"Children can spend hours on the Internet each day -- learning and exploring. But, while they're online, they're prime targets for predators. That's why we created a new Internet Crimes Unit at the State Police that approaches Internet crime the same way we approach organized crime, narcotics and other major crimes," said Blagojevich. "This new Web site is another weapon in our arsenal against Internet criminals. It gives the public a place to report suspicious online behavior. It also provides parents the opportunity to get more information on Internet crime and how to keep their children safe."
The Governor's plan has four main components: creating a centralized Internet Crimes Unit (ICU) under Illinois State Police authority, increasing penalties of Internet crime, designing the ICU Web site to serve as a "One-Stop-Shopping" center where the public can report suspicious online behavior and get information about Internet crime and safety, using the most advanced law enforcement technology available.
In addition, the ISP has entered into a partnership with NetSmartz and is putting state police officers into school classrooms around to the state to teach kids how to be safe and smart on the Internet.
The ICU is comprised of ten officers, seven computer forensic investigators, and eight crime analysts. The goal is to create a unique enforcement group capable of educating the public, gathering information from the private sector, coordinating investigations with other bodies and agencies of law enforcement, de-conflicting investigative efforts, researching crime, proactively searching the Web for criminal activity, and then performing the required forensic work to further investigative efforts and assist prosecutors in jailing offenders.
The ICU serves as a point of contact for the general public, schools, and the law enforcement community for all questions/concerns regarding Internet safety or crimes like identity theft, financial fraud, and terrorism. The unit also serves as the initial point of contact for citizen inquiries; a repository for public safety information; and offers criminal intelligence analysis for law enforcement agencies and computer evidence recovery for investigations and trial preparation.
"The new Web site will provide the public with another avenue to report suspected abuses on the Internet to the Illinois State Police," said Director Larry Trent. "The Internet Crimes Unit will receive valuable tips that will be forwarded to the appropriate investigative units. Ultimately, information received will assist prosecutors with incarcerating these offenders."
Features of the Web site include:
- Community Awareness and Education
- Provides school districts, parent groups, and non-profit organizations the opportunity to schedule a NetSmartz program, an educational tool for parents and children to use as a guidepost while surfing the Internet.
- Online Filing
- The public can file reports online when they suspect an Internet crime. The information is sent to the ICU, which is staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
- Safety tips
- Provides Internet safety tips recommended by NetSmartz.
- How to prevent identify theft
- Provides tips and Web sites on preventing identify theft
- Myths, scams, and legends
- Provides users with links to Web sites that assist in determining urban legends
- Statutes
- Provides links to the Illinois General Assembly Web site for information on legislation related to Internet crime
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Defines Internet crime and explains fully the complaint process
