Blunt Announces New Internet
Cyber Crime Grant Following Passage of Jessica’s Law
JEFFERSON CITY, October 13, 2006-Gov. Matt Bunt today
announced the Internet Cyber Crime Grant program to ensure law enforcement
have the tools and resources necessary to protect children of all
ages from cyber predators, child pornography and child exploitation.
"The Internet's accessibility is one of its strengths,
but it can be transformed into a hideous tool by sexual predators
who use it to contact our children with dangerous intentions,"
Blunt said. "This new program allows law enforcement funding
to focus on sexual predators."
The governor advocated for the passage of House Bill
1698, also known as Jessica's law, as one of his top 2006 legislative
priorities. One of the bill's provisions gave the Department of Public
Safety the authority to create the Internet Cyber Crime Grant program
to assist law enforcement in investigating dangerous Internet crimes,
especially sex crimes exploiting children.
The Internet Cyber Crime Grant Program distributes funding
to support detectives’ salaries, training, and computer forensic
personnel who focus on preventing and controlling Internet
cyber crime ultimately improving public safety.
Independently recognized task forces and local law enforcement
agencies are eligible to apply for a percentage of the $250,000 being
awarded on a competitive basis. The deadline is Nov. 13, 2006 and
applications packets are online at www.dps.mo.gov
Law enforcement agencies seeking more information can
contact Eric Shepherd at 751-5997.