ABSTRACT
The Internet has changed the way investigations into the online sexual exploitation of children are conducted. In this chapter, we look at how law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders are attempting to address the lack of effective controls in the virtual world and discuss initiatives to encourage better policing. First, we look at vigilante and community-based initiatives that may have been developed as an answer to media representations of the online world as dangerous. Second, we argue that Child Protection Centers have played a significant role in dealing with online criminal activity. Third, we demonstrate the importance of proactive policing and undercover operations in online investigations. Finally, we discuss future challenges for law enforcement agencies, particularly the importance of understanding technology in order to develop more efficient ways of fighting crime.
