 "At this year's state fair, we're highlighting the dangers lurking
in our communities, behind our computer screens and in our homes,"
said Madigan. "From our efforts to combat the spread of synthetic
drugs, our training for parents, teachers and kids about online
threats, to our advocacy to promote product safety and recall
effectiveness, my office works on many fronts to help Illinoisans
stay safe and informed."Synthetic drugs
The attorney general's tent, located across from the Grandstand,
will illustrate the dangers of synthetic drugs containing toxic
substances that are both against the law and a health hazard if
smoked or ingested. Marketed with exotic names like K2 or Spice,
synthetic drugs are chemically laced substances similar to
marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine that are illegal but are
still too often sold behind the counter at convenience stores, gas
stations and tobacco shops throughout Illinois.
The attorney general has worked with local, state and federal law
enforcement to increase awareness of the dangers of synthetic drugs
and remove them from store shelves. In December 2011, Madigan's
office spearheaded "Operation Smoked Out," a statewide initiative
designed to eliminate these dangerous drugs from retail stores in
Illinois. In nearly 40 operations, more than 31,000 packages of
illegal products have been relinquished, with an estimated street
value in excess of $688,667. In June, Madigan hosted a joint meeting
with the Indiana attorney general to share information and
experiences encountered by law officers in the border states. And
last month, investigators from Madigan's office participated in the
first-ever nationwide takedown of synthetic drugs. Additionally,
Madigan drafted a new law that defines a "synthetic drug product" as
one that contains a controlled substance not regulated by the U.S.
Food & Drug Administration.
Product safety
One of the biggest challenges surrounding product safety is
awareness, particularly when toys, cribs and strollers are everyday
items in homes, day cares and preschools. The attorney general has
been a leader in the call for stronger regulations to increase
product safety and consumer confidence. Last year alone, the
Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled 121 children's products,
covering 11.6 million units, because of dangerous defects. In a
lighthearted look at a serious subject, the House of Hazards will
feature "Find the Flaw," a display where fairgoers can inspect
recalled products. In addition, visitors to the tent will have the
opportunity to sign up for email notification of future recalls.
[to top of second column] |
Internet safety
The attorney general's office, with a grant from the Department
of Justice, runs the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children Task
Force, which investigates child exploitation crimes and trains law
enforcement agencies. Since 2006, the task force has been involved
in more than 450 arrests of sexual predators. Two years ago, Madigan
also launched "Operation Glass House," an initiative to locate and
arrest the most active Internet child pornographers in the state. In
late July, a Glass House arrest netted a central Illinois individual
alleged to have downloaded the most child pornography in the state
for the 30-day period prior to the arrest.
In addition to her enforcement efforts, Madigan promotes Internet
safety for children, parents and educators through the ICAC Task
Force, having provided Internet safety training to more than 244,000
parents, teachers and students, and more than 14,200 law enforcement
professionals. Madigan emphasizes the importance of Internet safety,
particularly in today's world, when most people -- especially
children -- communicate online and with cellphones. However, without
proper guidance, these types of technologies can be dangerous to a
child's physical and psychological well-being if they are exposed to
inappropriate material, whether they are surfing online, sending
e-mail or using social network sites. The best defense against
inappropriate material and online conduct is to set and discuss
family rules for Internet use. Madigan's state fair tent features a
video quiz highlighting safety tips to help families learn how to
surf safely.
Fairgoers visiting the tent will also find a variety of other
resources and activities designed to educate and protect all
Illinoisans, including resources related to preventing mortgage
foreclosure and ensuring nursing home safety. Computer stations also
will be available to check current listings on the Illinois Sex
Offender Registry.
Madigan was scheduled to appear at the annual Twilight Parade on
Thursday evening. The parade route began at the intersection of
Ninth and North Grand and ended at the Grandstand inside the
Illinois State Fairgrounds. This year's Illinois State Fair in
Springfield runs until Aug. 19.
[Text from file received from the office
of
Illinois Attorney General Lisa
Madigan] |
