Introducing the 2025 CACC Outstanding Service and Champion Award Winners!
Scott Kilpatrick
Outstanding Service Award Winner
Detective Scott Kilpatrick is a highly accomplished 21-year veteran of the Baltimore County Police Department, with 19 years serving as a detective. His career is defined by a deep commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, particularly children.
Currently assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit (CACU), Detective Kilpatrick specializes in investigating complex cases of sexual abuse and human trafficking. A cornerstone of his investigative practice is his expertise in trauma-informed interviewing. This victim-centered approach prioritizes the psychological and emotional well-being of child survivors, ensuring that the investigative process minimizes further trauma. His proficiency in this area continues as he trains other stakeholders all over the United States.
In addition to his compassionate approach, Detective Kilpatrick is a skilled technical investigator. He expertly leverages Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Social Media Intelligence (SOCMINT) to identify and locate suspects involved in heinous crimes against children.
Before his current role, Detective Kilpatrick’s career included impactful assignments in the Special Victims Unit and the Vice Narcotics Unit. In an early career highlight, he pioneered the use of social media to dismantle drug trafficking organizations. One of his most significant investigations, which uncovered a corrupt faction within the Baltimore Police Department, was later profiled in the book and television series “We Own This City.”
Through his specialized skill set, dedication to trauma-informed practices, and extensive experience, Detective Kilpatrick has established himself as an invaluable expert in the fight to protect children and a respected leader within the law enforcement community.
Ron Laney
Champion Award Winner
Ronald C. Laney began his public service in 1964 when he joined the United States Marine Corps, serving honorably until 1970. During his second tour in Vietnam, he was wounded in combat. After his military service, he returned to Florida, where he served as a probation officer in St. Petersburg beginning in 1974.
Mr. Laney went on to work as a Program Manager with the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration for five years, before joining the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) in 1981. As OJJDP’s Law Enforcement Program Manager from 1981 to 1993, he developed a series of national law enforcement training programs focused on crimes against children. These trainings—still offered today—have reached more than 50,000 prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, child protection workers, and medical professionals over the last 40 years.
In 1993, Mr. Laney was appointed Director of the Missing and Exploited Children’s Program, where he served until 2000. He was then promoted to Associate Administrator of OJJDP’s Child Protection Division. From 2000 to 2010, he provided national leadership and administered critical funding for prevention, intervention, treatment, and enforcement programs addressing crimes against children and children exposed to violence.
In 2010, Mr. Laney was named Senior Advisor to the Administrator on Law Enforcement and Victimization Issues, a role he held until his retirement in December 2011.
Throughout his career, Mr. Laney received numerous awards and commendations from local and state law enforcement agencies for his dedication to juvenile justice and child protection. He holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of Tampa.
Established in memory of DCAC Co-Founder Lt. Bill Walsh (Ret.) (1952–2025), these awards honor professionals who embody exceptional dedication to child abuse prevention, investigation, prosecution, and healing.
During his 26-year tenure with the Dallas Police Department, Lt. Walsh commanded the Crimes Against Children Unit. In 1989, he launched the annual Crimes Against Children Conference—now the largest event of its kind—and co-founded the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, one of the nation’s largest CAC programs.
After retiring from the force, Lt. Walsh served as a consultant for the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Training and Technical Assistance Program. Among his many accolades, he was named both Dallas Police Officer of the Year (1990) and Dallas Police Supervisor of the Year (1998)—the only officer in the department’s history to hold both distinctions. He also received the State of Texas Special Achievement Award for Public Service, the 1999 Crime Victims Service Award from the Office for Victims of Crime, and the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (2011).
By naming these awards in his honor, DCAC celebrates Lt. Walsh’s extraordinary legacy of service, innovation, and unwavering pursuit of justice for children—an inspiration to guide future generations.
Nominations that represent a diversity of disciplines, backgrounds, communities, and perspectives are encouraged.