| Franklin Tennessee SVU presented Child Defender Award |
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In a
ceremony held Sept. 30 at the Franklin Police Department, Richard Whidden, the
Executive Director and Senior Counsel of the National Law Center for Children
and Families presented the Criminal Investigation Division's Special Victims
Unit with the Child Defender Award.
Detective Sergeant Eric Anderson heads the Special Victim's Unit, comprised of four detectives. Detectives Becky Johnson and Tamara Smith specialize in investigating child sex and physical abuse cases as well as domestic violence related cases. Detectives Stephanie Cisco and Brett Kniss serve as the Department's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators, focusing on investigating and arresting child sex predators who use computers and the Internet to exploit children. All five recipients recently attended The NLC PROTECTS training in East Tennessee where they learned advanced investigative and evidence-gathering techniques for catching child predators. "This award was presented to the Franklin Police Department's Special Victims Unit for its continued work on behalf of the children and families in Franklin and Middle Tennessee," Whidden said. "We are grateful to these dedicated, knowledgeable law enforcement professionals who are fighting the battle against child exploitation every day."The Franklin Police Department was selected by the Knoxville Police Department in October 2005 to be one of Tennessee's first ICAC satellites. The Knoxville Police Department is responsible for all of Tennessee's ICAC Task Force satellite offices, of which there are now 15. Detective Johnson, a 22-year Franklin Police veteran, was the lead investigator in one of the Unit's most recent child sex abuse trials. Detective Johnson provided testimony and presented evidence that resulted in the September 5 conviction of Timothy J. Reynolds of Franklin, for Rape of a Child, Child Abuse, and Aggravated Sexual Battery. Reynolds' victim was under 13 years of age. Pursuant to Tennessee law, he was immediately taken into custody at the conclusion of the trial resulting in his conviction. Members of the Franklin Police Department as well as city officials including Mayor John Schroer, City Administrator Russ Truell, and District Attorney General Kim Helper attended the presentation ceremony. "We are honored to have been selected for this award," Sgt. Anderson said. "The fact is that all of the task force members are committed to protecting children - that's mission one. Receiving recognition for doing so helps remind the public of the work we still have to do in order to make sure all children are safe."About the NLC The National Law Center for Children and Families is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Alexandria, Va. It is a leading source for experienced assistance and training in the law enforcement and legal profession's efforts to defend children from sexual exploitation. Information on the National Law Center's programs can be found on its Web site located at www.nationallawcenter.org. UPDATE: The award presentation was highlighted in an article in The Tennessean newspaper. Click here to read this article.
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