SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As part of her efforts to increase the safety and well-being of local residents, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is sponsoring legislation that will require police officers to be trained in the areas of cybercrimes and crimes committed with personal devices.

“As technology continues to evolve, so does crime,” Manley said. “That’s why it’s critical that law enforcement is trained in the latest trends so they can protect our communities to the best of their abilities. This legislation simply requires police academies to develop courses that teach officers about cybercrimes and crimes committed with cellphones and other personal devices.”

According to the Pew Institute, 64 percent of Americans have experienced a data breach of their personal information. Identity theft, email hacking and fraudulent credit card charges are just some of the crimes that are committed online. Manley’s Senate Bill 1410 requires police academies to develop courses on cybercrime and crime committed with cellphones and other devices. These new courses would help ensure that all police officers have training in this rapidly growing new area.

“Every day we receive emails, phone calls or text messages from con-artists looking to get our personal information and these methods work for them,” Manley said. “I know of several instances in the 98th district where people have had their information compromised. As techniques change and become more sophisticated it is important for all law enforcement officers to be trained to quickly identify new scams, help victims and catch the perpetrators.”

For more information, please contact Manley’s constituent service office at 815-725-2741 or RepManley@gmail.com.