost concerns. The new courses are significant steps toward completing over half of the proposed revamp, with the target date for completion by the end of fiscal year 2024. 

FLETC law enforcement Partner Organizations (POs) have faced mounting challenges as cyber programs have doubled in the past decade, mirroring the urgency to address increasingly complex digital crime. This necessity underpins the latest efforts by FLETC to deliver relevant, skill-centric training to officers and agents.

Prompted by these challenges, FLETC CYD undertook a rigorous consolidation process, with the goal of reducing both financial and logistical strain on POs. The outcome is a redesigned sequence of training programs, skillfully integrated into two cyber-related “tracks” aimed at imparting up-to-date field knowledge.

The restructuring introduced two streamlined cyber training pathways: the Cybercrime / Digital Forensics Track and the Electronic Surveillance Track.

In the Cybercrime / Digital Forensics Track, six previously existing advanced digital forensics courses were condensed into four optimized offerings. These newly structured courses split into focused disciplines of mobile and computer forensics, intended to create skilled examiners through a structured learning progression.

The Electronic Surveillance Track consolidates five technical investigation courses into a three-tiered system, nurturing Technical Investigators with comprehensive skills in electronic surveillance, as opposed to previously isolated program segments.

Amidst the shift to an increasingly online world, FLETC’s CYD pioneered two virtual in-service programs in 2021. Using FLETC's eLearning platform, these pilot programs may soon evolve into established cyber-advanced offerings, illustrating FLETC’s dedication to integrating cutting-edge methods into remote cyber training.

“At the end of the day, I’m confident that the streamlining of our cyber training will yield computer forensic examiners or technical investigators with a more comprehensive law enforcement skillset,” said FLETC CYD Chief John Riley. 

FLETC's approach reflects a steadfast commitment to preparing POs against the intricacies of cybercrime by refining training quality, reducing spending for travel, and optimizing the use of resources.

PO representatives seeking details on the revised training avenues and programs are invited to reach out to the FLETC CYD for further guidance.