Over the next several weeks, the International Association of Chiefs of Police will recognize the 2018 IACP Leadership Award Winners, who have made meaningful contributions to both their communities, and law enforcement as a whole. Their achievements are representative of the incredible leadership displayed by police organizations across the globe.

This week will focus on Investigations. Awards for Investigations recognize individuals and agencies that exemplify the management and investigation of multifaceted criminal cases through innovative techniques, contributing to the advancement of the art and science of criminal investigations

IACP August Vollmer Leadership in Forensic Science Award

The IACP August Vollmer Leadership in Forensic Science Award recognizes the proactive, innovative use of forensic technologies by law enforcement agencies and units. Exemplary programs will demonstrate how new forensic technologies advance criminal investigations and enable agencies to strengthen their evidence collection and analysis.

Texas Department of Public Safety, Crime Laboratory Service

In June 2015, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force of the Texas Attorney General’s Office received a cyber tip involving the sharing of child pornography. Investigators were able to obtain a search warrant for the person of interest’s Yahoo!, Verizon, and Dropbox accounts and found numerous files of child pornography. After identifying the person of interest, investigators identified a second perpetrator involved. One of the seized photographs contained the second perpetrator’s fingerprints but was not in a format typically accepted by labs and did not contain a scale. The Texas Attorney General’s Office contacted the Texas Department of Public Safety Austin Crime Lab to examine the photograph.  They were able to calibrate the image so that it could be entered into the FBI national Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) leading to a suspect in Georgia. He was arrested and convicted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, as well as a nexus of individuals in several states and countries involved in child pornography. With the increased use of digital images, law enforcement has more opportunities to view fingerprints in higher resolution and make identifications. This case not only shows excellent inter-agency cooperation, but also the successful use of new forensic technologies which directly advanced an investigation.  

(Pictured from left to right: IACP Immediate Past President, Louis M. Dekmar; Section Supervisor - Latent Prints, Meghan Blackburn, Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory; Special Agent Elizabeth Bigham, Georgia Bureau of Investigation; and IACP 2nd Vice President and National Security Policy Council Chair, Cynthia Renaud.)

IACP Chief David Cameron Leadership in Environmental Crimes Award

The IACP Chief David Cameron Leadership in Environmental Crimes Award recognizes excellence in environmental crimes enforcement and education by law enforcement agencies. This award is designed to recognize agencies and multi-agency collaborations that have improved their communities through recent environmental crimes prevention, investigation, and enforcement.

Calaveras County, California, Sheriff’s Office

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office, located in northern California, created a task force to investigate and prosecute environmental crimes committed by marijuana cultivators. The multi-agency task force initiated “Operation Terminus” to investigate violations related to the pollution of California’s watershed and river systems. The operation led to the identification of numerous violations and included the eradication of 28,650 marijuana plants, seizure of cash and firearms, and 35 arrests. The combination of traditional law enforcement, forestry, wildlife, and water quality disciplines working together to identify and locate major environmental crimes was unprecedented in central California. “Operation Terminus” demonstrates exemplary leadership in ensuring the protection of public health and the environment, providing a powerful message of deterrence.

IACP/Leonardo Leadership in the Prevention of Vehicle Crimes Award 

The IACP/Leonardo Leadership in the Prevention of Vehicles Crimes Award recognizes outstanding achievement in preventing vehicle theft and crimes. Exemplary programs will showcase the connection between vehicle crime and subsequent violent crime. Nominated agencies will be evaluated on initiative, use of available resources, and overall results allowing agencies to share how they successfully curbed vehicle theft in their jurisdiction. Learn more about Leonardo.

Coloradans Against Auto Theft

Coloradans Against Auto Theft (CAAT) is a statewide coalition of law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, and community partners dedicated to reducing auto theft through public awareness and prevention education. For nine years, CAAT has led the “Lockdown” campaign, aimed at reducing observable-risk behaviors among Colorado drivers. The campaign has two focal points: a summer campaign around National Auto Theft Prevention month in July and a winter campaign in January around “Puffer Week,” an initiative that reminds Coloradans not to leave their cars running while unattended. CAAT has been successful in shifting the tone and core messaging of the campaign to focus on the link between auto theft and other crimes, as well as the effect auto theft can have on a community; curbing vehicle theft; and demonstrating the importance of community collaboration.

IACP/Thomson Reuters Excellence in Criminal Investigations Award

The IACP/Thomson Reuters Excellence in Criminal Investigations Award recognizes exceptional innovation in managing and conducting criminal investigations, with the goal of sharing information to advance the art and science of criminal investigations. Learn more about Thomson Reuters.

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.