REXBURG—Local law enforcement agencies are bringing attention to child safety and educating communities on the danger of online predators.
Law enforcement officers from the Rexburg Police Department, the St. Anthony Police Department and the Rigby Police Department, as well as Madison County, Fremont County and Teton County Sheriff’s Offices are sending a strong message about child safety.
“We stand united in preventing exploitation, supporting victims and families and holding offenders accountable,” said Rexburg Police Chief Josh Rhodes. “This is the responsibility we take seriously and one we are committed to addressing together as law enforcement in our community.”
Predators use online spaces frequented by children and teens to gain access to them without parents’ knowledge.
“Online predators are using social media, gaming platforms and other technology to contact our children, build trust and exploit them,” Chief Rhodes said. “We're seeing serious concerns involving children, sexual exploitation, child sexual abuse and sextortion.”
One of the tools offered to community members is the Upper Valley SAFE Initiative. It’s a program designed to protect families, children and communities through awareness and education. The SAFE stands for Safety, Awareness and Freedom through Education.
The SAFE Initiative works directly with law enforcement, internet crime specialists, educators and other professionals to provide community members with the knowledge and resources needed to help protect their families and children.
“We're committed to fighting this problem on all fronts, but we can't do it all alone,” Chief Rhodes said. “Families, Schools, organizations and community members all have a role in helping children get support and recognizing concerns early.”
Rexburg PD will host a free community education workshop with the Upper Valley SAFE Initiative on Saturday, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Madison Junior High School. Attendees will learn about the warning signs of exploitation, sextortion or other online threats and how to help protect kids online.
“We're looking forward to Saturday and hoping to have great turnout,” said Dean Coleman, a founder of the Upper Valley SAFE Initiative. “We are committed to educating our community about these topics and issues. that means people have got to come out and be engaged.”
Find more information on the SAFE Initiative on their website here.