Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Mark Glass, Commissioner
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Mark Glass, Commissioner
FDLE hosts largest Internet Crimes Against Children Conference in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), in partnership with the Florida Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Forces, Child Abduction Response Team (CART) and Sexual Offender Registration and Enforcement, hosted the Internet Crimes Against Children Conference in Orlando Dec. 15–17.
This year’s conference drew approximately 1,200 participants, the largest attendance in its history. 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 Lieutenant Governor 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,” said Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins. “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.”
“Florida law enforcement is committed to using every resource to protect children from exploitation,” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. “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.”
For the first time, FDLE and Florida’s ICAC Task Forces introduced the “Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Officer of the Year” award. The inaugural award was presented 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, Fla.
“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,” said 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.”
On Feb. 2, 2021, FBI Miami agents attempted to serve a warrant at a suspect’s home for child sexual abuse material violations. The suspect opened fire as agents breached the door, killing Alfin and Schwartzenberger and wounding four others.
The new award honors officers whose courage, integrity and commitment exemplify the highest standards of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program.
For Further Information Contact:
FDLE Office of Public Information
FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.
