As part of Child Protection Week 2024, Australian law enforcement agencies have united for a weeklong intensive training program, focusing on the latest tools and techniques to combat the distribution of child sexual abuse material.
Representatives from all Australian law enforcement agencies attended the training, which was supported by leading organisations in the field of child protection, including ICMEC Australia, AiLECS Lab at Monash University, the Queensland Police Service’s specialist unit Argos, and the Child Rescue Coalition.
Anna Bowden, CEO of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC) Australia, highlighted the importance of the training. “This program gave participants hands-on experience with the latest technological advancements and investigative techniques,” she said. “ICMEC Australia is proud to sponsor this essential training for Australian law enforcement. We recognise the challenges faced in child protection cases and believe it’s crucial for those on the front lines to be equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to effectively fulfill their critical roles.”
ICMEC Australia and Child Rescue Coalition have been at the forefront of efforts to protect children from exploitation. Their support in this initiative highlights their ongoing commitment to empowering law enforcement with the resources necessary to combat child sexual abuse material.
“Child Rescue Coalition plays a unique role in the global online harms prevention ecosystem and we are proud of the difference we are making; our technology has resulted in tens of thousands of offenders being arrested and even more children rescued from abuse,” said Child Rescue Coalition CEO Michael Donlan. “However, if we are to protect even more children, we need to work in partnership with key partners like ICMEC, academics and law enforcement partners to raise awareness and understanding. We are excited to be a part of this initiative!”
“Child Protection Week is a reminder of the critical work that lies ahead in protecting our most vulnerable,” a Queensland Police spokesperson said. “This intensive training has strengthened our collective resolve and provided us with the cutting-edge tools needed to combat the distribution of child sexual abuse material more effectively.”
“Collaboration between law enforcement, academic institutions and child protection organisations is vital in developing innovative solutions to this global problem,” said AiLECS Lab Co-Director Associate Professor Campbell Wilson. “The support from ICMEC Australia and Child Rescue Coalition has been invaluable in making this training possible.”
“This intensive training is just one part of a broader strategy to enhance the capabilities of Australian law enforcement agencies in the fight against child exploitation,” he added. “As Child Protection Week draws to a close, the participants leave the training with renewed determination and enhanced skills to continue their vital work in protecting children.”
