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INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Mike Braun today highlighted the lifesaving work of the Indiana State Police’s Operation Guardian Angel–which recently rescued 14 Indiana children from ongoing abuse–and urged parents to take steps to keep their kids safe online as October’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month begins. “Nothing is more important than keeping Hoosier kids safe. I want to commend the Indiana State Police for their exceptional work on Operation Guardian Angel, bringing Indiana children to safety and those who harm them to justice.” — Governor Mike Braun Operation Guardian Angel is an Indiana Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force initiative that began as Hoosier children headed back to school in August of this year. The initiative intensifies proactive investigations, such as undercover chat investigations, in order to locate children who were victims of hands-on sexual abuse. Since launching, Operation Guardian Angel has resulted in 48 arrests, including 14 hands-on offenders, and identified dozens more children at risk. The ICAC also recently conducted a separate three-month investigation that ended on Wednesday, Sept. 24, with the arrest of a Peru, Indiana, man for multiple felony charges of possession of child sex abuse material. In addition to these important investigations, ICAC prioritizes prevention and outreach. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators from around the state evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse. ICAC also aims to educate the public on how to prevent online child victimization. ICAC’s websiteprovides tips for parents with a focus on safe social media practices, parental controls, and how to report abuse. “There are predators online who want to take advantage of kids and parents are the best defense. Monitor your children’s online activity, set boundaries and know the warning signs.” — Governor Mike Braun |
