The Northern Virginia-District of Columbia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, otherwise known as NOVA-DC ICAC, is charged with the responsibility of investigating crimes perpetrated against children through the use of technology. Despite our efforts to address these complex and very serious crimes, there are still many who choose to actively prey upon our children and they are in a constant search to stay one step ahead of law enforcement.

The Internet and computers have become so commonplace in American life that all communities are impacted by their use. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Computer and Internet Use in the United States 2016 Survey, more than 83 percent of individuals in Virginia live in a household with high speed internet access which is approximately 2 percent higher than the national average. This translates to increased access by online child sexual predators in the state of Virginia, in the United States, and globally. This dynamic has contributed to an increase in the overall activities of the NOVA-DC ICAC. The task force continues to experience a large number of predators willing to travel great distances and even from other countries to meet children with whom they have developed an online relationship. The NOVA-DC ICAC region is home to over four million residents, so law enforcement is greatly outnumbered when it comes to investigating these dangerous crimes against children. Many law enforcement agencies are closely evaluating their agency’s investigative and personnel priorities; however, NOVA-DC ICAC affiliate law enforcement agencies continue to keep Internet crimes against children investigations a priority. This is in large part due to the financial support provided by the Internet Crimes Against Children Fund.

The NOVA-DC ICAC is comprised of the Virginia State Police (VSP) and 62 partnering local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, who work to pursue those responsible for these crimes.