Task Force for 'Internet Crimes Against Children' Gets High-Tech Help
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 24, 2002 -- Internet crimes against children is a problem magnified by technology, and now technology is helping in the fight to protect children. Xerox Corporation's DocuShare® software (www.xerox.com/DocuShare) is being used in the Law Enforcement Data Exchange Portal (LEDX), developed and maintained by Integrated Digital Systems, for the sharing of criminal intelligence information over the Internet by law enforcement agencies. The solution was recognized today by Sheriff Mike Brown, Bedford County, Va.; U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Va.; U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va. and co-chair, Congressional Internet Caucus; U.S. Sen. George Allen, R-Va.; and Larry D. Hunt, chairman of the board, Integrated Digital Systems.
Sheriff Mike Brown calls Xerox DocuShare® software "a highly effective weapon in the fight against child sexual predators."
DocuShare® was recently adopted by the Bedford County Sheriff's Office, Operation Blue Ridge Thunder, which is a U.S. Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and made available to the other 30 ICAC Task Forces across the nation. Xerox's DocuShare® software makes secure, real-time information-sharing possible in this national task force's efforts against people who would do harm to the children of this country and around the world. Operation Blue Ridge Thunder Task Force is funded by a grant from the Department of Justice and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), and coordinated by Brown.
"The Blue Ridge Thunder Task Force has been remarkably successful in identifying and prosecuting pedophiles and manufacturers and distributors of child pornography who use the Internet to prey on children, but our reach has been limited," Brown said. "LEDX, based on DocuShare®, shares critical information between agencies -- breaking down artificial boundaries -- which magnifies our impact. It is a highly effective weapon in our fight against these predators."
LEDX.org is a free, secure DocuShare® repository, which was established by the Bedford County Sheriff's Office. It enables law enforcement to exchange and store case files, suspect profiles, and other classified data and documents in a safe and secure environment.
The Xerox software was chosen because it was easy to use and because it offered an excellent level of security. Officers using the software find it easier and faster to "pull in" the critical information located on the site rather than, for instance, attempting to reach an off-duty investigator at 2 a.m. for case information when a child is at risk. "Using this repository has cut hours, even days, off of critical investigations," Brown said.
Xerox was honored for the contribution the DocuShare® software makes to this program in a ceremony on the U.S. Capitol steps. Reps. Goode, Goodlatte and Wolf and Sen. Allen have vigorously supported the continued funding of Operation Blue Ridge Thunder and are at the forefront of law enforcement's efforts to suppress this kind of assault on children.
For more information call 1 (800) 283-0999, contact sales@idsscan.com
