A preliminary study of autism and cybercrime in the context of international law enforcement

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the association of cybercrime, autistic spectrum conditions and international law enforcement, the past decade having seen a significant growth in reported cybercrimes involving autistic individuals. Design/methodology/approach - Interest in the profile of autism and cybercrime and the pathways whereby such offences are committed is shared by key law-enforcement agencies worldwide. This was explored by literature review and survey. Findings - The authors identified a presence of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders but no empirical evidence to suggest a prevalence or an over representation of autistic individuals committing cybercrime offences. At present profiling, pathways, and recording is under developed. Research limitations/implications - Paucity of literature on cybercrime and autism. Awareness of autism within law-enforcement agencies and the absence of key diagnostic and other data from the cross-section of agencies surveyed. Practical implications - Improve detection, diversion, profiling, risk and pathways into cybercrime. Social implications - Better prediction of risk of cybercrime and improved responses. Originality/value - Original paper believed to be the first to look at cybercrime and ASD in the context of international law enforcement.