The Integrated Child Exploitation (ICE) unit investigates the sexual exploitation of children through the Internet and works to reduce harm through public education and prevention programs.

The unit, which was formed in 2006, regularly works with other police agencies across Canada and around the world to track down predators and identify victims.

ICE investigates offences involving accessing, possessing, distributing, importing, and manufacturing child pornography, any computer-related child sexual abuse, child luring over the Internet, voyeurism involving victims under the age of 18, and child sex trade/tourism.

The unit has two teams operating in the northern and southern regions of the province. ICE investigators and forensic examiners work together in the same offices to ensure predators are caught as quickly as possible. Across Canada, those two important roles are not usually located together.

Between January 2007 and December 2009, ICE investigated 917 files and laid 466 charges as a result.

The public can submit tips at www.cybertip.ca, a national Web site for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children.