Military and civilian child-protection agencies train together at Shaw

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Williams
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (ACCNS) --  Shaw hosted a one-day training program: Protecting Our Children: A Comprehensive Training Program for Law Enforcement Professionals at the Carolina Skies Club April 7, 2009. 

Craig Hill, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, national director of crime prevention programs, provided the training to 50 people from 19 civilian and four military law enforcement and victim's advocate agencies across South Carolina.

Hill said the comprehensive eight-hour training program presents updated information on the dynamics of crimes committed against children, sexual abuse and exploitation, the victims and the offenders and provides the latest prevention strategies to protect children in the real world and online.

"What makes my training unique is the information is constantly updated," he said. "I cover new tactics being used by predators and teach new ways law enforcement personnel and other officials can prevent further abuses and prosecute perpetrators."

Special Agent Jean Mamea, Air Force Office of Special Investigation Detachment 212, was the coordinating official and liaison between Shaw and the NCMEC for the training. She plans on taking the information to squadron commander's calls in hopes of educating Airmen about precautions they can take home to protect their children.

"I think all parents should take time to look over their website (www.missingkids.com)," she said. "They offer a lot of information and activities to help educate our children on safety issues. Our society has changed a lot since we were all children and it is no longer 'stranger danger'. Our children are falling victim to the hands of people we know and trust. It is our responsibility to protect them and identify the signs."

While the training is primarily focused toward law enforcement personnel, other agencies that provide assistance to victims of child abuse receive the benefits of the program as well.

Nicole Williams, a victim's advocate from the Assessment and Resource Center, a children's advocacy center in Columbia, S.C., said the training was very beneficial to her, especially in her line of work.

"Training programs like this are vital in keeping up with relevant information in the investigation of child abuse," she said. "As part of Richland County's Child Abuse Investigation Team, the ARC strives to ensure the well-being of children and vulnerable adults. It is essential we come together like this to learn what other resources are available. I will take this information back to share with our partner agencies in our commitment to protect those who cannot protect themselves."

Although Hill provides this training all over the country, this is the first Protecting Our Children program taught at an Air Force base.

"I am very impressed with Shaw AFB," he said. "I am surprised at how modern everything looks and how well organized everything has been. One of my goals is to (provide training) at more military bases."

Since its launch in 2006, Protecting Our Children has been presented to more than 5,500 attendees, representing more than 2,300 law-enforcement agencies in 36 states.