The Police Beat
Keeping Your Kids Safe:  Detectives Behind the Internet

Fairfax County Police Dept.

Detectives from the Major Crimes Bureau’s Child Exploitation Unit (CEXU) are the men and women who track down online perpetrators seeking to cause harm to minors. While a significant portion of their police work occurs through virtual channels, their unwavering dedication to safeguarding our most vulnerable, young residents should be acknowledged on a larger scale.

What do CEXU detectives do?
Detectives from the Major Crimes Bureau’s Child Exploitation Unit (CEXU) are the men and women who track down online perpetrators seeking to cause harm to minors. While a significant portion of their police work occurs through virtual channels, their unwavering dedication to safeguarding our most vulnerable, young residents should be acknowledged on a larger scale.

Detectives from our Child Exploitation Unit, comprised of highly skilled and specialized investigators, work tirelessly to identify and combat online threats to children. Part of these efforts include proactively investigating online predators. Throughout the year, proactive operations are conducted by our detectives targeting individuals who are seeking to solicit illegal acts with juveniles. Some investigations lead to “travelers.” Travelers are individuals who engage in sexually-related conversations with individuals they believe to be juveniles online. They come to Fairfax County with the intent of committing a sex act with the minor, only to discover a CEXU detective waiting for them.

Our CEXU detectives work closely with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which generates CyberTips. According to NCMEC, in 2022, over 31.9 million CyberTips were submitted to NCMEC regarding suspected Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) nationwide. Online service providers and members of the public can submit tips to the NCMEC..

How can I protect my child from becoming a victim?
-Open Communication: Establish open and honest communication with your children about their online activities. Encourage them to share their experiences and report any uncomfortable or inappropriate interactions.

¨ Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules and guidelines for internet use. Monitor the websites and apps your children use and set age-appropriate restrictions using available security settings on your devices.

¨ Educate Yourself: Stay informed about popular social media platforms, gaming apps, and other online spaces where children interact. Understanding the digital landscape is crucial to identifying potential risks.

¨ Privacy Settings: Ensure that privacy settings are activated on social media profiles and gaming accounts. Limit the personal information shared online to reduce the risk of exploitation.

¨ Monitoring Devices: Regularly check your child's devices for any inappropriate content or communications. Install parental control software to manage and monitor online activities.

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