Ventura sheriff partners with Purdue University for online predator study

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department has announced a partnership with Purdue University for a study regarding the patterns of online sexual predators.

Dr. Kathryn Seigfried-Spellar will be leading the upcoming study and will examine social media communications between predators and minors in an attempt to identify certain predictors that will indicate which predators are likely to lure a minor to meet in person.

Ventura County Sheriff’s Department said in a press release that studies have suggested that there is a difference between sexual predators who only wish to exchange information online and those who wish to meet in person with juveniles.

VCSD said they hope the study will help them prioritize cases and quickly target suspects who are likely to lure a minor to a real world meeting.

As always, parents are encouraged to keep an open dialog with their children about their online activity and risks associated with social media. Parents can find more information here .