A solid foundation has been laid through the years of modification and refinement of traditional investigations, and through empirical research assessing the relevance and efficacy of their techniques and procedures. While not all are equally applicable to computer crime, much insight can be gained from the past when developing sound policy to guide investigators in the future. This paper has summarized key points from previous research on traditional investigations in the United States, and has extrapolated and applied certain ‘best practices’ to computer crime investigative efforts. Suggestions as to how to suitably create and manage a specialized unit are also presented to inform American police departments called to address these crimes in their jurisdiction. All that is generally required is awareness of particular nuances associated with high-technology crimes to prevent investigative mistakes from invalidating the criminal justice effort. Many traditional crimes are now being aided or abetted through the use of computers and networks, and wrongdoing previously never imagined has surfaced because of the incredible capabilities of information systems. Computer crimes are requiring law enforcement agencies in general and criminal investigators in particular to tailor an increasing amount of their efforts toward successfully identifying, apprehending, and assisting in the successful prosecution of perpetrators. References