Minden Police Chief Jared McIver signed paperwork Wednesday, February 26, formally adding the Minden Police Department to the Louisiana ICAC Task Force, a statewide initiative focused on combating the online sexual exploitation of children.
The task force operates under the Louisiana Department of Justice and works in coordination with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to investigate offenders who use the internet, online communication systems, or computer technology to exploit children.
The program is funded by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Nationally, the ICAC program is a network of 61 coordinated task forces representing more than 3,000 federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies engaged in proactive investigations, forensic examinations, and criminal prosecutions.
By joining the task force, MPD officers will have access to specialized training, investigative resources and collaborative partnerships aimed at identifying and prosecuting individuals involved in internet crimes against children.
Participating agencies work together to conduct undercover online investigations, execute search warrants, analyze digital evidence, and assist in the prosecution of offenders. The task force model emphasizes information sharing and coordinated enforcement across jurisdictions.
Pictured at the signing were (front, from left) SSA Chris Masters, Chief Jared McIver, Deputy Chief Tokia Harrison and (back) Deputy Chief Chris Cheatham, Lt. Shane Griffith and Capt. Keith King.