CCPD sharpens catch-a-predator techniques
Local law enforcement recently added tools to its toolbox when it comes to combating cyber crimes against children.
Members of the Cape Coral Police Department earlier this month took part in the Internet Crimes Against Children Conference in Orlando. The conference was put together by Florida Department of Law Enforcement, in partnership with the Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces, Child Abduction Response Team and Sexual Offender Registration and Enforcement.
CCPD sent three detectives, and one analyst to gain more insight into these specific types of crimes.
Of the importance of sending representatives, Public Affairs Officer Mercedes Simonds said, “It was very important be cause this conference focuses on protecting children and shows the newest ways to investigate and prevent these crimes.
“Key takeaways typically include advanced child‑focused interviewing methods, stronger digital evidence strategies, and better ways to coordinate with child advocacy centers and social services so children are interviewed fewer times and get faster support. Participants also learn updated legal guidance, emerging offender tactics, and practical prevention messaging that can be shared with schools and parents.”
A number of detectives and supervisors from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s Special Victims Unit and Sexual Offender/Predator Unit also attended.
This year’s conference was the largest in its history, drawing approximately 1,200 participants. According to officials, attendees represented more than 300 law enforcement agencies across 40 states and three countries, all focused on combating online child exploitation and technology‑facilitated crimes against children.
The three‑day event provided “specialized training for law enforcement officers, investigators, forensic examiners and prosecutors. Sessions covered best practices for investigations and prosecutions, along with emerging trends in human trafficking, online exploitation and computer forensics.”
Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins delivered the keynote presentation, underscoring the state’s commitment to protecting children and supporting law enforcement in the fight against exploitation.
“Crimes against children happen online and cross state lines in seconds, which is why Florida is aggressive, unapologetic, and relentless in protecting our kids,” Collins said in a statement. “Through FDLE and ICAC task forces, we are investing in the people and partnerships needed to hunt predators before they can harm a child. Protecting children isn’t just a job, it’s a calling.”
Simonds said having every resource available to assist children is crucial.
“It is essential because crimes against children are among the most complex and high‑impact cases,” she said. “Staying at the forefront helps CCPD solve more cases, protect victims more effectively, and maintain community trust that children’s safety is a top priority.”
Simonds added that a significant and growing share of crimes against children now begin online through social media, gaming platforms, and messaging apps, including grooming, sextortion, and trafficking‑related contact.
“Because of this, it is critical that parents and police understand online risks, recognize grooming and exploitation patterns, use trusted internet resources to learn common predator tactics, and actively educate and monitor children to prevent incidents before they escalate to in‑person abuse,” Simonds said.
Of the state’s commitment to protecting children, FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass stated, “Florida law enforcement is committed to using every resource to protect children from exploitation. By bringing together experts from across the country, we are advancing our techniques, strengthening our partnerships and sharpening our ability to confront these crimes. The dedication shown at this conference demonstrates the resolve of our officers and partners to carry that mission forward.”
FDLE and Florida’s ICAC Task Forces presented the inaugural “Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Officer of the Year” award. This award was bestowed posthumously to FBI Special Agents Daniel Alfin and Laura Schwartzenberger, who were killed in the line of duty in 2021 while serving a search warrant in Sunrise.
According to officials, on Feb. 2, 2021, FBI Miami agents attempted to serve a warrant at a suspect’s home for child sexual abuse material violations. Officials said the suspect opened fire as agents breached the door, killing Alfin and Schwartzenberger and wounding four others.
“FBI Miami is humbled to learn that Fallen Agents Dan Alfin and Laura Schwartzenberger are the inaugural recipients of the Florida ICAC Officer of the Year award,” stated FBI Miami SAC Brett Skiles. “It takes an incredibly special person to do this difficult and dangerous work. Dan and Laura promoted the extraordinary attributes of selfless service and courage needed to perform this challenging mission. We will always honor their ultimate sacrifice.”