internet crimes against children: blog 
internet crimes against children's blog
i must respectfully decline
by Durham Police ICACPublished Jul. 15, 2008
Yesterday it was asked if there was a volunteer program available for non law enforcement persons to combat online predators. While I appreciate your enthusiasm, I can neither condone, advise, or solicit such help. Not because I doubt your motives or abilities.
For me to become apart of the ICAC Taskforce I received over 100 hours of classroom instruction, not to mention on the job training. I must comply with guidelines set forth that ensure the best possible case in presented to a judge and jury. I must be available for court dates, forensic exams, and meeting with the DA. In other words the time involved in these cases does not lend itself to volunteer work. This is a full time job with large amounts of responsibilities.
Also one of our guidelines is that we can not work with citizen groups or encourage members of the public to go online for the purposes of these activities. No matter what you see on the TV please realize that these are dangerous individuals that are confronted with very serious charges and in most cases have a lot to lose. Not a good combination for anyone, even cops. Police officers have lost their lives attempting to apprehend these offenders.
Please consider that this is a job, not a game. What typically makes for good TV, makes for bad police work. There is a very popular show that depicts online predators and shows in dramatic fashion the outcomes of their "investigations". Please realize that it is rarely that quick. That these "investigations" are being challenged throughout the country, with some measure of success I might add. Their techniques are vastly different from ours and that is reflected in the conviction rates.
Please realize that what I see on a daily basis is not pleasant and can be down right horrifying. Imagine the webcams I see. Imagine the images that are sent to me. Do you really want to volunteer to see that?
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GOLO member since August 23, 2007
July 18, 2008 6:06 p.m.
GOLO member since July 7, 2007
July 15, 2008 10:42 a.m.
I have 4 young children. We keep the PC they get access to in the Living/Dining room and use the S4F internet filter, currently from Centipede Networks. I HIGHLY recommend it for all men and children in particular. We pay $50 per year for the service and it is exceptional.
GOLO member since February 28, 2008
July 15, 2008 10:24 a.m.
My kids have asked WHY they can't do those websites and I've told them how easy it is for someone to ask questions that they (the kids) think are innocent and harmless to answer, but when they are all put together, they can lead a person to them. That was the last time my kids asked for those accounts. It scared them. Good!
GOLO member since July 18, 2007
July 15, 2008 9:38 a.m.
GOLO member since December 11, 2007
July 15, 2008 9:35 a.m.
thanks for all you do in trying to protect our kids from a deviant society.
July 15, 2008 9:35 a.m.
After 3 teenagers I have seen it all myself and still do if I make myself "public".I get all kinds of request.We need more folks like you doing this type of work.I just don't want to go into the rooms where it is more prevelent...LOL
GOLO member since December 30, 2007
July 15, 2008 9:34 a.m.
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