NCJ Number
98673
Date Published
1984
Length
138 pages
Annotation
Following opening statements on child pornography, pedophilia, and their relationship to child molestation, witnesses' statements consider U.S. Customs' and U.S. Postal Inspection Services' efforts to control distribution of child pornography, the influx of pornography from foreign countries, legal and enforcement issues, and the effects of pornography on child victims.
Abstract
Opening statements by Senators Roth and Spector outline the pernicious nature of child pornography, discuss the purposes such materials serve for the pedophile, and comment on the expansion of both child pornography and child molestation. The Commissioner of the US. Customs Service discusses increased efforts at preventing and prosecuting illegal importation of pornographic materials, including the use of blitzes at mail facilities, improved methods for identifying source countries, and the use of controlled mail deliveries in investigation. Additional testimony outlines the need for international cooperation and preliminary interactions with the Danish and Dutch Governments to tighten controls on the exportation of child pornography. A representative from Defense for Children International describes interventions with victims of child trafficking, pornography, prostitution, and pedophiles. Investigative efforts being carried out by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service also are delineated. Additional testimony and discussion focuses on problems in defining obscenity, techniques used by pedophiles, formal and informal child pornography distribution networks, and descriptions of the materials currently available. For Part 2 of these hearings, see NCJ 98674.