AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Highway Patrol Troopers rescued their 600th child during traffic stops since the implementation of specialized training through the Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) Program. The IPC Program began training Troopers in 2009.
The IPC program training teaches officers how to recognize indicators that a child is a victim or at risk of becoming a victim; this includes children who are missing, exploited, at-risk or endangered. Troopers receive this training through a two-day, 16-hour course that uses a child-centered approach and teaches Troopers to assess the totality of circumstances to determine if a child is at risk.
In addition to removing these children from dangerous situations, the training also aids DPS in related child abduction, human trafficking, possession of child pornography and sexual assault investigations.
“Every day, the Interdiction for the Protection of Children Program is making a difference in the lives of at-risk and exploited children,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Six hundred children rescued is an incredible milestone for this program. In addition to the child rescues, the IPC program has also helped take reprehensible criminals who prey on our most vulnerable populations off our streets, which is another win for public safety.”
The IPC program marked its 10th anniversary in 2019. The program uses a multidisciplinary approach to train law enforcement, prosecutors, criminal intelligence analysts, child protective services, victim services and child advocacy center professionals collectively.
In addition to hundreds of child rescues, the IPC program has trained more than 13,000 people across the U.S. and other countries, prompting groundbreaking changes in how agencies improve accountability and approach child safety concerns.
The program continues to advocate the message: “Stop waiting for children to ask for your help.”
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