JCF’S Proactive Approach to Combatting Cybercrime Yielding Positive Outcomes

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Communication Forensics and Cybercrime Division (CFCD) continues to play a crucial role in combatting criminals who exploit digital platforms for their illicit activities.

Communications Officer for the CFCD, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Maurice Goode, says the impact of the Division’s engagements is evident in statistics for the period 2016 to 2023, during which more than 450 individuals were arrested.

More than 400 of these persons were charged, 29 extradited and 62 convicted for cybercrimes.

DSP Goode was speaking during a recent Global Services Association of Jamaica (GSAJ) President’s Breakfast Forum at Grand-A-View Event Place in Montego Bay, St. James.

He highlighted the evolving nature of cybercriminal tactics and emphasised the importance of staying ahead of these trends through continuous technological adaptation.

“There is changing of the methods of data mining [with criminals] trying to get the information in order to carry out their nefarious activities,” DSP Goode stated.

“So, what we do at the CFCD is to look at their devices… whether mobile devices, computers, and whatever can store digital data. We do that forensically to ensure that we can assist, even up to the prosecution,” he added.

DSP Goode said the Division’s success in combatting cybercrime is also attributable to its commitment to regularly training its personnel.

He pointed out that recent training sessions have focused on malware investigation, with future courses planned on network security.

The senior officer said these proactive approaches allow the CFCD to identify and apprehend individuals who hide in the depths of digital networks to carry out their illegal activities.

DSP Goode noted that the CFCD’s actions are intended to serve as a strong deterrent, making potential offenders think twice before engaging in cybercriminal activities.