Harmless the Podcast

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Hidden Battles: Navigating the Depths of Child Exploitation Investigations

Long time friends, Eric Oldenburg and retired Detective Phillis Walker discuss the intense and often unseen struggles faced by law enforcement officers working in the alleyways of digital child exploitation and abuse investigations.

A detective who shifted from physical crime scenes to the virtual realm to escape the direct emotional impact, only to discover new challenges in the digital domain, to Phyllis, a computer forensics expert who found herself isolated amidst troubling investigations.

This conversation explores the profound psychological toll these roles exact on those involved. It delves into the essential yet distressing work of probing into the darkest facets of human behavior online, emphasizing the urgent need for specialized training, support, and coping mechanisms for investigators to manage the severe mental health repercussions of their duties.

Highlighting personal experiences, this conversation paints a vivid picture of the strenuous journey and the resilience of those combating child exploitation in the digital age.

Presented in Partnership with The Innocent Justice Foundation

In this episode of 'Harmless,' host Eric Oldenburg interviews Kevin Laws, a retired Homeland Security Investigations special agent and author of 'Hunter of the Damned: A Walk Through Hell.'

Kevin shares his harrowing experiences working undercover in child exploitation investigations and the emotional toll it took on him, including wrestling with suicide following the death of his wife. The episode sheds light on the psychological impact of such work, Kevin's journey through loss and healing, and the vital need for support among law enforcement officials. Additionally, Kevin offers advice to those currently in the field and emphasizes the importance of seeking help and maintaining connections outside of work to manage the emotional challenges of the job.

You can purchase Kevin's book on his website, www.knsteaching.com.

If you or someone you know is stuggling with sucidal thoughts, please dial or text 988. Thr new national resource for suicide prevention.

In an emotionally profound and extensive discussion, Eric Oldenburg explores the career and experiences of Josh Findley, a retired HSI Special Agent and pioneering figure in Victim Identification efforts within the ICAC community.

From his small-town roots in rural Oregon, to his impactful career in the military police and subsequent roles in various federal agencies, Josh shares a detailed account of his journey.

The conversation delves into the ethical, emotional, and professional challenges faced when dealing with child sexual abuse material (CSAM) cases, emphasizing empathy, healing, and the necessity for law enforcement to engage deeply and humanely with both victims and offenders. It also touches on personal anecdotes and the need for mental health awareness and support among law enforcement officers.

This comprehensive dialogue sheds light on the evolution of victim identification, the significance of inter-agency cooperation, and the personal toll such work takes on those who commit their lives to this complex and critical field.

In this episode, your host, Eric Oldenburg, has a very frank and thought provoking conversation with Debbie Garner, a retired ICAC Commander from the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. She served for 8 years, from 2013 until her retirement in 2021. Debbie discusses the importance of mental wellness in law enforcement. 

Debbie, shares her experience in successfully implementing a budget-friendly mental wellness program within her unit, prioritizing the well-being of her team despite the overwhelming caseload.

She emphasizes the significance of creating a supportive culture and recounts harrowing personal stories that highlight the positive impact of her initiatives.

This episode highlights a touching story where Debbie's mental heath support system allowed an investigator to save his own life.

In Part 2 of this compelling and candid interview with a sitting Arizona State Superior Court Judge Brad Astrowsky, host Eric Oldenburg and Judge Astrowsky passionately discuss the traumatic impact of dealing with cases related to the sexual exploitation of minors in the legal domain, specifically on investigators, prosecutors, judges, defense attorneys, and even jury members.

They note the lasting harm such cases can inflict upon these professionals' mental health without appropriate support. They also empathize with the victims of these heinous crimes and stress an initiative for society to confront this issue more openly. They further discuss how technology and the internet have amplified the occurrence and awareness about child exploitation, debating on its implications, how it affects everyone involved, and the need for more substantial mental health resources.

In this insightful interview, the host talks with his longtime friend Brad Astrowsky - a former prosecutor turned judge. Brad shares his journey from law school to specializing in sex crimes prosecution, notably the sexual exploitation of minors. He discusses various memorable cases, highlighting the complexities, challenges, and ethical considerations involved in these sensitive matters. Brad also touches on the huge psychological impact that viewing exploitative images can have on investigators and prosecutors. The conversation candidly explores the realities of the legal process, offering a unique and impactful perspective on the topic.

Eric Oldenburg and Jim Cole discuss Jim's experience working in Child Exploitation Investigations.. They discuss the mental and emotional toll the work takes on investigators, highlighting the vivid and harsh images and experiences they face. The conversation further delves into the ways investigators cope with the trauma, discussing the implementation of the ARMOR program, a specialized peer support program, and how it has supported investigators. Jim touches on personal experiences with survivors, colleagues, case stories, and the importance of seeking professional mental health support.

Harmless the Podcast: Understanding Important Terminologies

In this episode, Eric Oldenburg explains important terminologies and definitions that listeners may come across throughout the podcast. He elaborates on the function and structure of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), the difference between investigations and computer forensic examinations pertaining to internet crimes against children, and the role of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). He also discusses the SHIFT Wellness program that provides support for ICAC investigators, and the technology of 'hashing', used in digital forensic investigation.

Listeners are encouraged to reach out with any queries for further clarification

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