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Show Notes

• Archived Blog Post

  Date / Time: 4/23/2008 4:25 AM UTC

  A Conversation With Rhett McQuiston Of The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC-TF)
  

  What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "Responsible CyberCitizen"? That was my first question to Capt. Rhett McQuiston of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC-TF). "When I hear the phrase 'Responsible CyberCitizen', it's a great thing. In my eyes, a responsible cybercitizen, is a person who cares about society and understands that what happens on the internet can have serious real world ramifications especially for our children." Rhett went on to say a responsible cybercitizen is very important to law enforcement. The more responsible cybercitizens we have out in cyberspace for their children as well as all children will only help. Individuals from all walks of life are contributing to a growing number of responsible cybercitizens.
  
  The majority of descriptions of predators or pedophiles are depicted in dark tren chcoats, seedy looking with shifty eyes. Unfortunately, most have the good neighbor next door appearance or the respected professional of the community. The only profiling that can equate to predators or pedophiles is that they are commonly males. Other than that they are invisible and do not appear as the dark seedy individual portrayed in the movies or in art.
  
  It is with the onset of the Internet that has opened the flood gates allowing what was somewhat restricted to narrow and physical settings, like playgrounds and kids hangouts, now allows deviants unfettered access to prey upon cyberspace and countless possible victims. The babysitter in the 80's was the VCR and later it became the Internet - online games - and chat rooms. There is a misconception that because the child is home and in their bedroom they're safe. Here is a little tad-bit of information, when your computer is hooked into the internet it virtually has 65,000 ports or open doors to the internet. You may have the front door locked but, your kids computer doors, all 65,000, are typically wide open with little or no security technology adequate in today's market to protect your family. We've covered this in a previous show and good technology is also part of being a responsible cybercitizen.
  
  Pay close attention, it's what Rhett said today and many of our guests have indicated the same thing, "have a open line of communication with your children" it is the most effective and sure footed way to protect your children. And even then, there will be victims. However, it cannot be stressed enough how important that dialog with your children will be.
  
  Although it has been difficult for lawmakers to keep up the ever changing technologies and the Internet as of January 1, 2008 there are now tasks forces in every state to fight crimes against children. And the best results start with the AGs office to get results. Remember the Internet is not some fad, it is here to stay and we must all do our part in the safety of our children.
  
  Rhett covered tips for children that included never giving out personal information of any kind. Always remember you do not know the other person at the keyboard you are chatting with. You must not assume you know who you are talking with and the most important piece of advice Rhett wants to express is to never meet in person with anyone. There are other tips for parents that can be listened to on the show.
  
  Thank you for your participation and be sure to give us your vote if you like what you've heard or read.
  
  
  • Tags:
  • Internet Crimes Agai
  • Rhett McQuiston
  • Childrens Justice Ce
  • Attorney General
  • Mark ShurtleffRespon
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