POLICE NEED TO UNDERSTAND ABUSERS (CEOP) (OCT 2010)
Police Officers must learn more about the psychology of child child abusers in order to recognise potential risks and intervene earlier, according to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (Ceop).
Speaking at the Westminster E-Forum debate on building a safer internet. Alex Nagle, head of policy at Ceop, which will be merger into a new National Crime Agency, spoke of worries that this would lead to the organisation losing its focus. He said in order to protect children, it needed to move beyond traditional policing methods to understand abusers. "We need to understand them so we can disrupt their intentions.",said Mr Nagle.
He showed a video clip of the former United Reform Church minister, Simon Thomas, who was jailed in 2006 for abusing children, calmly talking about how he approached children in internet chat rooms with a sexual motive in mind.
Mr Nagle pointed out how normal Thomas appeared and how it is not easy to spot child abusers unless you could understand their motives.
This alone, however, would not be sufficient to forge a safer online environment, Mr Nagle warned. He said parents and children need to change their approach to the online world and recognise that laws and regulations alone cannot keep the public safe.
"it's about people's behaviour. We do need to explain to adults about parental controls and we need to protect children, but there is no silver bullet", he said.
He added that it was "unhelpful" to talk about "digital citizenship" and e-safety", saying these were "unnecessary prefixes" to the traditional values people adhere to when communicating face to face.
The Thinkuknow site is run by Ceop and gives guidance on internet protection from nursery to adult.
Online Protection Centre Thinkuknow
Internet Safety
Bogus Child Abuse Protection (Dec 2009)
On Wednesday 2nd December at approx.20.00hrs, in the
Layton Mount area of Rawdon, there was a knock on the
door,(single mum two children). Two Men, in hi-vis jackets with something
like "Child Abuse Protection" hi-lighted on the jackets, one stayed by the
gate while the other asked if he could come in to talk. Both men looked
very respectable. Fortunately after refusal they moved off, rather
unnerving for the lady!
If these people were genuine then they would not be operating at 20.00hrs
in the evening. If you have people coming to your address that you do not
know then:
Do not let anyone into your property without a prior appointment!
Don't be a Dead Hero (Oct 2009)
A stolen car is a lethal weapon; if you see yours being stolen don’t be tempted to jump in front of it hoping the driver will stop. Many people have been killed or badly injured trying to stop their car being stolen, it’s not worth it.
Out and about – Be Safe (Oct 2009)
Look confident. Robbers and bullies tend to choose victims who look like an easy target. But don’t try to look as if you are “asking” for a fight.
Don’t flaunt your wealth! Designer labels may look good, but are very attractive to a robber. Cover jewellery and hide your wallet or purse.
Plan for a Burgular (Feb 2009)
What would you do if you heard someone moving about your house if you are alone or you are with you family and you know it’s not one of them? Do you have a plan? Challenging burglars is not recommended unless you are very confident in your ability to defend yourself. You need a plan and when someone is in your home is not the time to formulate one.
Think – Do you have room with a bolt on the door? Bathrooms will give some protection or is it worth fitting a strong bolt to another room, such as your bedroom or a spare room? Make sure the room you choose has access to a telephone so you can dial 999 – If you are lucky enough to own a mobile phone always take it to bed with you and keep it on the bedside table where you can reach it. Don’t forget you can also have a panic alarm fitted, a good idea especially if you live alone.
Private or Pervert Hire (Sept 2008)
Not all Private Hire vehicles are what they seem. Some are unregistered and cruising the streets looking for vulnerable young people. When you order a Private Hire Taxi, ask if they can give you an order number or some other way of identifying whether or not it is the one you ordered before you get in to it.
ALWAYS use a reputable Private Hire company.
Who's Who (Aug 2008)
If someone calls and shows you their ID there should be a telephone number on it - Don’t be frightened to ring that number to check they are who they say they are. Genuine callers won’t mind.
Using Taxis - {Police Advice} (June 2008)
If you use a taxi service on a regular basis, keep the number handy and use the same safe firm each time.
Always arrange the taxi in advance.
Ask if they have women drivers if you are a lone woman or in a group of women.
Give your name and address when ordering and ask them who they are collecting when they arrive. This way you know that it is the ride you expected.
If alone or last out, sit directly behind the driver.
When arriving home in a taxi, consider asking the driver to wait until you are in the house, they shouldn't mind.
If you do not know the taxi personally always check to ensure that it is bone fide taxi. Check both the plate on rear of the vehicle and the identification card carried by the driver. If in doubt, do not get into the vehicle.
West Yorkshire Police Crime Prevention Department