January 22, 2016
Police Academy cadets at Northeast Texas Community College gained first-hand insight into the national fight against cyber terrorism Thursday. Aspiring law enforcement officers, along with other students and college personnel, heard a candid presentation from Congressman John Ratcliffe, who represents the fourth district of Texas in the United States House of Representatives.†
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Ratcliffe spoke on the importance of cyber security as it relates to national security and the ability to protect the U.S. from both foreign and domestic threats.†
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?Cyber security is an issue that I feel strongly about and that I will continue to fight for in Washington.†Protecting our physical borders is extremely important, but our digital borders are just as vulnerable," Ratcliffe said. He referred to numerous groups that are working to breach U.S. information, including cyber criminals out to steal financial information, terrorist organizations, state groups (I.e. other countries) and professional hackers.†
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?Cyber crime is only going to increase during your careers in law enforcement,? Ratcliffe told the cadets. ?It will become vitally important for officers at all levels to be trained in the handling of electronic evidence in order to ensure that it is admissible in a court of law."
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During the George W. Bush Administration, Ratcliffe was appointed to multiple posts, including U.S. Attorney (2007-2008) and Chief of Anti-Terrorism and National
Security for the Eastern District of Texas (2004-2007). During his tenure, he put terrorist sympathizers in prison and personally managed dozens of international and domestic terrorism investigations involving some of the nation?s most sensitive security matters.†Ratcliffe played an integral role in formulating the DOJ?s terrorism strategies as a member of the Attorney General?s Advisory Subcommittee on Terrorism and National Security. His strong record of defending the Constitution and keeping America safe has led†to opportunities for him to serve on the House Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees, and to serve as the Cybersecurity Subcommittee Chairman on the Homeland Security Committee .
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?We were so glad that Congressman Ratcliffe was able to stop by to visit with our students on these important topics. As with everything in modern life, the field of law enforcement is evolving along with new technology. It will be critical for our students to be trained in fighting cyber crime as they begin their careers,? Dr. Brad Johnson, NTCC President, said.†
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Ratcliffe took questions from the group and then toured NTCC?s indoor firing range used for police academy training. He had the opportunity to shoot a variety of firearms ranging from a .45 pistol to a Thompson†submachine gun.
