Director James Announces Access
to 2008 Internet Cyber Crime Grant
JEFFERSON CITY, May 17, 2007-Director of Public Safety
Mark James today announces the opening for applications for Internet
Cyber Crime Grant Program funds. These grants will fund law enforcement
tools and resources needed to protect children from cyber predators,
pornography and exploitation.
“These funds will allow law enforcement officials
to combat sexual predators who use the internet for destructive objectives,”
James said. “Protecting children from such devious criminals
is one of our highest commitments in the public safety community.”
In 2006, Gov. Matt Blunt made the passage of Missouri’s
version of Jessica’s law among his top legislative priorities.
The law, which mandated a lifetime sentence with a minimum of 30 years
for serious sexual crimes committed against young children, also included
a provision granting the Department of Public Safety authority to
administer the grant program in order to assist local law enforcement
in combating online predators.
The 2008 Internet Cyber Crime Grant Program will distribute
funding to support detectives’ salaries, training, equipment
and computer forensic personnel who focus on preventing and controlling
cyber crime.
Independently recognized task forces and local law enforcement
agencies are eligible to apply for the grants which are awarded on
a competitive basis. The deadline is June 6, 2007 and application
packets can be found online at www.dps.mo.gov.
Law enforcement agencies seeking more information can
contact Eric Shepherd at 751-5997.