Kohima, June 29: In a virtual world where nameless and faceless criminals stalk cyberspace in search of their prey, policing assumes a different meaning.

Nagaland police are taking the first step towards raising their own battalion of cyber police by lining up officers outside the computer room. The first phase of the project, launched at the initiative of director-general of police J.Changkija, envisages introduction of the crime-criminal information system (CCIS) software and integrated investigation forms in all districts.

No cyber crime has been reported so far in Nagaland, but the growing number of Netizens and the fascination of youths with Internet chat rooms have forced the police to look ahead.

?The implementation of CCIS software has been on the backburner for a long time. The state government has had to face criticism and embarrassment for this reason,? the DGP said in a circular to all district superintendents of police.

Changkija said an astoundingly large number of cyber crimes originate in chat rooms, where ?smooth-talking? criminals operate under aliases. ?In any case, the CCIS software will enable the police force to investigate all crimes in a more effective manner.?

Police sources said the new software would enable the authorities to keep tabs on police stations that register cognisable offences as non-cognisable ones.

The detection of a fake gun-licence racket in Nagaland was a wake-up call for the police on the need for better networking of crime records. If implemented successfully, the CCIS will reduce duplication of records, enhance co-ordination and efficiency, and facilitate proper supervision of crime investigation.

Unit commanders will have to undergo training in the use of computers and the CCIS. All of them have been asked to enrol for a crash course latest by July 30.

These officers have also been asked to ensure that the forms prescribed by the National Crime Records Bureau are filled promptly, integrated with the CCIS and sent to the state crime records bureau.

All police units are required to acquire Internet links and submit reports and returns by email to the state crime records bureau, sources said.

?These are basic requirements, considering we are investing so much in modernising the police force,? a senior officer said.

The principal of the police training school has been asked to prepare a training syllabus. A list of computer-literate staff is expected to be ready by the end of this month.