Empowering Advocates for Justice Today
Strengthening voices that support victims and investigations.
Our Advocates
Tony Levatino
Deputy Chief Detective, Santa Ana Police Department, (CA) Ret.
CEO & Founder of IATA
A note from Tony Levatino
During my 30-year career with the Santa Ana Police Department, I was fortunate to have served in every bureau and division, consistently working to improve operational effectiveness and public safety.
Among my many assignments, I held leadership roles as Narcotics Division Commander, District Investigations Commander, and Crimes Against Persons Division Commander, culminating in my appointment as Deputy Chief Detective for the Investigations Bureau, overseeing major investigations and best practices.
I spent 20 years in tactical operations, serving as SWAT commander and lead firearms instructor, responsible for weapons training and deployment. I also taught at the police academy, coordinated use-of-force training, and chaired the Shooting Review Board. I firmly believe firearms and related equipment are “technologies.”
I am a strong advocate for law enforcement technology and was responsible for implementing and coordinating numerous projects. This included the first portable digital citation system in California, MDT, CAD, and RMS; the FAAC driving simulator center; the Range 2000 live-fire shooting simulator; the DUI mobile training trailer; and the $1.5 million Virtual Crisis Response Simulator at the CJTC Academy at Golden West College.
After retiring, I spent six years as the Law Enforcement Regional Manager for SIG Sauer, supporting law enforcement agencies with training and equipment. I later served as Senior Law Enforcement Manager at the world’s largest DNA biotech company, educating thousands of law enforcement personnel and helping agencies develop and implement Rapid DNA programs.
To address the gap between technology education and adoption, I founded the International Association of Technology Advocates (IATA), believing that technology is essential to modern policing and that we have an obligation to investigate and secure funding for adoption.
All of our IATA advocates are experts in their fields, and we are committed to all agencies adopting technologies that will prevent, deter, and solve crime, while increasing the safety and wellness of our law enforcement personnel.
Click here to download my CV and training record:
Ben Bailey
Chief Deputy, Union County, NC (Ret.)
FBINA Session 186
Ben connects IATA with the technology companies that power our events, identifying and recruiting the right industry partners to ensure our programming reflects the tools and solutions relevant to law enforcement agencies.
Ed O’Carroll
Major, Fairfax County Police Department, (VA) Ret.
Refuse to be a Victim, National Trainer
FBINA #269
Ed spearheaded major technological advancements at Fairfax County Police Department, transforming the agency’s investigative capabilities. He led the department to become the first in the state to implement Rapid DNA technology, enabling crime scene DNA to be processed with actionable results in just 90 minutes. Ed also pioneered the integration of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) into routine casework and the adoption of specialized digital investigative tools to solve complex cases.
As an advocate for innovation, Ed is a nationally recognized presenter on DNA, genetic genealogy, and advanced technologies. He is deeply committed to using these tools to solve crimes, pursue suspects, and support victims—ensuring that new solutions are implemented to deliver justice and closure.
Lauren Schellberg
Founder & CEO, TechHalo.com
IATA Technology Education Partnership
Lauren is the founder of TechHalo.com, a leading platform launched in 2025 to connect law enforcement with the latest public safety technology and education. She holds a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and an MBA from Seattle University.
With over five years at Gordon Thomas Honeywell (GTH) DNA as a Government Solutions Consultant, Lauren has helped agencies secure government funding for technology initiatives. Her expertise spans public safety, technology, and strategic partnerships to drive agency modernization.
As an advocate, she is dedicated to empowering law enforcement with knowledge of modern tools and technologies to better serve crime victims and survivors.
Fred Harran
Sheriff, Buck County, PA (Ret.)
Police Chief, Bensalem Township PD, PA (Ret.)
Northwestern SPSC Graduate
Fred has over 39 years of law enforcement leadership experience, serving as the Director of Public Safety for Bensalem Township and the Sheriff of Bucks County, PA. He has contributed to national law enforcement policy on forensic science and DNA technology through roles with the IACP, National Sheriff’s Association, and FBI OSAC Rapid DNA Task Group. Recognized with the IACP August Vollmer Excellence in Forensic Science Award, he established the nation’s first countywide local DNA database and has secured over $21 million in law enforcement technology grants.
As an advocate, he brings his extensive knowledge of organizational leadership and technology adoption to help agencies overcome barriers.
Jessica Koong
Sr. Business Development Manager, Biotech
Board Member, Intl. Association of Homicide Investigators
Jessica is employed by a major biotech’s Human ID and Forensics Division, and serves as the coordinator for the most successful DNA database used by law enforcement to identify suspects and missing persons. Academically trained in Biology and Psychology, she brings over 15 years of experience in leading life science organizations. In her current role, Jessica bridges innovative forensic DNA technologies with law enforcement, focusing on investigative genetic genealogy.
As an advocate, she is committed to educating law enforcement by advancing awareness of how DNA technologies solve cases worldwide.
A Shared Mission. A Stronger Future.
Every advocate at IATA stands behind a unified belief: safer communities are built through collaboration, innovation, and commitment. Together, they continue to push boundaries, strengthen partnerships, and advance solutions that support victims, survivors, and the professionals working tirelessly on the front lines of public safety.