Gov. Matt Blunt today presented the 2008 Internet Cyber Crime Initiative with a check for $42,619.50 to help protect Missouri's children from Internet predators. The grant is part of the Internet Cyber Crime Grant Program the governor created to aide law enforcement in the fight against online criminals.

"In Missouri we are taking action to ensure that Internet predators will no longer be able to hide on the Internet and entice our children into dangerous situations," Blunt said. "The safety and security of children is paramount to my administration, and the Cyber Crime Grant Program will help ensure our law enforcement community has the tools they need to track and apprehend Internet predators before they harm our children."

The 2008 Internet Cyber Crime Grant Program supports detectives' salaries, training, equipment and computer forensic personnel who focus on preventing and controlling cyber crime. The budget Blunt signed provides a total of $1.25 million for the cyber grant program. The budget reflects more than a half a million dollar increase, which the governor recommended and secured to help further law enforcement efforts to protect Missouri children from cyber sexual predators.

"I was pleased to lead the fight in the House to establish the Cyber Crimes Task Force," Rep. Bob Dixon said. "It's an important tool we have to aid local law enforcement in the protection of children. I am also pleased to represent the Missouri House as a member of the task force. I congratulate the grant awardees and thank them for the jobs they do every day to protect Missouri's children."

In addition, the governor secured $150,000 this year for the INOBTR (text shorthand for "I Know Better") campaign to help in the fight against online sexual predators. INOBTR is a public awareness campaign and education initiative to help parents and students learn about online threats and become active in the fight to stop Internet predators.