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Indiana's Cyber Crimes Against Children unit needs more funding

Posted at 3:50 AM, Feb 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-24 20:53:30-05

INDIANAPOLIS -- One of the state's most specialized police teams is in dire need of funding. 

Indiana Senator Michael Crider (D-28) has proposed a funding bill that would give $2 million to the Crimes Against Children task force. 

The unit helps investigate hundreds of cases each year and has been a major player in thousands of investigations. Some of their biggest takedowns include Jared Fogle and Park Tudor coach Kyle Cox.

But they don't just work child pornography cases. The task force is currently working in Delphi with Indiana State Police and the FBI. They were responsible for releasing one of the biggest leads in the case so far; the audio clip.

Their current budget of $300,000 is barely enough for them to keep up with the changing technology.

“Technology is always changing for both the criminals and for our younger kids. They adapt very quickly, much quicker than adults. The challenge that we face as investigators is keeping up with that technology. The software that we use changes, the licensing that we need to perform the forensic examinations continues to change,” said IMPD Detective Darin Odier. 

Investigators say it’s already hard to find their victims and without the proper funding, that job just gets tougher.

“Our goal every day is to rescue kids. To catch monsters and rescue kids, and that’s why we do it. Because there’s nothing better than saving a child,” said Odier.

The bill has to be presented on the Senate floor by Tuesday to be considered in the current session. 

Listen to the audio by clicking "play" below.

If you recognize the voice or photo, please call the Delphi tip line at 844-459-5786 or 1-800-CALL FBI, or you can email Abbyandlibbytip@cacoshrf.com.

 

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