Social Change

Forensic psychology professionals and cybercrime law enforcement specialists can make a difference in identifying cybercriminals and preventing cybercrimes. Understanding the various motivations, lifestyles, and behaviors of cyber offenders can assist private citizens, businesses, and government agencies in thinking proactively about cybercrime prevention. Investigators must not only focus on prevention, but also on developing faster detection and rapid-response strategies. To stay at the forefront of cybercrime, experts must be able to identify, assess, and manage developing trends in cybercrime.

This week, you will examine the role and responsibilities of the forensic psychology professional in cybercrime prevention. Working with other professionals requires an understanding and respect for role boundaries. You will analyze these roles and responsibilities, evaluate cybercrime resources, and identify best practices in managing cybercrime risks and threats.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

Analyze strategies to develop cybercrime prevention skills

Analyze ways in which a forensic psychology professional can contribute to positive social change in cybercrime

• Analyze responsibilities in investigating cybercrimes
• Analyze boundaries when working with other professionals to investigate cybercrimes
• Evaluate resources for investigating cybercrime
• Analyze ways to manage risk or threat from an assessment perspective
• Analyze a forensic psychology professional’s role in social change
• Learning Resources
• Required Readings

Brady, P. Q., Randa, R., & Reyns, B. W. (2016). From WWII to the world wide web: A research note on social changes, online ‘places,’ and a new online activity ratio for routine activity theory. Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice, 32(2), 129– 147. doi:10.1177/1043986215621377

DARWINKEL, E., POWELL, M., & TIDMARSH, P. (2013). IMPROVING POLICE OFFICERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF SEXUAL OFFENDING THROUGH INTENSIVE TRAINING. CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND BEHAVIOR, 40(8), 895–908. (ACCESSION NO. 000322242300004)

Elçi, A., & Seçkin, Z. (2016). Cyberbullying awareness for mitigating consequences in higher education. Journal of Interpersonal Violence. doi:10.1177/0886260516646095

Huey, L., Nhan, J., & Broll, R. (2013). ‘Uppity civilians’ and ‘cyber-vigilantes’: The role of the general public in policing cyber-crime. Criminology & Criminal Justice, 13(1), 81–97. doi:10.1177/1748895812448086

Thomas, G. (2016). A case for local neighbourhood policing and community intelligence in counter terrorism. Police Journal, 89(1), 31–54. doi:10.1177/0032258X16630489

Discussion: Making a Contribution

Consider the exponential growth in Internet traffic and its myriad of applications for personal, business, and government enterprise. Exploiting this growth for criminal gain has attracted a host of online offenders, from casual hackers and bullies to corporate marauders, military information thieves, and sexual predators. What will be the next wave of cybercrime, and who will be the perpetrators? Foreseeing these trends could profoundly affect the lives of many people.

In this Discussion, you will create a plan for continually educating yourself on trends and new uses for the Internet. You will also consider how, as a forensic psychology professional, you can effect social change in a positive way within the area of cybercrime.

Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the Week 11 Discussion link and then select Create Thread to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking Submit!

To prepare for this Discussion:

Consider the evolution of cybercrime and potential future trends.

Read the Learning Resource pertaining to trends in cybercrime.

By Day 3

Post a response to the following:

Considering that cybercrime is continuously evolving and deepening, explain how a forensic psychology professional can develop his or her skills and contribute toward lessening the impact of crime.

Provide examples of how a forensic psychology professional can contribute to social change within the area of cybercrime.

By Day 5

Respond to at least two of your colleagues with a substantive, interactive discussion that continues through Day 7.

Note: Support your post and response with references to the Learning Resources and/or other academic resources.

Submission and Grading Information

Grading Criteria

To access your rubric:
Discussion Rubric

Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 5

To participate in this Discussion:
Week 11 Discussion

Project: Part 2: Final Project Case Analysis

Submit a 3- to 4-page analysis of your selected case study from the viewpoint of the career role you analyzed. Note: This is the case study that was approved by your Instructor in Week 2. Some things to consider when analyzing the details of your case include but are not limited to:

From your career viewpoint, describe the responsibilities that you would have in investigating the case.

Describe any potential boundary issues that might arise as you work alongside law enforcement and other professional practitioners on this case.

Describe any ethical considerations or violations you must consider when working in this field.

Identify resources you would employ in investigating the case and explain how you would use each one (i.e., social media, technologies, professional networking, etc.).

Explain how a forensic psychology professional could manage the risk or assess the threat.

Explain how a forensic psychology professional’s work could contribute to social change.