Child Pornography: - Center for Problem-Oriented Policing

abuse cases, identify children who are depicted in pornography, and aggressively investigate
sexual predators. 481 It also charges perpetrators with a separate crime for each child victim,
arguing that pornography is evidence of child molestation—a more serious offense under
Texas law. This approach often results in much lengthier sentences. For example, in a case
involving 15 identified victims photographed at a nudist colony, the perpetrator received 7
consecutive life sentences. 482
Federal Agency Task Force on Missing and Exploited Children
Created to improve the federal response to missing and exploited children, the Federal Agency
Task Force on Missing and Exploited Children serves as an advocate for child victims and
their families, coordinates federal resources and services, and fosters increased cooperation
and communication among federal agencies. The Task Force includes representatives from
the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children; the US Postal Service; and the Departments
of Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Justice, State, and Treasury. 483
Benefits of Special Task Forces
The SAFE Team, the Dallas CEU, the Federal Agency Task Force, and other task forces are
examples of effective programs used by law-enforcement agencies to combat child sexual
exploitation. These special task forces offer federal, state, and local law-enforcement agencies
many advantages including
• the explicit dedication of manpower and resources
• a formalized structure for sharing expertise and equipment
• an extensive communications network to prevent duplicative efforts and maximize
impact
• an increased esprit de corps among task force members and the community 484
As noted, special task forces may be most effective in jurisdictions with significant childsexual-abuse
caseloads and available resources; however, the structure, principles, and
success of these groups offer valuable insight to law-enforcement agencies at any level.
Strike Forces
Under the strike-force model of law enforcement no core staff is dedicated exclusively to the
team as there is under the special-task-force model. Rather team members come together from
individual agencies only in response to a particular case. 485 Consequently strike forces do not
operate from a central location nor do they have a dedicated pool of equipment or resources.
Strike-force members are likely to have significant experience and expertise in the area of
child sexual exploitation. 486 The strike-force model is most often found in jurisdictions where
child-sexual-exploitation cases are less common or where resources are more limited. 487
Characteristics of Strike Forces
No Central Location
Few Dedicated Resources
Mobilize Efforts as Needed
Limited Caseloads
Victim Services
CHILD PORNOGRAPHY: THE CRIMINAL-JUSTICE-SYSTEM RESPONSE - 49