New Southwest Florida Task Force Topic at Luncheon

An overflow crowd attended the November, “Lunch With the Chief” event at the Hideaway Beach Club. Chief Tracy Frazzano as well as Marco Police Foundation President Mike Hook welcomed the large crowd to the event.

The program gave an overview on the issue of the exploitation of children in our nation. It is a growing problem and is right here in Southwest Florida. One of the ways law enforcement is attempting to fight this problem involves programs such as the INTERCEPT Task Force (Inter-Agency Child Exploitation and Persons Trafficking Task Force) which gave a presentation to those in attendance. This Task Force involves local, state and federal assets as they focus on various aspects of the issue.

Southwest Florida was the fifth such Regional Task Force established as part of the nationwide program in September since the inception of the platform earlier this year. Agencies from Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry counties are now actively working with the Task Force.

They have recently been involved with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office in the apprehension of one such subject.

Those in attendance were surprised to learn about how technology is being employed to lure children into a trap that exploits them in very disturbing ways, including the insidious sex trade.

During the luncheon, Chief Frazzano was proud to introduce newly promoted Lieutenant Angel Casabona and newly promoted Sergeant Joe Belardo. Both individuals have 63 years of experience between them, bringing a wealth of experience to the department and to the community.