Training of law enforcement specialists in SA to combat exploitation of children online

To address the growing problem of children`s safety on the Internet around the world, the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, INTERPOL (international police organisation) and Microsoft continue their series of international training programmes for law enforcement personnel who investigate computer-facilitated crimes against children this week in Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa.

The training conference brings together 73 worldwide law enforcement representatives from 12 countries for four days of extensive training on investigating online child predators, collecting evidence and computer forensic information, as well as seeking private industry assistance in child exploitation investigations.

Representatives from Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Botswana, South Africa, France, Spain, Italy, Qatar, Zambia, Ghana, Swaziland and Tanzania are meeting in Paarl this week.

The fourth in the series of law enforcement training follows successful sessions held in France, Brazil and Costa Rica earlier this year with over 300 law enforcement officials representing 100 countries having participated in the training. The International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children plans to conduct eight intensive training programmes per year around the world.

"Child exploitation online is a complex and increasing social problem," says Sheila Johnson, from the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. "To combat global networks of child pornographers, we must all become a global network of child protectors."

"This type of criminal activity is an international issue transcending borders and jurisdictions," says John Stamnes, Crime Intelligence Officer of INTERPOL, who will conduct some of the training. "This course is designed to aid law enforcement all over the world in the development of skills and knowledge necessary to address this type of crime."

"The use of the Internet to facilitate crimes against children is an increasing problem around the world and one that is best addressed with the collaboration of government, law enforcement and the private sector," says Pam Portin, Microsoft`s Director of Children`s Online Safety. "Microsoft`s role in the training conference is one of many approaches the company is taking to help ensure safety on the Internet. We`re pleased to assist organisations like INTERPOL and the International Centre in the effort to increase public awareness and expand on the range of technology-based tools available to law enforcement."

Stamnes, Johnson and Portin will join media representatives, Commissioners of Police, the National Prosecutions Agency and members of civil society at a community roundtable on the issue of children`s online safety on Thursday in Cape Town.