Suffolk County Sheriff's Office kicks off internet safety initiative

Suffolk County Sheriff Vincent F. DeMarco launched his internet safety initiative recently. The goal of the initiative is to assist parents with the monitoring of their children's internet activities to safeguard children from sexual predators and cyber bullies.

Forty three thousand copies of the software named, Computer Cop, were purchased by the Sheriff 's Office at no cost to taxpayers and will be distributed to parents throughout Suffolk County. The software was purchased with funds seized from drug dealers and money launderers.

The Computer Cop program captures full text from online chat rooms, emails and instant messages. The software can also check your computer for sexually explicit words, inappropriate pictures, and language promoting drug use. Even if a child tries to delete these items, Computer Cop is there to make sure you still see the information that was erased through its advanced yet simple to use technology.

Sheriff DeMarco says, "Parents are the first line of defense in the war against online sexual predators and cyber bullies. This program gives parents the tools they need to keep their children safe."

Laura Ahearn, executive director of Parents for Megan's Law and the Crime Victims center applauds Sheriff DeMarco's efforts. "Sheriff DeMarco is taking a pro-active step to combat online victimization by providing parents specific tools they can use to prevent their children from falling prey to sexual predators."

Sheriff DeMarco adds, "We are proud to have Parents for Megan's Law as a strategic distribution partner in this initiative."

Legislator Wayne Horsley, a member of the Legislature's Public Safety Committee said, "I want to thank Sheriff DeMarco for making this program available. Online sexual predators are a threat to our children. With the Sheriff 's program we are taking the fight to them."

Lindenhurst Library Director Peter Ward enthusiastically supports the Sheriff 's initiative, "Public libraries in America have always affirmed the responsibility and right of all parents and guardians to guide their own children's use of the Internet. Sheriff DeMarco's initiative with regard to Computer Cop makes it easier for them to assume that responsibility and exercise their rights as parents. The Lindenhurst Memorial Library fully supports this objective and commends Sheriff DeMarco for his efforts."

Sheriff DeMarco urged all parents to contact his office, or contact one of the pre-arranged software distribution locations to get their free copy of the Computer Cop Software program. Anyone interested in obtaining copies for their office please contact Sheriff DeMarco at 631-852-2200 or any of the distribution centers below.

Free Computer Cop Software Programs are Available at the following locations: In Babylon, Lindenhurst Library and Legislator Wayne Horsley's office at 631-854-1100; in Huntington, Cold Spring Harbor Library or Legislator John Cooper at 631-854-4500; Islip at Islip Town Hall, Councilman Flotteron or by calling Parents for Megan's Law at 631-689-2672.

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