Jim Cole

Jim Cole is a seasoned veteran in the realm of law enforcement and a staunch advocate for children's rights, with nearly 35 years of dedicated service. His career began in the United States Army, transitioning through roles of increasing responsibility, from a patrol officer to the Chief of Detectives, and culminating in his position as a Supervisory Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Jim's relentless pursuit of justice led him to specialize in combatting child sexual exploitation, making significant strides in victim identification and digital forensics. His innovative, victim-centric methodologies have reshaped investigative protocols, emphasizing the human aspect in a field often overshadowed by the digital footprint of crime. Jim founded and supervised HSI's Victim Identification Program and its state-of-the-art Laboratory, propelling forward the capabilities for identifying and rescuing victims of the most heinous crimes. Under his leadership, these entities have honed a victim-centric approach that prioritizes the rescue of children over solely bringing perpetrators to justice, blending humanity with the science of digital forensics. Jim's expertise are globally recognized. He has served as the Chair of the INTERPOL Specialists Group on Crimes Against Children and has contributed to groundbreaking initiatives as a co-founder of Project VIC. His work transcends borders, as he collaborates with international law enforcement agencies, NGOs, and tech providers to fortify the global response to child exploitation. Currently, Jim channels his extensive experience into his roles at Operation Light Shine and Onemi-Global Solutions, focusing on technological advancements, law enforcement collaboration, and victim support in the fight against child exploitation. His commitment to safeguarding children's futures is unwavering, as he continues to educate, innovate, and inspire in a battle that knows no borders.