FBI, Colorado Springs Police Department, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office launch child exploitation task force

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- FBI Denver is partnering with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) and the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) for a new child exploitation task force.

According to officials, the FBI Southern Colorado Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force will bring together local and federal law enforcement to help identify victims and offenders, while holding them accountable.

"Establishing the Southern Colorado Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is a commitment to the families of Southern Colorado: We will not wait for problems to grow," FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Amanda Koldjeski said. "We will be proactive. We will work together. And we will do everything in our power to keep children safe."

EPSO says members of the task force will be co-located in an FBI space in Colorado Springs, which they say will allow them to share intelligence and coordinate investigations faster, while also receiving specialized training from the FBI. According to officials, across the three departments, 15 law enforcement officers will be dedicated to the task force.

"This task force brings together the experience, resources and shared commitment of CSPD, the FBI and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office to better protect children and vulnerable individuals throughout southern Colorado,” CSPD Chief Adrian Vasquez said in a press release. “By working side by side in one unified location, we can share information faster, strengthen investigations and more effectively hold accountable those who seek to exploit members of our community.”

According to officials, CSPD has served as the lead of the Colorado Internet Crimes Against Children since 1999. They are one of 61 groups across the country. Chief Vasquez says this experience will help them as they move forward into the new task force.

Officials reminded parents that these types of crimes can happen anywhere, and they should be aware of what online sites their kids are using.

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