Tony Godwin

Detective Tony Godwin is a distinguished law enforcement professional with an impressive three-decade career dedicated to safeguarding children. He has recently garnered significant attention as the lead investigator on the 2026 A&E series, *Predator Hunters*.

Early in his career, Godwin served for five years in the military as a military police officer and criminal investigator. In 1994, he transitioned to civilian law enforcement by joining the Garland Police Department in Texas. His true vocation emerged in 2005 when he joined the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) and specialized in Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC). Over the past 20 years, he has been an integral part of the North Texas ICAC Task Force, leading over 3,500 investigations and contributing to countless others.

Godwin is acclaimed as a national authority in digital forensics and undercover operations. He holds certification as a forensic examiner for computers and mobile devices, enabling him to extract vital evidence from the depths of the internet. His undercover tactics, particularly his use of "catfishing" to ensnare predators, have become well-known. Additionally, he collaborates closely with federal agencies, including the FBI and Homeland Security, to tackle international exploitation issues.

The docuseries *Predator Hunters* showcases his team's real-time efforts to apprehend online predators, utilizing unedited bodycam footage and actual chat logs for authenticity. Beyond his investigative work, Godwin advocates for child protection through education, co-hosting the podcast *Catfish Cops* and engaging in legislative efforts to strengthen child protection laws.

In recognition of his remarkable contributions, Detective Godwin was inducted into the National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame in 2023, receiving the prestigious Career Achievement Award as the first Garland Police officer to achieve this honor.