Tony Godwin

Detective Tony Godwin is a highly decorated law enforcement veteran with over 30 years of experience, primarily focused on the protection of children. He is currently gaining widespread recognition as the lead investigator in the 2026 A&E series Predator Hunters.

Professional Background

Godwin’s career began in the military, where he served as a military police officer and criminal investigator for five years. In 1994, he transitioned to civilian law enforcement, eventually joining the Garland Police Department in North Texas.

He found his calling in the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) in 2005, moving into the specialized field of Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC). He has served on the North Texas ICAC Task Force for nearly 20 years, conducting more than 3,500 primary investigations and assisting on thousands more.

Expertise and Methods

Godwin is recognized as a national expert in digital forensics and undercover operations. * Technical Skills: He is a certified forensic examiner for both computers and mobile devices, allowing him to extract critical evidence from the "dark corners" of the web. * Undercover Work: He is known for "catfishing" tactics—posing as minors online to lure predators into undercover stings. * Federal Partnerships: He frequently collaborates with the FBI, Homeland Security, and the U.S. Secret Service on international exploitation cases.

Television and Advocacy

In March 2026, A&E premiered Predator Hunters, a docuseries that follows Godwin and his team in real-time as they track and apprehend online predators. The show uses raw bodycam footage and actual chat logs to provide an unfiltered look at the complexities of ICAC work.

Outside of active duty, he is deeply involved in education and advocacy: * Podcasting: He co-hosts the podcast Catfish Cops, which aims to educate parents, schools, and civic groups on digital safety. * Legislative Work: He has been active in the Texas Legislature, advocating for stronger laws to protect child victims.

Accolades

In 2023, Detective Godwin was inducted into the National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame, receiving the Career Achievement Award. He was the first officer from the Garland Police Department to receive this honor.