criminal justice policy biblical perspective

Defining the Problem

Cybersecurity has become a top concern in criminal justice policy at the local, state, and federal levels. Coordination between different law enforcement agencies is required to effectively detect and responds to threats. The proposed H.R. 3490 is a bill that would establish a National Computer Forensics Institute within the Department of Homeland Security. The proposed National Computer Forensics Institute would be primarily responsible for training local and state law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges, in the interest of creating more robust information sharing and more competent responses to cyberthreats.

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Biblical Guidelines

The Bible does not mention cybersecurity of course, but the Bible does show how ultimately matters of security rest with God. The story of Job is especially instructive because it shows how even in one’s darkest hour, peace and security are found in faith: “You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety,” (Job 11:18). One of the themes of the Bible is placing all faith in God: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” (Psalm 46:1). Because God is “the source of all truth, power, and authority,” God would mandate a government that upheld the principle of security.

Constitutional Guidelines

The Constitution outlines the limits of federal power, deferring to local authorities on almost all criminal matters (Article III). The Tenth Amendment to the Constitution also grants the states and local authorities express powers in matters related to criminal justice and law enforcement.

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Political Feasibility

All matters related to national security, including cybersecurity, are politically expedient. “Collaboration between law enforcement agencies, at all levels of government, has been identified as a salient component of post–September 11 policing,” (Stewart, 2011, p. 407). Moreover, some cybersecurity issues will not be classified as federal crimes at all, but may have only local ramifications. H.R. 3490 does not divest local authorities of power, it simply affords them improved education and training they need to respond to current criminal justice issues like cybercrime.

Financial Feasibility

According to the Congressional Budget Office report, creating the National Computer Forensics Institute “would not have a significant effect on spending by DHS,” mainly because the DHS already carries out these duties (H.R. 3490, Strengthening State and Local Cyber Crime Fighting Act,” 2015). Therefore, H.R. 3490 is financially feasible.

Practical Feasibility

If local authorities are to be effective in their jobs, and if prosecutors judges are to act accordingly to prevent cybercrime, they need appropriate training. Centralizing the training under the auspices of the DHS is the wisest option because it ensures nationalized standards for local law enforcement responses. Local law enforcement would typically lack the resources needed for training of their own.