Milton police launch crimes against kids task force

To protect young people online, Milton police will partner with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to investigate internet crimes against children. AJC FILE

To protect young people online, Milton police will partner with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to investigate internet crimes against children. AJC FILE

The Milton City Council has approved a memorandum of understanding and equipment agreement with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to have police participate in the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

The Milton police criminal investigations unit will partner with the GBI’s ICAC task force, conducting investigations following agreed-upon procedures, Police Chief Rich Austin said in a report to council members.

ICAC grant funds may be available to the city for training and to purchase equipment, according to the agreement.

The program is a response to the growing number of youth online, the proliferation of child pornography, and heightened activity by predators, Austin said.

“The mission of the ICAC Task Force program is to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in developing an effective response to cyber enticement and child pornography cases … helping state and local law enforcement agencies develop effective and sustainable responses to online child victimization and child pornography,” the chief said.