The Village of Pewaukee Police Department recognizes that protecting our community’s children is one of the most important tasks we are entrusted with. Our department’s commitment to safeguarding the innocence of children is demonstrated with our active involvement with Wisconsin’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Our department prides itself in being an affiliate of this task force, which is nationally recognized and respected for being a leader in fighting crimes against children.
Spearheaded by Julie Buddenhagen, the Department joined the ICAC Task Force in 2010. Ofc. Buddenhagen has received extensive training related to cyber crimes against children…specifically cyberbullying, “sexting”, and the exploitation of children through the use of computers. Additionally, Deputy Chief Brian Foth joined Ofc. Buddenhagen on the task force in 2010. Deputy Chief Foth has received specialized training in social networking investigations…specifically targeting such social media websites like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter, and how such sites are sometimes used in the sexual exploitation of children. Officer Larisa Hildenbrand joined the task force in 2023, successfully completing extensive and rigorous training through the Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation. Ofc. Buddenhagen, Deputy Chief Foth and Ofc. Hildenbrand regularly receive specialized training in the field of computer crimes against children, as the methods of crime in the cyber-world are continually changing on a daily basis.
The Village of Pewaukee Police Department is committed to educating the community regarding the risks which the internet poses to children. Ofc. Buddenhagen, Deputy Chief Foth and Ofc. Hildenbrand are happy to speak with anyone having questions. These officers have given numerous presentations in the community in an attempt to share their knowledge and experience . Speaking in local schools, presenting to church groups or neighborhood watch organizations, or simply answering questions over the phone for concerned parents are things these officers do regularly.
PLEASE…do not hesitate to contact Ofc. Buddenhagen, Deputy Chief Foth or Ofc. Hildenbrand if you have any questions or concerns regarding an ICAC matter. We encourage you to join us in the fight to protect the children of our community by reporting any suspicious activity directly to us. By working together as a team, we can restore the innocence and safety our children so dearly deserve.