Book Review of Sexual Predators: How to Recognize Them on the Internet and on the Street - How to Keep Your Kids Away

Abstract

“Before all this, I thought a predator is someone who lurks in the bushes. I didn’t think I was one. But then I realized the computer monitor was my bushes.” The above-referenced quote was made by serial child predator Jake Matthew Clawson in regards to his recognition of his online obsession. It was referenced as a demonstration of the common misconception many of us have regarding the tactics used by child pedophiles to stalk children. The stereotype of the dirty old man hanging out at the school playground in a dingy van waiting and watching for unsuspecting little girls and boys is being replaced by a different type of predator. This is the predator that hides behind false identities and personalities in chat room, instant messages or emails to gain the trust of the same unsuspecting, but now computer-savvy children. The book “Sexual Predators: How to Recognize Them on the Internet and on the Street – How to Keep Your Kids Away,” written by Stephen Dean, is the latest book that provides a wealth of information on these new types of predators and the tactics that they use on the technologically confident youth. Award-winning, investigative journalist Stephen Dean has had years of experience working with authorities investigating crimes against children. His current passion has led him to immerse himself in the world of Internet predators. He has posed as a child in chat rooms during multiple Internet investigations with the Houston Police Department and federal authorities to apprehend online predators. His work has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS and CNN, as well as many local news stations. With these experiences, he describes in detail in his