I recently visited Jay Shideler Elementary in Topeka to talk to kids about Internet safety. They were participating in the Netsmartz training program that helps kids learn how to be safe on the Internet.
I visited with these children because I know just how important it is to learn about the dangers that lurk online. With four small kids, my wife and I worry about the dangers they face everyday and that means we now worry about the Internet.
With every new technology that comes along, our lives become more convenient. But along with the Internet, email, instant messaging, and file sharing comes new threats. To deal with these new threats, law enforcement needs new techniques and the public needs new lessons on safety.
And that's why it's my priority to provide additional resources to law enforcement through our new Cyber Crime Unit.
Until recently, very few resources had been allocated at the state level to focus on the new challenges of cyber crime. While the Attorney General's Office has a new Cyber Crime Unit, more resources are needed to combat Internet predators and make a difference in the safety of Kansas families.
Nationally, the most effective approach to decrease internet-based crime has been two-pronged, through education and prosecution. Our unit follows this successful model.
It is critical that the legislature fully fund our Expanded Cyber Crime Initiative, as recommended in the Governor's budget.
Without these resources we will not make a significant impact on preventing cyber crime in Kansas. Law makers must make it a priority this session and give law enforcement the resources they need to protect our families from online criminals.
Criminals are finding new and complex ways to use the Internet to find victims, scam seniors, or steal money. Through this initiative, we will find better ways to fight these crimes and protect our kids.
I ask the legislature to join me in this effort to protect our kids, our grandparents and Kansas consumers from crime online.