Sheboygan Police Department, Wisconsin

The Sheboygan County Multi-Enforcement Group conducted an investigation into methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking in a tri-county area in Wisconsin. The investigation ended up targeting an international drug trafficking operation with leadership in Mexico. The investigation resulted in the seizure of kilos of meth and tens of thousands of fentanyl pills and the dismantling of an organization posing great danger to a tri-county area. This case embodies investigative excellence because of the number of challenges overcome through best practices like teamwork across agencies and jurisdictions, information-sharing, flexibility, and skill at using all the tools in the modern investigator’s toolbox to drive a successful outcome, plus a plan to hold training on lessons learned.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation 

The case began with an out of state Airbnb owner contacting the Gilmar County Sheriff's Office located in the North Georgia Mountains about concerning images from their cabin's surveillance camera. The cabin owner believed he saw a bound and unconscious individual being carried into the cabin. Deputies were dispatched to the scene and discovered the cabin empty but found small traces of blood. The Sheriff requested assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). The GBI dispatched crime scene specialists and located the remains of an unidentified victim. The RBI began a multifaceted investigation utilizing human, cyber, and scientific techniques. Realizing the complex nature of the investigation, the case agent and supervisor formed a leadership team to investigate and manage the investigation. The GBI, using innovative strategies, were not only able to solve the murder, but they also identified individuals involved to be part of a transnational drug organization. This led to additional crimes being solved. 

Colleyville Police Department 

The Colleyville Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Secret Service initiated an investigation into the website www.cityxguide.com, which was used to promote, advertise, and facilitate prostitution and sex trafficking - including sex trafficking of minors - around the world. This investigation is a case study on leadership through effective partnerships. The enterprise approach and multi-agency partnership could be a model for investigating sex trafficking cases. 

Tallahassee, Florida, Police Department

The Tallahassee Police Department’s (TPD) Violent Crimes Unit consists of thirteen investigators and four victim advocates. In 2019, these thirteen officers investigated more than 1,500 cases, 24 of which were homicides. TPD’s Violent Crimes Unit is being recognized for their excellence in collaboration, efficiency, and management of criminal investigations, specifically for the apprehension of a double homicide suspect. Within 48 hours, TPD’s Violent Crimes Unit interviewed numerous individuals, exonerated two suspects, obtained a matched DNA profile, analyzed hundreds of hours of cell phone data and security footage, utilized detection dogs, searched vehicles and homes, and more. The dedication and professionalism of the Tallahassee Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit resulted in the apprehension of a deadly sex offender.  

Dubai Police, United Arab Emirates

The Dubai Police created Smart Police Stations where individuals can report crimes even if there is not an officer physically present. When a complainant arrives at the station, they enter their personal identity card in the ID reader. A duty officer is immediately able to see their personal details and live video at the Smart Police Station starts on the screens. The investigator can ask questions about the complaint and records the statement, after which the citizen is requested to sign electronically. The complaint is then electronically sent to the appropriate station to complete the process. The Smart Police Stations provide enclosed, private reporting areas, allowing victims to feel comfortable reporting criminal activity. The process has increased efficiency by allowing for quick searches of information. This streamlined approach has also helped both victims and investigators by making it extremely easy to address criminal reports. The process has increased efficiency by allowing for quick searches of information.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation conducted a criminal investigation of sexual exploitation from December 2015 through June 2017. Their efforts resulted in the discovery of over 30 victims, as well as the arrest and indictment of the suspect. Though the case required complex digital forensics, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation demonstrated exceptional achievement in successfully seeking and utilizing the expertise of multiple state, local, and federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Justice. Their strategy to search for additional victims using initial victims’ internet provider addresses, social media accounts, and “machine cookies” of e-mails sent by the suspect was innovative and ultimately resulted in the identification of the suspect. The Bureau’s work in this case provides an excellent example of criminal investigators navigating the labyrinth of digital forensics, persisting in the pursuit of a complex investigation, and leveraging the strengths and capabilities of partner agencies.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Miami Regional Operations Center & U.S. Homeland Security Investigations

In February 2016, the Miami Regional Operations Center met with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents to review progress of an ongoing human trafficking case. On July 7, 2016, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) —Miami Regional Operations Center Cyber/High Tech Crime Squad, HSI Fort Lauderdale, the United States Attorney’s Office, and HSI Bogota with the full cooperation and support of the Colombian National Police Directorate of Specialized Investigations Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit, conducted an undercover operation. This case involved a Florida resident who was allegedly operating tours to Medellìn, Colombia in which he was engaging in the international sex trafficking of children, child exploitation, and sex tourism. 

For this investigation to be successful, the FDLE special agent had to be cross sworn to work with the Colombian National Police and given a disguised persona that would be posted on the sexual offender registry. This tactic allowed the agent to gain the trust and credibility of additional criminals and sex offenders. FDLE special agents continue to explore the dark web as well as purchase crypto currency in efforts to expose continuously changing criminal networks. Though this tactic is still under development, effects of its establishment would assist in luring suspects who believe they are communicating with other criminals. FDLE special agents are also conducting an initiative once a year in which they reserve high-end hotel rooms along the Florida beach front to recruit prostitutes to get information concerning trafficking networks and the location of any underage girls. 

As a result of the investigation, hotels in Colombia are implementing human trafficking training in which the staff is instructed on ways to be more proactive in addressing this issue.