The Emotional Toll: Behind the Investigation

Investigating crimes against children is arguably one of the most heart-wrenching areas of law enforcement. Officers who take on these cases are exposed to the darkest facets of human behavior. Yet, despite the critical nature of these investigations, they often do not receive the priority or resources they desperately need. Based on my extensive experience over 14 years working on hundreds of such cases globally, I have observed a troubling trend: many police departments do not prioritize these investigations, largely because they do not generate revenue like narcotics cases with potential for asset seizures.

Proactive investigators with a genuine passion for protecting children are crucial in these roles. They need robust support from their departments, both in terms of funding and manpower, to carry out their duties effectively. However, the reality is that many departments fall short in providing the necessary resources. This lack of support not only hampers the investigation but also fails to protect the mental health of the investigators involved.

During my career, I have witnessed firsthand the psychological toll these cases can take on those involved. The daily exposure to disturbing images, videos, and interviews can lead to severe emotional and psychological distress. Yet, despite these challenges, I found that support services such as counseling were rarely offered. In my 14 years of service, I sought out psychological support on my own only once, as it was not provided or encouraged by my department. This neglect can lead to a range of issues, including increased irr