IamA investigative journalist Chris Hansen, AMA!

What percentage of the predators you bagged actually saw jail time?

I don't have the files in front of me, but in the original TCAP some 300 guys were convicted, pleaded guilty or no contest. Sentence ranged from probation and registering as a sex offender to 24 years in prison. In the recent Hansen VS Predator investigation, 11 men surfaced in 4 days. Already 8 have pleaded guilty. It looks like sentences will range from probation to 10 years. Stay tuned.

Any idea when Hansen Vs Predator will be out? Us Lornographers are desperate to see it chris! It's going to be the cleanest best pleasure.

I know like it seem like it's taking forever, but I should literally know in a few weeks and be able to make an announcement. There is a network and there is a plan. It's just got to be finalized.

When shooting "To Catch a Predator," were you ever concerned that one of the 'guest stars' would turn violent or take you hostage?

Also, what would you have done if someone famous had showed up, like a movie star or politician?

We always have a lot of security when we shoot a predator investigation, but yes there were a few tense situations. Once, a guy was arrested before he could get to the house, a police officer himself, he had 4 guns and hundreds of rounds of ammo in his car.

It seems that true journalism is nearly dead in America. It is rare these days when people being interviewed are probed in-depth about the statements they make.

Do you agree with this? And, if so, what can be done to shift this trend?

I think it's a valid observation.I don't think it's nearly dead, but priorities and budgets have shifted and there seems to me to be less substantive enterprise reporting and more easy quick turnarounds. Reporters need to listen and get into the heads of their subjects and not just read from a list of questions or so at least I have taught my younger son who started as a reporter this week after college.

While most of what we see is quite serious, there must be things that happen that are exceptionally funny. What is the most humorous thing that you've seen happen during 'To Catch a Predator'?

Well, there were undoubtably several humorous moments....I think one of them was when the guy walked in and said "you're Chris Hansen" before I could even say a word. Then he told me he watched the show all the time.

Hi Chris, why don't you take a seat? I grew up watching your work, so thank you! My question is, how do you quantify or summarize the impact of your work? Do you measure your success by how many people are arrested? Prosecuted? Convicted? What about the awareness you've built?

Bonus Question: How do you feel about the episode of South Park that parodied you?

Hey! I think what I am most proud of is that I raise awareness and create a dialogue that doesn't already exist...whether for online sexual predators targeting children or financial predators targeting the elderly or killers. And yes, my shows have taken a lot of these guys off the streets. As for South Park...my sons always had a dad on TV, so it was no big deal to them. When SP parodied me, I was suddenly very cool:)

I'm a big fan of your interview/interrogation techniques. When prepping for an interview, what sort of information do you look for to with hold until the end, and what sort of ques do you look for during the interview to reveal what you actually know about the subject? Is the timing more dependent on the subject themselves or production requirements?

ironic you ask me that. Last week in LA I was meeting with 2 producers and a guy sitting next to us interrupted us to say he used my interviews teaching law students at USC. I thought that was cool. I prepare intensely and I have a great team doing research. The key is to listen and sometimes the most affective question is simply "explain....."

Chris, do feel that Netflix shows like Making a Murderer have brought a heightened interest to your new show?

Also, in light of all the horrible violence that has been occurring across the country, how do you plan to capture the eyes and ears of viewers while maintaining a deference to those who have been afflicted by recent tragedies like the Florida mass shootings?

I definitely think that's true. Shows like that and Killer Instinct take people to places they'd never go where they see and hear things they wouldn't normally experience. You have to ask the hard questions with respect to create the right level of deference. And that's the goal here. I need the victim or victim's family to tell their story. It's ok if they cry, but you can't exploit it.

What's on your favorite sandwich?

Turkey rueben or grilled salmon with tomato and onion. I do also have a weakness for tuna melts:)

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I'll still be at it, looking for compelling stories. No retirement plans soon:) Bad news for predators of all sort!

Thanks for all the great questions everyone! I'm heading to Investigation Discovery's Facebook for FB Live. Please follow us there or on Twitter @ChrisHansen.

How's it going?

Really well.... except it's hot as all get out here!

Do people come up to you and say "Why don't you have a set over there?"...?

Ha! Everyday. Someone recently gave me a pillow that says "have a seat"

Hello Mr. Hansen! Hope you're well.

As a female, I LOVE Investigation Discovery! In fact, my Mom likes it, my step brother's Mother likes it, my grandmother likes it.... Women seem to love Investigation Discovery.

So my question is, do any of the ladies in your life watch ID? Do you have any theories as to why ID is so appealing to women?

Good question! ID is now the number 1 rated network in the coveted demographic. My mother is a very loyal viewer:) I thinks it's just really compelling story telling and often some of the key characters or victims happen to be women.