To Catch A Child Predator | Forensic Magazine

To Catch A Child Predator Forensic Magazine

Some crimes, like the rape and torture of infants and toddlers, are so unspeakable the reaction of most people is to turn away and hope the problem vanishes.




Forensic analysts, however, must face this dark reality in the pursuit of prosecutions. The scope of the problem is immense.



The Internet enables instant access to child pornography. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reports it has reviewed 23 million child pornography images and videos—8.6 million just in 2008.



As the problem spreads, the victims seem to get younger and younger. According to the 2008 InternetWatch Foundation (IWF) Annual Report, 69% of child victims are under ten years old, and 24% are six years old or younger. Some are babies.