So I'm curious... what "contributions to the advancement of the art or science of criminal investigations and innovations in the development or enhancement of investigative techniques" do you think they used in this case at that point, in Oct 2015? I have not heard of anything that they did that was out of the ordinary or extraordinary. Sounds like Bachman circled points he thought matched in the video/trucks, but I wouldn't consider that "innovative" or an "enhanced investigative technique". JMO
Do you consider yourself an expert in the art and science of criminal investigation? Do any of us even know what these award winning investigators did in the months leading up to October of 2015? I certainly don't know what they were doing each day, to earn that paycheck.
According to McMahon:
“It is truly an honor to receive this award in recognition of the exemplary work done by the
Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail,” stated Sheriff John McMahon.
“The award recognizes the hard work and endless hours of dedication to bring the investigation to a conclusion for the family,” he added
But whatever it was they were doing, it caught the attention of those on the committee who give out this award.
And they choose from nominees all across the globe. It was not just a local award.
Past winners:
2016 - Homeland Security Investigations of the Phoenix Police Department
2014 - Missouri State Highway Patrol of the Rural Crimes Investigative Unit
2017-
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.
2018-
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.