The Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is celebrating two decades of safeguarding the state's youth. Established in 2003, the task force has grown to include a total of 52 affiliate agencies, making it a formidable force in law enforcement and prosecuting attorney offices.

The task force has launched over 9,300 investigations, resulting in the apprehension of 1,463 individuals engaged in various forms of online exploitation. The task force has examined of more than 2,000 terabytes of data, which is equivalent to scanning through a staggering 2 billion pages in typical-sized books.

The Arkansas State Police, serving as the lead agency, has administered the task force since its inception.

"In these 20 years of service, the Arkansas ICAC Task Force has made significant strides in child protection and online safety, including our ongoing efforts to combat child sex trafficking," said Sergeant Corwin Battle, the ICAC Commander of the Arkansas ICAC Task Force. "Our success is a testament to the dedication and unwavering commitment of our officers and partners who work diligently day in and day out to protect Arkansas' children."

Sgt. Battle recently gave a presentation to over 100 prosecuting attorneys gathered for the annual Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association Fall Conference. He covered updates to the ICAC Task Force, provided an overview of digital evidence, and introduced new forensic technology to assist with all types of cases, including child sex trafficking investigations.

During the past two decades, the Arkansas ICAC Task Force has been at the forefront of child protection, dedicated to combating the ever-evolving threat of online exploitation and child sex trafficking. The task force’s mission is to investigate, prosecute, and prevent internet crimes against children, ensuring that Arkansas remains a safe place for its youngest citizens.

Through collaborative efforts, the task force has successfully apprehended offenders and rescued countless vulnerable children from the clutches of online predators and sex traffickers.

“Arkansas State Police remains steadfast in our mission to protect children from harm and exploitation in the digital age, including the horrors of child sex trafficking,” said ASP Colonel Mike Hagar. “As the Arkansas ICAC Task Force embarks on its 20th year of operation, we are reaffirming our commitment to the safety and well-being of the state's youngest residents. We thank the ICAC Task Force for its relentless fight against online crimes and child sex trafficking.”

The Arkansas ICAC Task Force's key achievements encompass a multifaceted approach to child protection. The task force has delivered comprehensive training and resources, equipping law enforcement, prosecutors, and stakeholders to combat online crimes against children, with a specific focus on child sex trafficking. Its successful cybercrime investigations have led to the apprehension and prosecution of offenders involved in the exploitation of minors, including critical child sex trafficking cases. Additionally, the task force provides dedicated support for victims, helping them recover from the trauma of online exploitation and child sex trafficking. Finally, the task force has initiated robust public awareness campaigns to educate families about online safety, raising awareness about the risks associated with child sex trafficking. These achievements highlight the relentless commitment of the Arkansas ICAC Task Force to protect children and ensure a safer online environment.

For more information about the Arkansas ICAC Task Force, please visit aricac.org.