ICE nominated for 'Best App' in PR News' Social Media Icon Awards

WASHINGTON — Catching child predators? There's an app for that, and it's up for "Best App" in the PR News' 2014 Social Media Icon Awards.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) "Operation Predator" smartphone app is designed to seek the public's help with locating suspected child predators, and is one of eight finalists vying for the award. 

This first of its kind smart phone app was designed and developed by ICE Web Content Manager, under the supervision and direction of ICE Strategic Communication Director Cori W. Bassett.

"This app has been very well received by the public and has served to increase awareness of the need to locate and arrest criminals who are sexually exploiting children," said ICE Director of Public Affairs Brian Hale. "I applaud their creativity and dedication in making this app a reality. The positive attention that the app has already received and the recognition for being a finalist in the Social Media Icon Awards is really a bonus."

The Operation Predator app – currently compatible with Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch – lets users receive alerts about known fugitive and unknown suspect child predators, share the information with friends via email and social media tools and provide information to ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) by calling or submitting an online tip.

Additional features of the app include news about arrests and prosecutions of child predators, and resources for the public from ICE and its global partners in the fight against child exploitation.

Download the app, newly redesigned and optimized for iOS 7, through Apple's App Store or iTunes. Users with the app already installed can check the App Store's updates list for the newest version. An Android version of the app is planned for the near future.

For information on Operation Predator, a nationwide HSI initiative to protect children from sexual predators, or to report suspected child predators, visit www.ice.gov.