Innocence Lost is an FBI program with approximately 24 task forces and support spread throughout the country.  Federal, state, and local law enforcement al work together in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices. These agencies work together to stop child prostitution right here in the United States. 

One of the main strengths of the Innocence Lost program is record keeping.  By maintaining an up-to-date computer database, law enforcement agencies can readily access over 17,000 records of both children and predators.  According to FBI Director, Robert S. Mueller, III, those working together within the program have recovered 433 children, convicted 308 criminals, and dismantled 32 criminal organizations since the program’s inception in 2003.

The NCMEC actively participates in the Innocence Lost program by running a CyberTipline and providing specialized training to law enforcement members.  The NCMEC website contains invaluable information that all parents should read that provides information on how to keep our children safe, and what to do should the unthinkable happen.  I encourage parents to review the information and become familiar with the contents, so that you will be better prepared to prevent or deal with any child-related crisis.

Hartsfield-Jackson officials decided to take action following three separate incidents over the previous two months in which children, wearing soft-sided shoes or Crocs™, were injured when their shoes were caught in the escalators.  This change in policy comes several months after the Consumer Product Safety Commission released its latest bulletin regarding escalator dangers and tips on how to avoid them.

This danger is real in the Tampa Bay area, as many professional buildings and malls have escalators.  There was a serious case in 2002 where a young girl lost several fingers in an escalator at a St. Petersburg Dillard’s.  As a personal injury attorney and child safety advocate, I encourage parents to heed these precautions and be vigilant when riding the escalators with their children.