HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The United States Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Pacific Field Office has been honored with the prestigious 2023 Army Community Partnership Award.
This is in collaboration with the Department of the Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Division - Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Honolulu Police Department and the Susannah Wesley Community Center.
"As a representative of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, I am privileged to present the Community Partnership Award to the dedicated stakeholders of Operation Keiki Shield," stated Ruben R. Santiago, Special Agent in Charge of the Army CID Pacific Field Office. This task force showcases the strength of collaboration in our shared mission to protect the most vulnerable members of our community."
This accolade from the Department of the Army recognizes the collective efforts of military, local law enforcement and community agencies united under Operation Keiki Shield to combat internet and child sex trafficking crimes involving active-duty military personnel in Hawaiʻi.
"The commitment and efforts of Operation Keiki Shield in setting up operations to apprehend those who seek to harm our children are both commendable and essential," added Santiago, "The Community Partnership Award symbolizes our continued dedication to preventing these heinous crimes and ensuring the safety of children in Hawaiʻi," added Stantiago. "Together, we are united in our resolve to create a safer environment for our keiki, demonstrating that through partnership and vigilance, we can and will make a difference."
The Army Community Partnership Award honors Army installations and their community partners for initiatives that enhance soldier and family quality of life, support Army priorities and strengthen local community relationships.
“Army CID has been a crucial partner in collaborating with the Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit for six military-led Operation Keiki Shields over the past five years,” noted ICAC Supervisory Special Agent Edward Arias. “Their involvement has led to the arrest and/or prosecution of over 45 active-duty military personnel, and they remain an invaluable partner in combating internet crimes against children within the military in Hawaiʻi.”
In April, six military installations and their communities from across the United States were recognized at the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes ceremony.
“Operations like Keiki Shield are vital in preventing individuals from using the internet to harm our children. The HPD is committed to protecting our keiki, and we will continue to work with the task force and partner agencies to locate and arrest those who prey on vulnerable minors,” stated HPD Chief Joe Logan.
The other five awardees are:
- U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaiʻi and the Hawaiian Electric Company for the Department of Defense HECO Executive Committee, which forged a partnership for energy solutions, resilience and renewable energy, including the creation of 50 biodiesel microgrids at Schofield Barracks, which avoided $645 million in costs and enhanced Indo-Pacific resilience.
- Joint Force Headquarters, Tennessee National Guard and Lipscomb University for the Leadership and Public Service Graduate Program, which offers a specialized cohort for service members pursuing a Master of Arts in leadership and public service, with 13 Tennessee National Guard members set to graduate in December 2023.
- USAG Cavazos and Workforce Solutions of Central Texas for the WSTC Transition Assistance Program, which connects transitioning Soldiers and active-duty spouses with high-skill, high-wage jobs.
- USAG Rock Island Arsenal and the State of Illinois for the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, which benefits Army and community emergency response capabilities, with the RIA fire department responding to numerous incidents over the past year.
- The Georgia National Guard and the University System of Georgia for expanding the National Guard's presence across state universities, offering recruiting offices on campuses to foster military career access for students.
“We recognize our federal, state and county law enforcement partners, as well as our community partners who work with ICAC. Their unified efforts are essential for capturing and prosecuting predators who exploit and traffic Hawaiʻi’s youth,” said Attorney General Anne Lopez.
The ICAC Task Force is a member of a collaborative nationwide network of ICAC Task Forces, supported by the U.S. Department of Justice. This network is dedicated to protecting children by investigating and prosecuting individuals who exploit children online.
If you have any information regarding missing children or child exploitation, please contact your local police department or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).