Summary
- Officers charged with child sex crimes have worked at all levels of law enforcement.
- Children are often targeted by officers who spend months befriending and grooming them.
- Many officers met their victims through their work, even if the abuse occurred while they were off duty.
- Crime charges involving child sexual abuse vary, with the majority being direct abuse of children such as rape and forcible fondling.
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- Child sex crimes are difficult cases to investigate due to fear, embarrassment, and power dynamics
- Dozens of officers have been charged with trying to thwart investigations or intimidate victims
- Nearly 40% of convicted officers avoid prison sentences
- Prosecutors, judges, and the lack of clear enforcement contribute to the lenient outcomes for convicted officers
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- Some officers resign before internal investigations into inappropriate behavior with children are complete, then apply at other departments
- Problem officers fired for misconduct can appeal through police union protections, get their jobs back, and then be convicted of abusing kids
- Law enforcement agencies lack specific training and protocols to prevent child sexual misconduct by officers
- Officers can interact with children they have met on the job via texting, calling, and social media without violating any rules
