March 4, 2004

Dear Parent:

As parents we make every effort to provide our children and grandchildren with the knowledge and experiences of life that will enhance their growth and hopefully make them prosper and expand their knowledge and life experiences.  With the technological advances of modern days, this in some ways has made our jobs as adults’ an easier task.

The Internet is a valuable resource of information.  It allows the user to research topics, explore places they have never been, chat with people across the world and a host of other activities.  Although there are many good features of the Internet, like anything else in life, there are also areas of danger.   As vigilant as parents may be, in reality they cannot spend every minute with their child while the child is online. 

It is important for Parents to educate themselves in the use of the computer and the Internet.  Both pre-school and school children in today’s life style use a computer on a regular if not daily basis.  Thus, we as parents often have a lot of learning to do just to understand the basics.

Attached is a list of tips of Internet safety for parents, Useful sites for keeping children safe on the Internet, Search engines for children and families, and links to filtering and blocking software.

In the event that you or your child encounters a problem that may be a violation of the law while on the Internet, you may call the Sheriff Department Detective Bureau at 517-546-2440 extension #239.  The Sheriff Department has a Detective that has received training in computer and Internet related crimes that will attempt to assist you. 

If you have any Internet / computer related questions, or have a group that would like a presentation for Internet crimes and / or safety, please feel free to contact Detective Edwin Moore at the above number and extension.

Sheriff Don Homan