The rapid increase in the use of computer technology has facilitated Australia's participation in the emerging information economy, but this has also increased the country's exposure to electronic-crime (e-crime) issues. The use of the Internet will continue to evolve and expand in many areas, including electronic commerce, online banking, drug stores with prescription services, health care services and records, and education. The potential for increases in fraud is of particular concern. The existence of a global network of communications and commercial transactions means that havoc can occur in a short timeframe throughout the world. The abuse of computer technology may threaten national security, public safety and community well-being, and devastate the lives of affected individuals. The development of and dependence upon electronic media has created the opportunities for denial-of-service attacks, viruses, unauthorized entry, information tampering, cyberstalking, spamming, page-jacking, dumping or phone-napping, and computer damage. Further, there are new opportunities for services theft, manipulation of the stockmarket, software piracy, and other thefts of intellectual property. Various Australian surveys of businesses and individuals indicate that e-crimes are on the increase. In 2000, 8,197 computer security incidents were reported to AusCERT (the Australian Computer Emergency Response Team), representing a four-fold increase in the number reported in 1999. E-crime is a global issue and requires an unprecedented need for international coordination and cooperation. It requires a much stronger partnership with the private sector and other law enforcement and related agencies. A major focus must be on prevention; otherwise policing will be overwhelmed. New skills, technologies, and investigative techniques will be required to detect, prevent, and respond to electronic crime. The Police Commissioners' Conference E-crime Strategy provides an important framework and guiding principles for fashioning a range of new responses. 39 references