Technology is closing in on child predators as the federal government expands a highly successful smartphone app that has made it easier to identify and lock up the sick individuals who prey on kids.
"They've exploited children using technology for years, and now it's time for us to use technology to exploit them," said Bruce Foucart, special agent in charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations in Boston. "I hope this sends a message to them."
The Operation Predator app is now available for Android smartphones and in Spanish, a significant expansion one year after the iOS version launched. The highly rated iPhone app has been downloaded more than 93,400 times, leading to the arrest of seven suspects in a year.
"If we've saved one kid or taken one kid out of harm's way, it's worth it," Foucart said.
The app is simple to use, providing descriptions of suspects and an easy way to submit tips. Those descriptions are detailed too, like the suspect profile for John Doe — a man last seen in southern Connecticut, age 40 to 50, who is known to go by the name "Rnold Kvistniak" and to be proficient in computer programming. He's wanted for conspiracy to produce child pornography.
Users can submit tips immediately by phone or via the app. The tip lines are manned 24/7, Foucart said.
Investigators act on tips quickly. Just 36 hours after the initial app launch last year, a tip from a user led to the arrest of a fugitive in Detroit. In December 2013, another suspect was arrested just hours after being added to the app.
ICE is one of the few law enforcement agencies that have harnessed the rapid response power of mobile technology to solve crimes.
A few exceptions include the Texas Department of Public Safety, which released a new app last month to allow users to search for sex offenders by location and proximity. The Massachusetts State Police and Worcester Police Department also offer mobile apps.
But other police departments and public safety agencies would be wise to use the ICE app as a model. And smartphone users would be wise to download it and spread the word.
Said Foucart, "People think they can remain anonymous behind their computers, but this is yet another example of how we're closing in on them."
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