A Global Mission - Jon Rouse

In this episode, Eric sits down with Jon Rouse a distinguished figure in child exploitation investigations, who recounts his 39-year career beginning with the Queensland Police in 1984. Influenced by his family's military background, Jon discusses his early law enforcement assignments, a critical encounter with violence, and his shift to the Child Abuse Unit.

Jon highlights his pioneering role in Task Force Argos, which revolutionized child exploitation investigations with a victim-centered approach and influential legislation. The episode also explores the psychological toll of this type of work, the evolution of online predatory behavior, and the importance of post-service support for officers.

Jon advocates for the correct terminology, stressing ‘Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)’ over ‘child pornography’. The discussion underscores the emotional dedication of the officers and the significant human cost of their essential work.

Coming July 2nd!

A Global Mission - Jon Rouse

Join Eric as he interviews John Rouse, a retired law enforcement officer renowned for his work in child exploitation investigations. In this riveting episode, John shares his journey from his early days in the Queensland Police to the formation and accomplishments of Task Force Argos in combating online child exploitation. The discussion covers the challenges faced, including outdated legislation, the evolution of internet crimes, and the critical importance of using victim-centric terminology. The episode also explores the psychological toll of undercover work, the need for international collaboration, and the significance of psychological support for law enforcement. Tune in to gain profound insights into the world of child exploitation investigations and the ongoing battle for better laws and societal awareness.

Healing and Hope - David's Journey Through Trauma and Recovery

In this compelling episode of 'Harmless the Podcast,' host Eric Oldenburg interviews David four years after his initial interview and delves into David's powerful story of overcoming trauma during his career with the Phoenix Police Department.

David candidly shares the emotional and psychological toll of his work, especially in investigating Internet Crimes Against Children, and outlines his ongoing journey towards healing. Emphasizing the importance of mental health support, professional therapy, and robust support systems, this episode offers valuable insights into maintaining mental well-being in high-stress professions.

A must-listen for first responders, mental health advocates, and anyone interested in the themes of resilience and recovery.

Casual Urgency - David Frattare : ICAC Leadership on Mental Wellness in Law Enforcement

In this episode, Eric Oldenburg interviews a law enforcement veteran and current ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Commander. David recounts his journey into law enforcement, which began with an internship at the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office. He describes his pivot to general crimes, and his eventual specialization in undercover work targeting child predators. David also discusses the challenges and mental toll of his work, leading to his eventual move to commanding Ohio's ICAC Task Force. Emphasizing the importance of mental health, David shares how he implemented a mental wellness policy for his unit and later collaborated with the Innocent Justice Foundation as a part-time SHIFT instructor. The conversation highlights the need for mental health awareness in law enforcement, particularly for those dealing with traumatic material on a daily basis.

A Helping Heart: Inside the Heart of ICAC Investigators with Jay Houston

In this compelling episode of 'Harmless', host Eric Oldenburg engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jay Houston, the director of training for the Child Rescue Coalition and a retired ICAC commander from Mississippi. They delve into the unspoken mental health challenges faced by ICAC investigators who tackle child exploitation cases. Jay shares poignant personal stories, including a near-suicide prevented at a training session, and stresses the importance of mental health support and a resilient, supportive environment within law enforcement.

With nearly 13 years of experience in ICAC and a transition to a full-time role fighting child exploitation, Jay provides an inside look into his work as an instructor, his efforts to improve forensic tools, and his vision for the future. This episode sheds light on the critical need for psychological resilience, peer support, and ongoing training in this demanding field.

Unseen Wounds: The Emotional Toll of Child Abuse Work

This episode of 'Harmless' features a deep dive into the emotional and psychological toll experienced by professionals who work in child abuse prevention and treatment. The host, Eric Oldenburg, interviews Dr. Kathy Coffman, a forensic pediatrician with over 30 years of experience in examining and supporting child abuse victims. Dr. Coffman shares insights into the challenges of determining the age of children in abusive imagery, the stress of potentially misjudging cases, and the importance of finding coping mechanisms to handle the anger and trauma encountered in this line of work. The conversation also highlights the necessity of a support system for those in the field, the human side of abusers, and the resilience of parents dealing with the aftermath of their child being abused. Dr. Coffman emphasizes the neurodevelopmental impacts of trauma on children and advises those entering this field to find beauty amidst the darkness to sustain their work long-term.

🎙 Now Available - ONLY - on Harmless the Podcast:

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.