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We have brought many transgressors to order, on behalf of their employers when misuse has been suspected and when working for relations of victims. The BBC 6 o'clock news used our expertise for a ground breaking news story and we have co-operated with various authorities across the world.
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There
are hundreds of chatrooms available across the Web, with many "Instant
Message" services. 85% of British households are now online,
and ten million children from the age of 7 to 16 surf and use chat. Many
parents are familiar with chatrooms. Many are not. Many fear what they
see as an unknown danger, and are unaware of their children's
activities |
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Of
course, most kids will come to no harm, however the anonymity that
chatrooms provide also provides a cover for some of the less admirable
members of society. A
survey by the NOP Family Group suggested that almost 2/3 of
children have been lured into discussions about sex on the internet. The
same survey also suggests that up to one in seven children have agreed to
meet a stranger they have met (through chat or messaging) in person |
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It
is not just children who are vulnerable. Chatrooms, Messaging and email
also provide an anonymous medium for sexual harrassment. Train
driver Andrew Lay was sentenced
to six years imprisonment at Guildford Crown Court for having sex with a
13 year old girl he "groomed" on the internet. Patrick
Green, who was sentenced in the UK after committing a
series of sexual assaults on a 13 year old girl he met in a chatroom,
was charged with indecent assault, unlawful sex and of possessing
indecent photographs |
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These
charges could only be brought because he had committed a physical
assault and because there was forensic evidence. While the law has changed, there is little protection from the
psychological harm that can result. "The
defendant also communicated with Susan by e-mail, pretending to be a
younger peer-age boy, and discussing sexual fantasies"
(extract from Seattle Police department case no 94-293026) |
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Answers
Investigation have increasing experience in handling problems of this
nature, and have assisted the BBC
in a major news story. It is helpful to us to tackle each case separately. We may approach the issue with a preventative approach - analysing computer usage, where a user has been, who they have contacted - or by using an experienced undercover investigator who may set themselves up as "bait" or ally themselves to the perpetrator |
