New Homeland Security Smartphone App Aims To Catch Child Predators

(Homeland Security Department)

A new smartphone app targets child predators, giving the public a way to report tips to the U.S. immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations unit.

The agency, part of the Department of Homeland Security, said the app is the first of its kind for a law enforcement agency in the United States.

The smartphone app shows pictures of fugitives who are part of HSI criminal cases involving sexually abused and exploited children, according to an agency news release.

“When children are being sexually abused and exploited, it’s a race against the clock to rescue the child and bring the predator to justice,” said ICE Acting Director John Sandweg.

“These investigations are one of our highest priorities, and in today’s world, we need to be technologically savvy and innovative in our approach,” he added.

"Operation Predator App," as it is called, offers alerts about predators, as well as news of arrests and prosecutions.

“Currently, the app can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store or iTunes. ICE is also planning to expand compatibility to other smartphones in the near future,” the statement said.