Cape Coral police propose partnership to fight child exploitation

Cape Coral City Council will decide on a partnership with Operation Light Shine to fund a civilian investigator for the police department’s special victims unit.

Mercedes MartinezCAPE CORAL, Fla. —

Cape Coral City Council is set to vote today on an agreement with Operation Light Shine, a nonprofit organization that works with law enforcement to combat child sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

If approved, the organization would provide up to $560,000 over five years to fund a civilian investigator assigned to the department’s special victims unit.

Police said the dedicated position would help investigate more cases, support victims, and allow detectives to focus on holding offenders accountable.

If city leaders approve the agreement, the funding would begin once the memorandum of understanding is signed. The program would be funded for up to five years.

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