University of Portsmouth professor leads research into mental health impacts on officers investigating cases of paedophilia

Professor Peter Lee from the University of Portsmouth has been leading a study into the psychological impacts on police officers who regularly have to view child abuse images as part of paedophile investigations. Dr Lee also feels carrying out such duties can lead to other mental health problems including anxiety and depression.

Dr Lee said: ‘There is no doubt in my mind that this is definitely affecting people – deeply affecting people. It is having a life-changing impact and we need to support these people.’

Researchers have spent time talking to officers anonymously to ascertain the impact their work is having on their mental well being.

Talking about some of the images he had been exposed to, one respondent commented: ‘It was done with such malice and hate – it was like people were just laughing. I had to go home and I couldn’t work the next day.

‘I just remember waking up the next day and I actually cried – that one was just way too much.’

Another respondent spoke about having to go to her doctors to get medication to help with her mental health.

It’s a familiar story for Det Sgt Tim Plummer, who is retiring from Hampshire police after seven years as an investigator and who has been exposed to many disturbing images during child abuse cases.

Det Sgt Plummer said: ‘I didn’t expect the level of abuse and depravity that I witnessed when I joined the team. The emotional consequences can be tough. It can taint your view on morality. In the times I have felt low because of the work, you struggle to concentrate and withdraw into yourself which can have an impact on your family at home.

‘In those low times you realise I am not the happy-go-lucky chap that I used to be.’

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The research, which has been carried out in conjunction with Solent University has revealed investigating officers are ‘vulnerable to depression, anxiety and PTSD’.

The study has been very personal to Dr Lee who first experienced the impact of PTSD when working as a chaplain during the Iraq War.

Dr Lee said: ‘My interest in this research comes from a deeply personal experience. Thirteen years after the Iraq War I also worked as a researcher with the RAF Reaper Drone Operations watching killings which triggered my earlier trauma.

‘So this isn’t just an academic study to me but it motivates me to help other people doing crucial work in really difficult circumstances.’

While Hampshire Constabulary provides support to investigating officers, Prof Lee hopes the research can help to improve this service.

Despite the difficulties of his role, Det Sgt Plummer added ‘that there is nothing more worthwhile in the police service than to rescue children from abuse’.

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