High Tech Crime Bureau
The New Jersey State Police High Tech Crime Bureau is directly responsible for the effective and efficient performance of all investigative and analytical personnel and equipment used in the investigation and apprehension of individuals perpetrating criminal activity through the use of computers and other technology. The High Tech Crime Bureau consists of five units, the Cyber Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, Electronic Surveillance Unit, Human Trafficking Unit, and the Digital Forensics Unit.
- Cyber Crimes Unit
- Internet Crimes Against Children Unit
- Electronic Surveillance Unit
- Human Trafficking Unit
- Digital Forensics Unit
Cyber Crimes Unit
The Cyber Crimes Unit (CCU) is composed of State Police enlisted detectives and civilian personnel. Read more about the Cyber Crimes Unit.
Internet Crimes Against Children Unit
The Internet Crimes Against Children Unit was originally named the High Technology Crimes and Investigative Support Unit. Read more about the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit.
Electronic Surveillance Unit
The Electronic Surveillance Unit (ESU) assists investigative and intelligence gathering units within the Division of State Police. Additionally, ESU provides technical collaboration and support to other state, county, local and federal law enforcement agencies in the region. The Electronic Surveillance Unit procures and distributes audio and video surveillance equipment for the Division of State Police and is tasked with the maintenance of that equipment.
In the course of supporting criminal investigations, ESU members supply detectives with specialized electronic equipment needed to capture evidence for a successful case conclusion and prosecution. Case specifics and equipment used by the Electronic Surveillance Unit are of a confidential nature. To protect the integrity of the means and methods used to gather investigative leads and evidence of crimes committed details are not provided. Members of the Electronic Surveillance Unit provide the technical assistance needed by detectives in the field when an investigation leads to a communications intercept. The investigators from this unit provide expert advice, as it pertains to state and federal laws governing these types of investigations and additionally facilitate this part of the investigation.
The Electronic Surveillance Unit is a highly specialized assignment, which requires special investigative and technological skills. To enhance these skills, investigators from this unit are members of professional organizations including the National Technical Investigators Association (NATIA) and support the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) working group.
Digital Forensics Unit
The Digital Forensics Unit is comprised of five enlisted State Police Detectives and one civilian analyst assigned to the New Jersey Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory (NJRCFL). The NJRCFL is part of a nationwide network of seventeen Regional Computer Forensic Laboratories established by the FBI. The NJRCFL is staffed by personnel from eight six different Federal, State, County, and local law enforcement agencies dedicated from six different Federal, State, County, and local law enforcement agencies dedicated to the examination of digital evidence in support of law enforcement and intelligence agencies. The NJRCFL conducts forensic examinations of digital media, such as computers, cell phones and video.
They assist federal, state, and local law enforcement and intelligence agencies in support of criminal investigations through the forensic collection, recovery, processing, preservation, analysis, storage, maintenance, and presentation of digital evidence.
Additionally, members of the NJRCFL provide training and education for federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel and prosecutors regarding the forensic examination of digital evidence as it relates to the investigation and prosecution of computer-related or technology-facilitated crime.
They act as a central laboratory for computer forensic examinations and the analysis of digital evidence as it pertains to technology related crimes in the state of New Jersey. For more information about the NJRCFL, please follow the link listed below.
Human Trafficking Unit
The Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) is a specialized team dedicated to combating human trafficking in all its forms across the state. Established to address this pervasive issue, the HTU comprises a team of highly trained detectives and civilian personnel who work tirelessly to identify and disrupt human trafficking networks, protect vulnerable individuals, and bring perpetrators to justice.
The HTU operates in collaboration with federal, state, county, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations and victim service providers. Detectives assigned to the unit are tasked with developing investigative leads, conducting proactive operations, and responding to tips from the public, including those received through the OAG Human Trafficking Hotline.
Beyond enforcement, the HTU is committed to raising awareness and preventing human trafficking. The unit conducts specialized training sessions for law enforcement, prosecutors, and community organizations to enhance the identification and investigation of trafficking cases. Additionally, the HTU delivers educational presentations aimed at informing the public about the signs of trafficking and how to report suspected cases.
In recent years, the HTU has experienced significant growth in the volume and complexity of its caseload, driven by increased public awareness and collaboration with partner agencies. High-profile and large scale-sporting events amplify the need for vigilant monitoring and response efforts.
The HTU remains steadfast in its mission to disrupt human trafficking networks, assist survivors in their recovery, and strengthen the state’s ability to combat this devastating crime.
For more information on human trafficking prevention, resources, and reporting, visit the OAG Human Trafficking website.
If you believe you have identified a trafficking victim or need assistance, call 24/7 toll-free:
- NJ Human Trafficking Hotline – Tips/Leads 855.END.NJ.HT (855-363-6548)
- National Human Trafficking Hotline – 888.373.7888 or text 233733 (BE FREE)
- For victim assistance call: Covenant House 862.240.2453
Documents
- Download or print Awareness Sign for businesses.
- Human Trafficking Awareness and Reporting Guide website.
- Download STALLS for safety poster.
