FL targets online predators, child porn

Florida law enforcement is doubling undercover efforts to nab online sexual predators, Attorney General Bill McCollum announced, The Tallahassee Democrat reported.

Combatting kiddie porn and online predators is McCollum's top priority, he said in a briefing at his office. Bigger than gang activity. Bigger than violent crime. Bigger than fraud.

McCollum is asking for $4.2 million to increase tenfold the size of the office that combats Internet predators. The office will go froma staff of five to 50.

"It allows them to go undercover, go on the Net, and ferret out people who would attack our children, before they do it," he said. "This is one area where prevention can have a meaningful effect."

McCollum said he discussed the idea with Gov. Charlie Crist, who is preparing his first state budget, and ''I've been reassured more than once that the request I'm making will be in his budget.''