Internet Crimes Against Children

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

The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit is a subdivision of the Digital Technology Section of the Digital Investigations Bureau (DIB) of the Business and Technology Division. The ICAC Unit is attached to the Nevada Internet Crimes Against Children (NVICAC) Task Force and is one of 61 such Task Forces nationally. NVICAC operates in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) and various other law enforcement agencies located throughout the state of Nevada. The NVICAC 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 such as the manufacturing, 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 HSC detectives and crimes often overlap between department sections and squads. ICAC cases generally involve three things: a child, an electronic device such as a computer or cellular phone, and a sexually related crime.

Who works there and what do they do?

The ICAC Unit is supervised by a police sergeant and has five full time LVMPD detectives assigned, an Investigative Specialist and a computer analyst. 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, examinations of computers and media, teaching and community outreach, coordination of technical support, supervision of a federal grants, compliance with Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Program (OJJDP) and national ICAC Task Force guidelines.

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 make a report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTipline at www.cybertipline.com or you may call 1-800-843-5678.  The CyberTipline works hand in hand with ICAC task forces all over the country.  The CyberTipline cross reports to as many agencies as needed, as these crimes often cross jurisdictional boundaries as well as worldwide if necessary.

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

Please visit the links on this page for crime prevention information. Parental and community involvement is critical to combat 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 702-828-0124 to speak with an ICAC detective and receive assistance regarding your questions or concerns. Normal office hours are 8 A.M. until 4 P.M, Monday through Friday.