Electronic Crimes Unit Outreach and Program Expansion

The purpose of this program will be to investigate and educate the public on the different types of electronic crimes including cyberstalking, elder scams, cyber bullying, revenge porn, sexting, etc. within Dakota County. This will be done through a county-wide public outreach campaign including the nine different school districts and the elder community. The grant recipient will provide overtime to members of the Dakota County Electronics Crime Unit (ECU) and detectives of the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office to conduct investigations and provide informational presentations to promote and educate about the different electronic crimes. The grant recipient will also use funds to purchase new or to upgrade current equipment and software for the Dakota County Electronic Crimes Unit. Having updated technology will expand the abilities to investigate these types of crimes. This is a good use of funds because it will give the citizens of Dakota County information to protect themselves from electronic scams and aid in the prosecution of those victimized by these crimes.