Iowa's Solution to Internet Safety for Kids

New Internet Crime Web Site to Keep Kids Safe
From KCRG News, By Dave Franzman and Becky Ogann

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - A law enforcement group specializing in internet crimes against children is offering a new tool to both parents and police to help keep kids safe online.

Iowa’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force called a news conference on Tuesday in Cedar Rapids to promote a new website that will offer information, advice and even a police reporting tool to both parents and educators. The site, www.IaICAC.org, will give parents the latest information on sexual exploitation criminal cases in Iowa as well as internet safety tips for keeping kids safe.

The website will carry public service ads on the dangers of “sexting.” That’s the term for kids electronically sending revealing photos or sexual information about themselves to others. Law officers say that’s one of the more recent dangers than can expose minors to contract with online predators.

But the site will also give a direct link for anyone who suspects an actual internet-based crime is taking place. E-mailed tips will go to a central clearinghouse and then on to law enforcement internet specialists in a particular part of the state. And Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller said it may produce information in a more timely manner from people who would be reluctant to go directly to police.

“If people just have a suspicion or they’re not sure they might be reluctant to go to law enforcement. They can put it on the internet and we can use it as something to think about or coordinate with other knowledge, “ Miller said.

Miller said the new IaICAC web site replaces a similar site that was less accessible on the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s main web page. He’s hoping parents and police come to depend on it as a source of official information about internet predators in Iowa .

But an upcoming change in state law on Thursday also has Miller excited. Due to a court ruling, internet predators who responded to police posing as minors online could only be charged with a misdemeanor. Miller said that was making it more difficult for departments to keep pursuing internet crimes because it wasn’t worth the time or expense.

But on July 1st, undercover officers who snare predators trolling the net can charge them with a class “D” felony. That usually carries a term of up to five years in prison.

Be involved in your kid's internet browsing. Get smart about checking all their acounts: e-mail, facebook, myspace, and look at the history of the sites they are browsing.