Monday, July 2, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Announces More Than $1 Million to Fight Internet Predators
JEFFERSON CITY– Gov. Matt Blunt announced today the award of nearly $1.2 million to independently recognized task forces and local law enforcement agencies which will provide personnel, training and resources needed to protect children from cyber predators, pornography and exploitation.
“We are making vital investments to keep our children safe from Internet predators,” Gov. Blunt said. “These grants will assist in combating devious criminals who use the Internet to attack Missouri’s children. I have made it a priority by signing tough legislation to combat sexual predators and create more harsh punishments for those who commit horrific acts against our young children.”
“Internet predators and child pornographers are dangerous and depraved committing unspeakable abuses against children. These grants will fund proactive investigations across Missouri to stop those who will hurt our children,” Sen. John Loudon said.
The 2008 Internet Cyber Crime Grant Program (ICCGP) awards were granted to five county, eight city and two state agencies through a competitive application process. The money will be used to support detectives’ salaries, training, equipment and computer forensic personnel who focus on preventing and controlling cyber crime. Local agencies matched 10 percent of the state funding they receive.
In January the governor recommended a half million dollar increase to support the multi-jurisdictional Internet Cyber Crimes Task Forces which allowed local law enforcement agencies to further their efforts to track cyber sexual predators with the resources they need.
Blunt signed legislation in May which allowed grant money to be used for equipment, supplies and services. Prior to House Bill 41, grant money received by multi-jurisdictional Internet Cyber Crime Task Forces could only be used to pay law enforcement salaries and provide training.
Blunt’s strong leadership has ensured Missouri has one of the strongest versions of Jessica’s Law in the nation by signing legislation that mandates a lifetime sentence with a minimum of 30 years for serious sexual crimes that are committed against young children and calls for certain sex offenders to be monitored their entire lives. The governor has also led the successful effort to expand the state’s sexual offender registry and add new tools to make it a more powerful resource for parents and law enforcement officials.
The governor recently signed a budget that includes $150,000 for the INOBTR (text shorthand for “I Know Better”) to help fight against online sexual predators. The funds will support a public awareness campaign and education initiative which is designed to help Missouri parents and students learn about the latest issues facing kids online, become active in the fight to stop Internet predators, and protect children online.