Seminar for police, social service providers to address Cyber Stalking, Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

August 4

JOLIET – Law enforcement professionals and social service providers are encouraged to attend a free training seminar scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 25 at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, 201 N. Bluff St., in Joliet.

This year’s seminar focuses on cyber stalking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children. The two keynote presenters will be law enforcement investigator and instructor Hale Guyer and Rachel Durchslag, executive director of the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation.

The seminar is co-sponsored by the 12th Judicial Circuit Family Violence Coordinating Council, the Office of Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow, Social Work PRN and Tri-River Police Training Association.

Guyer, a retired law enforcement officer with more than 32 years experience, is an expert in the investigation of high-tech crimes. He will discuss recent changes to the Illinois Cyber Stalking Law; how suspects use technology to harass and stalk victims; caller ID; text messaging; and e-mail spoofing techniques. He also will demonstrate spy cameras and other electronic devices. Guyer has provided training at conferences for law enforcement and the general public throughout the United States and in England.

Durchslag founded the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation in 2006. The Alliance works to eliminate sexual exploitation through litigation and advocacy, organizing and policy reform as well as prevention and resource development.

Durchslag will discuss children who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation, the physical and psychological issues they face and the role that “demand” plays in the recruitment of exploited youth. She also will discuss intervention recommendations.

“We are fortunate to have two highly acclaimed speakers for this year’s seminar,” said Tony Ray, coordinator for the Family Violence Coordinating Council, which is under the direction of the 12th Judicial Circuit and Chief Judge Gerald Kinney. “We hope law enforcement officers and social service providers will take advantage of this free training.”

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow said: “Both of the topics covered in this year’s seminar present constantly evolving challenges to investigators, prosecutors, advocates and social service providers. Attendees at this seminar will receive valuable information on how to protect women and children who are the targets of exploitation.”

To register, law enforcement officers can call (815) 439-6915. Social service providers can contact jessica@socialworkprn.com. The training seminar provides five free continuing education credits for social workers.

A continental breakfast will be provided by Tri-River Police Training Association. Lunch will not be provided.