About the Predator Identification Team (PIT)
The PIT is the backbone of our organization.
The Predator Identification Team is comprised of less than 10 individuals and is responsible for all investigative work performed by Predator Stoppers. Every case that is worked by the Predator Stoppers organization is assigned to one or more investigators who will manage the investigation from start to finish and be the point of contact when collaborating with law enforcement agencies for their cases.
Goals
Aid Law Enforcement
Predator Stoppers is not a vigilante organization that attempts to serve justice through our work. We are an aid for law enforcement agencies that attempts to reduce the administrative burden that law enforcement investigation teams may face when working independently. We view ourselves as a tool that conducts independent research and provides information to the parties that can pursue legal action when crimes are being committed.
Prevent CSAM Distribution
Child Sexual Abuse Material is constantly being shared online. Investigators within the PIT work to:
- Infiltrate the communities involved in the creation of CSAM
- Identify predatory individuals who are seeking contact with children in order to pay for its creation
- Locate online repositories containing CSAM and ensure the content is removed
- Track individuals who are believed to be in possession of CSAM and collect the evidence necessary for a law enforcement report
Targeted Predator Identification (TPI)
Investigators set up decoy accounts within their home state in order to identify local predatory individuals who are actively attempting to groom children online. Investigators will gather extensive information on the individuals seeking sexual conversations and physical meetups with children and build a case as laws are broken within their state. Depending on the severity of the case, and the context of the conversation, sting operations may be setup in order to solidify and conclude a case.
Private Investigation
Reports submitted to Predator Stoppers regarding potentially malicious individuals are investigated thoroughly and will result in extensive personal information being obtained regarding all relevant parties. The PIT is comprised of individuals with specialized training and experience in the realms of cybersecurity and information technology. The PIT will leverage many legal techniques in order to collect detailed information on potentially malicious individuals and will establish the necessary level of surveillance in order to track their Internet activities.
Additional Information
Sting Operations
For some TPI investigations, Predator Stoppers will setup sting operations if it is deemed beneficial or necessary for a case. Any sting operations that have a moderate level of risk are performed in coordination with law enforcement. Low-risk sting operations may involve intervention in order to facilitate the rehabilitation of a low-risk individual, or be used as a technique for collecting additional evidence, such as license plate information, video recordings of the individual, and more.
Special Cases
The PIT is open to assisting in any situation where a young person is being sexually exploited, solicited, or endangered. This can include anything from handling blackmail situations, online harassment, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and more. Do no hesitate in reaching out for help. Young people are often embarrassed of the situation they are in and don’t seek help when needed. The PIT will assist while respecting the privacy of the individual in need of help in the best way that they can.