Det. Cody Flanigan

Detective Cody Flanigan has served with the Vernon Police Department for more than 10 years, spending the majority of his career investigating complex criminal cases ranging from narcotics to crimes against children. For the past five years, he has been assigned to crimes against children investigations, where he specializes in child exploitation cases, digital forensics, and child sexual abuse material (CSAM) investigations. He is also a member of the Center for Digital Investigations, where he collaborates on advanced digital evidence and forensic investigations. 

As the lead investigator on the featured case, Detective Flanigan coordinated a complex, multi-agency investigation involving law enforcement partners, prosecutors, the child victim, and the victim’s family. Through collaboration, persistence, and a victim-centered approach, the investigation resulted in the successful prosecution and imprisonment of a serial child predator. 

Drawing from firsthand experience, Detective Flanigan will share practical lessons on managing complex investigations, coordinating with multiple agencies, leveraging digital evidence, and working collaboratively with victims, families, and prosecutors to achieve successful outcomes in crimes against children cases.