RCMP make arrests for possession of child pornography

Police are encouraging parents to be more aware of what their teenaged kids are doing online.

The advice comes from the RCMP Integrated Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) in Kelowna which has arrested two people for possession of child pornography.

Officers from the specialized unit executed two search warrants in late February in relation to separate investigations into the possession of child pornography.

In both cases, an individual was taken into custody during the execution of the search warrant and was later released.

“A forensic search of the seized devices will be conducted and ultimately submitted with charge requests to the BC Prosecution Service,” a news release from the RCMP stated.

Cpl. James Jenkins with Kelowna RCMP ICE, said the latest incidents highlight the crucial need for parents to familiarize themselves with how their teenagers are using the internet.

“Parents are encouraged to ask the tough questions about what their kids are doing online and understand which applications they’re using and what exactly they’re using them for. Whether your child or teen is being extorted into sending explicit images of themselves, or they’re actively seeking out child sexual abuse material, engaging with your children about Internet safety should be a topic of conversation,” Jenkins said.

The corporal added parents play an integral part in preventing aspects of child pornography.

Resources for internet safety can be found at:

Canadian Centre for Child Protection at www.protectchildren.ca

Children of The Street at www.childrenofthestreet.com/resources/

If you have information about a child being exploited for a sexual purpose, please visit www.cybertip.ca or call the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300