Behind the Thin Blue Line
Behind the Thin Blue Line is a raw, unfiltered podcast diving into the real lives of law enforcement, military, and public safety professionals. Through honest conversations and real-world stories, we go beyond the uniform to expose the grit, sacrifice, dark humor, and hard truths that come with the job, on and off duty.
Online child exploitation is evolving faster than ever, and the threats facing kids today look very different than they did just a few years ago. In this episode, I sit down with Alan Schlitz, a Computer Crimes Agent with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, to pull back the curtain on how investigators are combating these crimes every day.
Alan shares practical insights into how offenders use social media, gaming platforms, encrypted apps, and even AI to target children. We also discuss emerging extremist online groups, the warning signs parents, educators, and law enforcement should recognize, and the importance of collaboration when protecting vulnerable victims. If you have children, work in public safety, or simply want to better understand today's digital threats, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
Episode Highlights
[1:07] – Introducing Alan Schlitz and the mission behind the ICAC Task Force.
[2:21] – What the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force does and how agencies work together.
[3:35] – How cyber tips are investigated and where computer forensics fits into the process.
[4:23] – The growing role of artificial intelligence in online exploitation investigations.
[6:45] – Why child exploitation investigations matter and how technology has changed the landscape.
[10:01] – Breaking down the online group known as ”764” and the rise of digitally connected extremist communities.
[15:19] – How predators create convincing fake online identities to manipulate children.
[20:01] – Grooming tactics, gaming platforms, chat rooms, and why young people often feel safe sharing online.
[25:23] – The connection between nihilistic violent extremist groups, online manipulation, and child exploitation.
[30:30] – Using technology and investigative tools to identify offenders and protect victims.
[35:19] – Warning signs of self-harm and behavioral changes that parents and professionals should recognize.
[40:18] – Victim response, advocacy, and the partnerships needed to support children after disclosure.
[50:11] – Cloud storage, digital evidence, and challenges investigators face.
[55:04] – Practical advice for parents, schools, and community members when a child discloses online exploitation.
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Contact us: mbridgeman@behindthethinblueline.org
Listener Advisory
This episode includes discussions of real-world violence, criminal activity, and emotionally intense subject matter. Listener discretion is advised.
