EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. – In a coordinated effort to safeguard children and vulnerable individuals, the FBI Denver office, the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) announced the creation of the Southern Colorado Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
The new task force brings together 15 dedicated officers from the three agencies, co‑located in an FBI‑provided space in Colorado Springs. This shared location is intended to speed the exchange of intelligence, streamline investigations and provide specialized FBI training to all members.
Commitment to Families
FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Amanda Koldjeski emphasized the task force’s focus on families, stating, “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. We will be proactive, work together, and do everything in our power to keep children safe.”
CSPD Chief Adrian Vasquez added that the unified location will allow the agencies to “share information faster, strengthen investigations and more effectively hold accountable those who seek to exploit members of our community.”
Local Experience Enhances the Effort
Colorado Springs Police have led the state’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) program since 1999, making them one of only 61 such units nationwide. Chief Vasquez noted that this long‑standing experience will be a vital asset as the task force moves forward.
Officials also reminded parents that online exploitation can occur anywhere. They urged families to stay informed about the websites and apps their children use and to report any suspicious activity promptly.
What This Means for Residents
The task force’s formation signals a proactive stance against the growing threat of child exploitation and human trafficking in southern Colorado. By combining federal resources with local expertise, the partnership aims to identify victims more quickly, bring offenders to justice and deter future crimes.
Community members are encouraged to stay vigilant, educate their children about online safety, and support law‑enforcement efforts by reporting concerns to the EPSO or CSPD.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
