What Is ICAC And How Does It Work?

Episode four of Full Access features an interview with retired Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) commanders John Pizzuro (New Jersey) and Alan Flora (North Carolina).  

What is ICAC? 

For those unfamiliar, according to icactaskforce.org, the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC Task Force) Task Force Program “is a national network of 61 coordinated task forces, representing more than 5,400 federal, state, and local law enforcement dedicated to investigating, prosecuting and developing effective responses to internet crimes against children.”  

How Does ICAC Work? 

The ICAC Program (which originally started with only 10 agencies) was developed in response to the increasing number of children using the internet and heightened online activity by predators seeking unsupervised contact with potential underage victims. The program helps state and local agencies develop effective, sustainable responses to online child victimization and child sexual exploitation. They help with forensic and investigative components, training and technical assistance, victim services, and community education. 

Former North Carolina ICAC Commander, Alan Flora was active in law enforcement from 1998 to 2021, and former New Jersey ICAC Commander, John Pizzuro was 19 years into his career before transferring to the ICAC Task Force. Over the course of the episode, Pizzuro and Flora draw on their decades of experience to answer questions for listeners such as: 

• How does an ICAC Task Force work? 
• What is CSAM? 
• What is a cyber tip? 

• How do you deal with 12,000+ cyber tips a year? 
• The progression of electronic devices and their role in CSAM cases  

Additionally, the duo also takes time to cover some of the challenges you face while working in an ICAC Task Force, the role of digital investigators assigned to ICAC teams, and mental wellness – something vital to the role of ICAC Task Force team member. 

It is important to note here that on this episode of Full Access, topics related to child sexual abuse material, also known as CSAM and child pornography (a term frowned upon by law enforcement) are discussed. These topics are addressed as they pertain to law enforcement and other organizations combatting this horrific crime. There is a discussion of graphic content during this episode of Full Access. We hope you choose to listen and learn with us but understand if you choose not to do so. 

Listen Now: Full Access to Retired ICAC Commanders: John Pizzuro & Alan Flora 

How Do I Report a Tip? 

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) has specific programs that can intake tips directly from individuals. Tips can be made by calling 1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678) or through the CyberTipline. 

ICAC Training and Conference Resources for Law Enforcement 

Internet Crimes Against Children offers numerous training options for law enforcement agencies. If you’re interested in attending a conference, please check the ICAC Conferences page to see what’s coming. 

For webinars, online learning opportunities, and additional resources you can reference the ICAC Training page and ICAC Resources page. 

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