Attorney General Bill McCollum was sworn into office today as Florida's 36th Attorney General. McCollum, a native Floridian, joined Governor Charlie Crist, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson at today's inaugural ceremony in Tallahassee, where the members of the new state Cabinet assumed the responsibilities of their offices.

"I am humbled to serve the people of Florida as their Attorney General and will make the safety and security of our state and its citizens my top priority," said McCollum. "I look forward to the days and tasks ahead as we work together for the good of this state."

McCollum, of Orlando, served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1972, retiring as a Commander after 23 years of service in the Judge Advocate General's Corps. He later represented the people of Central Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives for 20 years, retiring in 2001. Today, as he begins his term as the state's newest Attorney General, McCollum pledged to continue to protect Florida's communities, families and children. One of his priorities will be the Attorney General's Child Predator CyberCrime Unit, which protects children from computer-facilitated sexual exploitation. The unit has made 33 arrests since its inception in October 2005.