Hamilton County Sheriff Dennis Quakenbush has announced a new partnership with the Hamilton County Metro Child Exploitation Task Force. This is the first time the Sheriff’s Office has had a detective assigned to this multi-agency unit. This specialized unit is affiliated the federal Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) program in partnership with the Fishers Police Department.
Quakenbush
One of Quakenbush’s top priorities is the safety and protection of children in local communities. “The exploitation and victimization of children is one of the most disturbing crimes in our county,” Quakenbush said. “It is imperative that we stay progressive and proactive in our approach to reduce human trafficking and internet related crimes against the children. With this partnership, we can continue to fulfill our goal of Keeping Hamilton County Safe.”
The Department of Justice, specifically the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquent Prevention, created the ICAC programs in 1998. Since the inception, 61 units have been established across the country. This national network is comprised of more than 4,500 federal, state and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies. They will provide forensic and investigative technical assistance to law enforcement and prosecutors as well as educational information to parents, educators and others concerned with child victimization.
Anyone with information about a child predator or internet crimes against children should call 911 or (800) 843-5678. Online tips can also be submitted online at hamiltoncounty.in.gov or at cybertipline.com.
For additional information and safety tips please visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (missingkids.org) and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program (icactaskforce.org).