The history of the Innocent Images National Initiative.

While investigating the disappearance of a juvenile in May 1993, FBI Special Agents and Prince George's County, Maryland, Police detectives identified two suspects who had sexually exploited numerous juveniles over a 25-year period. Investigation into these activities determined that adults were routinely utilizing computers to transmit sexually explicit images to minors, and in some instances to lure minors into engaging in illicit sexual activity. Further investigation and discussions with experts, both within the FBI and in the private sector, revealed that the utilization of computer telecommunications was rapidly becoming one of the most prevalent techniques by which some sex offenders shared pornographic images of minors and identified and recruited children into sexually illicit relationships. In 1995, based on information developed during this investigation, the Innocent Images National Initiative was started to address the illicit activities conducted by users of commercial and private online services and the Internet.

The central operation and case management system for all FBI online CP/CSE investigations is located at the Maryland Metropolitan Office at Calverton, Baltimore Division. The Innocent Images field supervisor and investigative personnel work closely with the Innocent Images National Initiative manager at FBI Headquarters in investigative, administrative and policy matters involving the initiative. All FBI field offices forward ...