The Identity Theft Partnership in Prevention program at Michigan State University is undergoing major re-organization sans founding Director, Judith M. Collins,Ph.D. Professor Collins announced in mid-January of this year that she had accepted a position with the U.S.Department of State in Washington D.C. and could no longer serve as Director. Sandra Hoffman, former Associate Director of the program, was named Interim Director.

Re-Organization

Interim Director

Homeland Security

On February 20, 2006, School of Criminal Justice Director Edmund McGarrell convened a meeting of key stakeholders from around the state and charged them with describing what an ideal ID Theft program at MSU should look like. From this group the School will build an Identity Theft Program Advisory Board to assist in keeping the MSU program cutting edge in research, education and training.

Three issues were identified by the February 20th participants as critical to a nationally recognized cutting edge program. The first was the importance of victim services. Education and training of victims, investigators, prosecutors, courts, and the community at large was also emphasized. Lastly, participants recognized the need for research to inform policy.

Introducing Sandra K. Hoffman

Sandra Hoffman served as Associate Director to the Identity Theft Partnerships in Prevention program prior to being appointed Interim Director. She worked with Dr. Collins on various research projects relating to identity theft, and assisted in the development and delivery of the various related workshops offered by that program.

Ms. Hoffman is a graduate of Siena Heights University with additional course towards a Masters degree from the University of Toledo. She has recently completed work on a project with the Office for Educational Outreach at Bowling Green State University-Firelands Campus to provide identity theft training on-line to military personnel. Sandra also holds a part-time position with the Adrian Township Police Department.

When asked what she saw the greatest challenge facing the MSU Identity Theft Program in the absence of Professor Collins, Sandra advises: “It’s obvious no one can fill Dr. Collins shoes and the role she played in establishing and maintaining the original Identity Theft Partnerships in Prevention program. She was the program’s greatest cheerleader -spending unbelievable amounts of time traveling around the country doing presentations. My greatest challenge is going to be to keep up the momentum to keep the issue in the forefront.”

The Nexus of Identity Theft and Terrorism

Speculation on likely terrorist actions and specific indicators point to more creative and adaptive strategies by terrorists trying to enter the United States. Identity theft, beyond its context for covert financing, is anticipated to become more attractive to terrorists as a means of gaining entry into the United States.

A successful Homeland Security intelligence program needs information on identity theft and related activities. It is critical that local law enforcement personnel understand why and how identity theft activities relate to keeping our homeland safe and what must be done to insure all possible related information is forwarded to Fusion Centers for incorporation with other bits of intelligence.