SBI: Child Porn Cyber Tip Numbers Alarming

Charlotte, NC — There are an alarming number of child pornography and exploitation tips coming in to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation every day.

Half way through the year, NC is about to surpass last year’s total number of cyber tips.

SBI agents are warning parents that the numbers will keep growing because phones and iPads with internet access are cheaper than ever, available to more kids than ever, and that’s how predators access children.

Special Agent Alan Flora says there’s constant pressure to keep up with the amount of people sharing child pornography and trying to meet kids for sex.

“I won’t lie to you about that. It’s a difficult weight to carry,” said Special Agent Flora.

2,073 cyber tips have come in to the SBI so far this year in North Carolina.

“The numbers are upsetting,” said Special Agent Flora.

That’s nearly 900 more than the number this time last year which was 1,120.

This year’s total so far is just under the number of tips in 2016 as a whole.
That was 2,511.

“Arrests are on the rise, the number of cases are on the rise, but, inevitably, we just can’t keep up,” said Special Agent Flora.

He says the SBI has not added any agents in the computer crimes unit in eight years.
He’s one of 14.

If a police department has the manpower, the SBI can turn a case over to those officers. However, many times it’s left up to the SBI.

The SBI says social media networks like Facebook, Snap Chat, Whisper look out for any exploitation and report that info to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

That goes to Special Agent Flora’s computer.

“There is satisfaction in stopping it. I can tell you that’s what drives us. It’s about rescuing children,” said Special Agent Flora.

Pat’s Place Child Advocates can help the SBI work with victims once they are safe.

“We can connect people, ultimately, with other people who have been through this and who can support him through this,” said Ann Glaser. “That’s really important because of the stigma and the shame, just knowing you’re not alone.”Agents want parents to talk to kids, search their phone and know who they’re talking to online.

“We are working hard to combat this problem, but we cannot stop someone from going online, searching for child porn. We cannot stop someone from going online and searching for a child to hurt,” said Special Agent Flora.

Individuals can report tips by calling 1-800- THE LOST, or you can click here.