The Kentucky State Police are reporting that overall serious crime rates dropped in 2022 from the prior year. This includes fewer reports and arrests for homicides, drug offenses and robberies.
Law enforcement officials are taking a specific interest in cybercrimes. Lieutenant Mike Bowling with the KSP’s Electronic Crime Branch, said at a press conference that more than half of Kentucky’s kids have had negative experiences online.
“58% of our kids have been bullied online, 75% have experienced explicit messages while gaming, on a gaming platform, 66% received unwanted sexual material.”
KSP has arrested nearly 130 online predators since 2021. Troopers can now complete any type of digital exam in-house, which helps them unlock cellular phones, computers and digital media used by suspected child predators.
The state police have a new tool to help them respond to calls across Kentucky. KSP Commissioner Colonel Phillip Burnett said they are using a new computer aided dispatch system.
“We are the first agency in the nation to launch such a statewide cloud-based system. KSP and 52 other agencies which include, law enforcement, fire departments and emergency medical services who we dispatch for, will be connected to this new system.”
The CAD system launched at the end of June. The new service works by allowing callers to dial 9-1-1, and then a text can be initiated by the dispatcher if the caller is unable to verbally speak or needs to be quiet to remain safe.
Free tipsheets on internet safety, cyberbullying and gaming safety are available at pcaky.org and have been distributed statewide to organizations serving families and children. A free online training, “Electronic Crimes Against Children: How to Educate, Monitor, and Communicate Internet Safety,” is also available.
To report a suspected internet crime against a child, please contact the KSP Electronic Crimes Branch at 502-782-9769 or any KSP local post.
** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, fact-based journalism. Monthly sustaining donors are the top source of funding for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.
