Internet Crimes Against Children

What is ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force)?

The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit is a subdivision of the Sexual Assault and Abuse Section of the Crimes Against Youth and Family (CAYF) Bureau of the Investigative Services Division. The ICAC Unit is attached to the Las Vegas Internet Crimes Against Children (LVICAC) Task Force is one of more than 45 such Task Forces nationally and operates in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Innocent Images Program, and is staffed by members of both organizations. The LVICAC employs both overt and undercover methods in the investigation of state and federal crimes pertaining to computers and the Internet as they are employed to sexually exploit or endanger children.

What crimes does ICAC investigate?

Crimes as the manufacture, distribution or possession of child pornography, luring children with technology, kidnap, sexual assault, statutory sexual seduction, lewdness with a minor, open and gross lewdness, interstate travel for the purpose of sex with a minor, interstate transmission of child pornography and related offences. ICAC investigators work closely with other CAYF detectives and crimes often overlap Department sections and squads. ICAC cases generally involve three things: a child, a computer, and a sexually related crime.

Who works there and what do they do?

The ICAC Unit is supervised by a Police Sergeant and has four full time LVMPD detectives assigned. They are responsible for the screening and review of reported crimes, proactive and reactive undercover investigations, case assignments, probable cause arrests, search warrants, case submittal packages, forensic examinations of computers and media, teaching and community outreach, coordination of technical support, supervision of a federal grant, compliance with DOJ, OJJDP and national ICAC Task Force guidelines.

How are cases screened?

Cases are screened according to whether a crime has actually been committed, seriousness/grievous nature of offense, amount of contraband, solvability factors, risk assessment, suspect history and background, and other investigative factors. The first factor assessed is determining if a child is in immediate danger of harm. In those instances, that case takes top priority over other cases.

How do I report a crime?

If a child is in immediate danger, call the police. If a child is at risk, but not in immediate danger, and you want to make a report:

If you have access to a computer, go to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's website for CYBERTIPS at www.cybertipline.com or you can call 1-800-843-5678 or the police at 828-3111. We encourage persons reporting to call the National Hotline or use the Cybertipline. The Cybertipline works hand in hand with ICAC task forces all over the USA and the Cybertipline cross reports to as many agencies as needed (as these crimes often cross jurisdictional boundaries.)

How do I protect my children from on-line predators?

Please visit the links on this page and that of CAYF for crime prevention information. Parental and community involvement is critical to combat these crimes against our children.

What if I have other questions or want to speak with the Sergeant or a Detective who works in the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force?

Please call the ICAC Detail at 828-3421 so its Detectives and staff can assist you with your questions or concerns. Staff normally works 8 A.M. until 4 P.M.