In 2006, the Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) determined a need to train front-line officers to recognize indicators that a child may be a victim, at-risk of victimization, or missing. In response, the TXDPS developed the Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) program.
IPC uses a multidisciplinary approach to train law enforcement, prosecutors, criminal analysts, child protective services, victim services, and child advocacy center professionals collectively. The IPC training team works with local, state, federal, tribal, U.S. territory, and international partners to provide classes and educate others on how to intervene when a child is in danger.
Documented results prove IPC enhances an officer’s ability to identify victims of exploitation, missing children, technology-facilitated crimes against children, high-risk threats against children, and registered sex offender violations.
Agencies across the state, throughout the nation and around the world, attribute countless child rescues to the IPC program. Additionally, the training has led to investigations for child abduction, human trafficking, possession of child sexual abuse material, and child sexual assault. Beyond the rescues and investigations, IPC has prompted policy change within agencies, influenced State and Federal Legislation, and has been published as part of formal research to improve techniques to protect children.
Through the continued support of many government and non-government partners, IPC continues to provide invaluable and life-saving lessons, embracing and advocating the proactive message to “Stop Waiting for Children to Ask for Your Help.”
Article source and photo credit: Texas Department of Public Safety
