WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Maine State Police will receive a total of $251,995 to support the Maine Computer Crimes Unit (CCU) in their efforts to protect children from Internet crime, reduce the backlog of evidence in current cases, and fund the creation of three positions within the CCU.

“Far too many children across the nation are at risk of exploitation online,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “This funding will increase the Maine State Police’s ability to effectively respond to Internet crimes against children. We applaud the members of the Maine State Police and the Computer Crimes Unit for their unwavering dedication to the safety of Mainers and their efforts to adapt and respond to the changing nature of 21st century crime.”

The funding was awarded through the National Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program, which consists of state and local law enforcement task forces dedicated to developing impactful responses to online enticement of children by sexual predators, child exploitation, and child obscenity and pornography cases. ICAC was established by the PROTECT our Children Act of 2008, which was co-sponsored by Senator Collins.

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