Joint Ala./Ga.Task Force honored in Washington, D.C.

GBI news release On Wednesday, May 24, 2017, Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein recognized the Georgia and Alabama Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task forces at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The two units combined their efforts in November 2016 to conduct an operation that yielded 29 arrests and the seizure of 731 digital devices. “Operation Southern Impact” included more than 70 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to seek out child predators who use the internet to sexually exploit children.

Rosenstein presented the Attorney General’s Special Commendation to representatives of the two task forces during the Department of Justice’s National Missing Children’s Day ceremony. The special commendation recognizes Internet Crimes Against Children task forces or affiliate agencies for making significant investigative or program contributions.

Debbie Garner, Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Special Agent in Charge and Commander of the Georgia ICAC Task Force, stated “this type of cooperation and collaboration is invaluable in the effort to keep our children safe from predators who seek to harm them. This successful operation was the result of an ongoing partnership between the ICAC Task Forces and all the agencies involved. The men and women who work crimes against children and child exploitation crimes are some of the most passionate and dedicated law enforcement officers to wear the badge. They deserve this honor and recognition.”

The Georgia ICAC Task Force is comprised of more than 200 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, other related criminal justice agencies and prosecutor’s offices.

The mission of the ICAC Task Force, created by the U. S. Department of Justice and managed and operated by the GBI in Georgia, is to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in developing an effective response to cyber enticement and child pornography cases. This support encompasses forensic and investigative components, training and technical assistance, victim services, prevention, and community education.