Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel

''Child pornography, especially via the Internet and cyber space, is a growing and pressing problem in Arkansas,'' Attorney General Dustin McDaniel was quoted as saying in the June 2^nd arkansasnews.com article, ''AG's office unveils new cyber-crimes unit''. He also said the unit will enable his office to ''fight that problem and work in a collaborative effort'' with other law enforcement agencies.

A four person team runs the unit. It's equipped with the cutting edge forensic computers and other equipment, which, as McDaniel explained, ''will reduce the burden on the crime lab because many cities do not have forensic capabilities and they have to get in line at the crime lab, whose burden is already high.''


The launch of the cyber-crimes unit serves as yet another example of McDaniel's tireless efforts to serve the people of Arkansas as the state's number one consumer advocate and law enforcement officer. Since taking office in January of 2007, issues McDaniel and his team have tackled have included methamphetamine production and distribution, eliminating payday lenders, and assisting consumers through his health care bureau. Most recently, McDaniel announced that Arkansas, along with other states and the federal government, had reached settlements with two pharmaceutical manufacturers over allegations the companies unlawfully marketed prescription drugs.

McDaniel was quoted as saying in a press release at the Office of the Attorney General's website: ''It's my responsibility as Attorney General to protect the integrity of our Medicaid program, for the benefit of Arkansas taxpayers and those eligible for this vital healthcare service. Our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigates these types of activity and works to prevent these actions. I'm pleased that the states and federal government joined to reach these settlements.''

McDaniel began his career in law enforcement as a patrol officer in his hometown of Jonesboro, Arkansas. After he completed law school, he served as a partner in the Jonesboro law firm of McDaniel and Wells. He also served one term in the Arkansas House of Representatives, representing Jonesboro's District 75. During that time he was named an "Outstanding State Legislator" by the Arkansas Municipal League.

Today, he serves as the Chair of the southern region and member of the Finance Committee for the National Association of Attorneys General, as co-Chair of the Democratic Association of Attorneys General. He has also been the recipient of the Aspen-Rodel Fellowship in Public Leadership.

The Arkansas Attorney General's website includes resources on cyber safety, cyber-crime statistics, and ''Keys to Safety Program'', a comprehensive curriculum developed by the Outreach Division of the Attorney General's Office aimed at educating youths about child abduction, runaway issues, and online safety.