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“Our Laws Have Not Caught up with the Technology”: Understanding Challenges and Facilitators in Investigating and Prosecuting Child Sexual Abuse Materials in the United States

Author

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  • Olivia Cullen

    (Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada)

  • Keri Zug Ernst

    (The Keller Center, San Mateo Medical Center, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA)

  • Natalie Dawes

    (Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada)

  • Warren Binford

    (College of Law, Willamette University, Salem, OR 97301, USA)

  • Gina Dimitropoulos

    (Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada)

Abstract

With technological advances, the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) has become one of the fastest growing illicit online industries in the United States. Perpetrators are becoming increasingly sophisticated and exploit cutting-edge technology, making it difficult for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute these crimes. There is limited research on best practices for investigating cases of CSAM. The aim of this research was to understand challenges and facilitators for investigating and prosecuting cases of CSAM as a foundation to develop best practices in this area. To meet these objectives, qualitative interviews and focus groups were conducted with participants throughout the western United States. Two major themes arose from this research: Theme 1: Challenges to investigating and prosecuting CSAM; and Theme 2: Facilitators to investigating and prosecuting CSAM. Within Theme 1, subthemes included technology and internet service providers, laws, lack of resources, and service provider mental health and well-being. Within Theme 2, subthemes included multidisciplinary teams and training. This research is a first step in understanding the experiences of law enforcement and prosecutors in addressing CSAM. Findings from this study can be used to support the development of best practices for those in the justice system investigating and prosecuting CSAM.

Suggested Citation

  • Olivia Cullen & Keri Zug Ernst & Natalie Dawes & Warren Binford & Gina Dimitropoulos, 2020. "“Our Laws Have Not Caught up with the Technology”: Understanding Challenges and Facilitators in Investigating and Prosecuting Child Sexual Abuse Materials in the United States," Laws, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-19, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlawss:v:9:y:2020:i:4:p:28-:d:451444
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Violanti, John M. & Aron, Fred, 1995. "Police stressors: Variations in perception among police personnel," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 23(3), pages 287-294.
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    Cited by:

    1. Esther Salmerón-Manzano, 2021. "Laws and Emerging Technologies," Laws, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-3, June.

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