EyeDetect Plays a Role in Law Enforcement Sting Operation Targeting Suspects in Idaho of Child Sex Solicitation Crimes
Some of the 11 suspects arrested were tested with EyeDetect to see if they previously committed sex crimes against minors. Law enforcement officials used EyeDetect to quickly test suspects onsite after an initial interview.
The Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children task force in the Boise area recently supervised “Operation Grand Canyon,” which led to the arrest of 11 people in connection to attempted child sex solicitation crimes. EyeDetect was used on some of these suspects to determine with they had any sexual contact with minors since becoming an adult.
LEHI, Utah – November 19, 2018 –According to a Nov. 5 article in the Idaho Statesman, several Idaho law enforcement agencies recently arrested 11 people in connection with attempted sex solicitation crimes with minors.
As a result of this sting operation, dubbed “Operation Grand Canyon,” seven suspects now face prosecution for state charges and four have been referred for federal charges. The Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force in Boise supervised the operation. Other agencies involved in the arrests included Homeland Security Investigations (HIS), Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Caldwell Police Department, Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, FBI, Garden City Police Department, Idaho State Police, Nampa Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
The news story did not mention that some suspects apprehended in this operation were tested with EyeDetect after an initial 25-45-minute interview. EyeDetect, by Converus, is a nonintrusive, scientifically validated lie detection technology that accurately detects deception in criminal cases in about 15 minutes by analyzing eye and other behaviors. Results are available in less than 5 minutes.
A special agent and polygraph examiner working for one of the law enforcement agencies was initially interested in using EyeDetect because at times his agency doesn’t have enough examiners to test suspects onsite. The agency was also interested in a test that took less time than polygraph.
“Law enforcement officials, including Idaho ICAC, Idaho State Police and Homeland Security Investigations typically encounter a large number of suspects in a short time period during these operations targeting individuals involved in child exploitation,” said this agent. “Conducting a polygraph examination on each person encountered to determine if he has had any sexual contact with minors since becoming an adult can be challenging at times due to resources available and the time of night law enforcement officials may encounter these suspects. EyeDetect was utilized with some of the suspects encountered during Operation Grand Canyon with a test focused on whether any sexual contact with minors has occurred since he became an adult.”
Several Idaho law enforcement agencies recently arrested 11 people in connection with attempted child sex solicitation crimes as part of a sting operation dubbed “Operation Grand Canyon.”
Unlike polygraph, there are no cables or sensors attached to the examinee during an EyeDetect test. Because the true/false test is automated and the results are determined by a computer algorithm, Converus says an EyeDetect test administrator cannot manipulate the outcome of the test results or show bias — which gives all examinees a consistent experience. Polygraph exams, the long-time standard for lie detection, require questions be asked by a trained examiner. Polygraphs take at least 90 minutes to conduct, and reports can sometimes take hours to receive.
“EyeDetect is the ideal technology to use to help fight such a heinous act like child sex crimes,” said Converus President and CEO Todd Mickelsen. “EyeDetect can accurately verify statements made by suspected sex offenders during an arrest, as well as those made by convicted sex offenders during treatment and/or parole evaluations.”
EyeDetect has been successfully implemented in 40 countries worldwide by nearly 500 customers. In the U.S., state-level law enforcement agencies use EyeDetect to screen job applicants for issues that would disqualify them from working for the organization — such as serious crimes, drug use, sabotage, espionage, terrorism and other criminal and unethical behaviors. District attorneys and defense and prosecuting attorneys currently use EyeDetect to screen individuals regarding claims made that are potentially fraudulent.
Mickelsen says EyeDetect has previously been demonstrated to and/or discussed with officials from the State Department, Secret Service, Department of Defense, National Security Agency, FBI and others, as well as several members of Congress.
For more information about Converus, visit: converus.com.
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About Converus®
Converus provides scientifically validated credibility assessment technologies. EyeDetect® detects deception at 86-90% accuracy in 15-30 minutes by analyzing eye and other behaviors. IdentityDetect® detects falsified identities at 91% accuracy in about 1-3 minutes by analyzing subtle variations in the motor nervous system responses. These technologies help protect countries, corporations and communities from corruption, crime and threats. Converus is headquartered in Lehi, Utah, USA. Visit: www.converus.com
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Converus Press Contact: Jeff Pizzino, APR /+1 480-606-8292
