Deputies: ComputerCOP Helps Parents Keep a Lock on Kids' Internet Usage

Pinellas County parents who want to know just what their kids are up to when they’re online have a free way to do so.

Courtesy of the sheriff’s office, Pinellas parents can now pick up free copies of ComputerCOP software. The program makes it easy for parents to monitor online activity, the agency wrote in an email to media.

With the program installed, parents can easily scan images, documents, videos and Internet
Explorer history, the agency noted. In addition, parents can capture chat and email conversations using a keyword search.

“Our office is committed to protecting our children from becoming victims of online crime,” Sheriff Bob Gaultieri was quoted in the email as saying. “We want to protect kids from exploitation and abduction by Internet predators; we hope to increase the reporting of such criminal activity; and we strive to provide parents, guardians, and other responsible adults with resources to make our kids’ online experiences safe, educational and fun.”

Parents can pick up copies of ComputerCOP at the following locations:

• Sheriff’s Administration Building, 10750 Ulmerton Road in Largo
• Sheriff’s North District Station, 737 Louden Avenue in Dunedin.

School resource, community policing and crime prevention deputies will also have copies available.

The sheriff’s office also offers a Parent’s Tool Kit to help deliver education about online dangers. It’s available on its website at www.PCSOweb.com.

Image via Shutterstock

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