| High-Tech Crime Unit | ||
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 The High-Tech Crime Unit was created as
a joint partnership between the Austin Police Department and local
high-tech industries on Feb. 1, 1995. The unit, which is comprised of six
Austin police officers, is the first of its kind in Texas. The unit was
patterned after a similar unit
in San Jose, California.
The High-Tech Unit was formed to take a pro-active approach in tackling
high-tech crimes before they become a problem in the Austin area's growing
high-tech industry. Currently, more than 400 high-tech companies are in
the region.
Law enforcement focuses on issues such as computer chip theft, computer
hacking, fraud, theft of intellectual property, robbery and burglaries of
high tech companies. Since the formation of the unit, over three million
dollars worth of stolen computer equipment has been recovered.
Law enforcement agencies which are involved in the high-tech unit are
the Austin Police
Department, IRS Criminal Investigations Division, Secret Service, FBI,
U.S. Customs Service and the Travis, Williamson and Hays County sheriff's
offices.
High-tech industries provide financial support, materials, equipment
and technical information. Money provided to the unit is given to a
non-profit foundation to administer funds.
The Austin Police Department High Tech Unit can be reached by phone at
458-0401
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