While he would not elaborate on the equipment, which he said in a statement is digital forensic equipment to assist in investigation of Internet crimes, he said, “It is definitely a major tool in investigating and arresting child predators.”
He said in the statement the sheriff’s office received the grant as part of the office’s membership in the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
“In today’s online environment there is a greater need to not only have trained personnel in these specific areas but also have the right equipment to be able to effectively combat Internet crimes against children and the solicitation of children in an online environment,” Tripp said in the statement.
He said the equipment will also assist investigators in other violations of state statutes. “The sheriff’s office has already had great success in identifying and apprehending potential child predators with the training and equipment afforded by receipt of the grant and has spoken at multiple community meetings and schools as to the dangers of online communication and internet safety.”
Other news
In other news from the sheriff’s office, Tripp announced Investigator Obert Wiltsie has earned his advanced law enforcement certificate.
It is the highest certificate issued by the North Carolina Sheriff’s Education and Training Standards Commission.
Requirements include many hours of continuing education, in addition to Wiltsie earning a bachelor of science in criminal justice.
