The police job that is beyond the stuff of nightmares

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David Murray, Scotland’s first victim identification officer, faces the daunting task of identifying abuse victims. His daily work involves hours of scrutinizing disturbing images and videos, pushing him to his limits. Despite the toll it takes on him, Murray believes in the significance of his job and wishes he had started earlier in his policing career to make a greater impact. The dedicated father of two young boys finds solace in the fact that he and his colleagues are able to identify young victims and shield them from further abuse.

Recently, Police Scotland allowed BBC Scotland News a glimpse into the grim reality of child sexual abuse material being viewed by officers like Murray. The Covid pandemic has exacerbated matters, with paedophiles making direct contact with children online in a matter of mere seconds. The urgency to tackle this issue has never been more palpable, highlighting the vital role victim identification officers play in safeguarding vulnerable children.

Murray’s team, comprising four officers, each face an ever-increasing workload as they carry out 700 inquiries annually and execute multiple search warrants weekly. The task of examining images and footage found on devices confiscated from suspects is daunting, as they search for clues to identify and rescue abused children. Shockingly, the perpetrators are often known to the victims, blurring the line between normal family life and abuse within households.

The distressing content viewed by these officers underscores the need for stringent rules and wellbeing protocols to protect their mental health. Even as they grapple with the darkest depths of human depravity, they find solace in the satisfaction of safeguarding children from harm. For Murray and his colleagues, the emotional toll is a small price to pay for the crucial role they play in ensuring the safety and protection of vulnerable children in their community

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More

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