New Lake County K-9 Tasked With Investigating Child Porn Cases

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The Lake County State's Attorney's Office recently welcomed its newest employee: its K-9 officer, Grip, that is trained in tracking down electronics in child pornography investigations.

Grip is a 1.5-year-old yellow lab that is the newest member of the state's attorney's office's Cyber Lab and was trained as an electronics detection unit. Grip can find cellphones, laptop computers and any other digital devices containing a SIM card or chip, according to a news release from the state's attorney's office.

“Grip is a great addition to the Office and shows our Cybercrimes’ Division strong commitment to using every possible resource to increase child pornography prosecutions. She is already loved by everyone in the office. We will use any tool we can to detect and prosecute those who would engage in heinous crimes against children,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said.

Grip's handler, Rob Beach, a Lake County State’s Attorney investigator who specializes in cybercrimes investigations. Grip will help Beach with mutual aid requests during investigations of crimes against children.

Specifically, Grip is trained to work closely with law enforcement agencies during the execution of search warrants related to cases involving the use of electronic devices, according to a news release.

“I am completely impressed with her ability to detect electronic devices, she has the best demeanor, and as my little ones say, ‘She helps catch bad guys,’” Beach said.

She was donated through a grant from Defenders for Children, whose mission is to prevent child abuse, trafficking, and child pornography, according to the news release.

The purchase of Grip and gift to Defenders For Children is made possible by the generosity of Gripple, Inc., a private company that increases awareness regarding sexual abuse and human trafficking.