Internet Crimes Against Children

 

Internet Crimes Against Children

The Problem

 

The availability of the Internet to almost everyone, at any location, gives criminals who would sexually exploit children incredible access to our children. As a result, statistics indicate that Internet crimes against children are increasing. These crimes include people from all walks of life and are not limited to a certain profile. Offenders arrested by the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office have included a college student, an attorney, a school bus driver and a grandfather. According to one study, approximately one in seven children are sexually solicited online and only seven percent of children tell a parent about the experience.

 

Our goal is to identify offenders and remove computers that are distributing child pornography.

 

To address this problem, the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, along with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Ad Council are participating in a national public awareness campaign entitled " Help Delete Online Predators." We hope this campaign:

 

Increases awareness about the prevalence of online sexual exploitation.

 

Helps families protect themselves against online sexual predators.

 

Educates families about the Wisconsin Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This is a resource that provides Internet safety tips.
Internet crimes against children have become so prevalent that the investigation of these crimes by the Federal Bureau of Investigation is the second largest area of operation for the FBI today – second only to the September 11 Terrorism Case.

 

The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office provides free Internet safety training for parents, local area schools and groups. This training informs parents of the dangers that exist on-line and provides information on what parents can do to help keep their children safe on the Internet. If your school or group would be interested in scheduling a Training Seminar, or if you have any questions regarding this program, please contact Detective Fernando Santiago at 414-278-3955, or via email

What do I look for?

Signs that might indicate your child is in danger online:
  • Your child spends large amounts of time online, especially at night.
  • Your child receives phone calls from an adult you do not know or your child is making phone calls to numbers you do not know.
  • Your child receives gifts, letters, money, calling cards, or packages through the mail from someone you do not know.
  • Your child is using an online account that belongs to someone else.
  • Your child turns the computer monitor off or quickly changes the screen when you come into the room.
  • You find pornography on your child's computer.

Safety Tips for Parents:

 

 

 

 

  • Know what your child is doing online and where they are doing it.
  • Talk to your child about potential online dangers.
  • Consider using filtering or monitoring software for your computer.
  • Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) about their filtering capabilities.
  • Teach your child to never give out personal information online.
  • Tell your child to never meet with anyone they meet online unless you are present.
  • Keep the computer out of your child's bedroom and in a central location.

Report any online incidents to your local sheriff's office or police department.

Click here for more from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

 


 

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