New Westminster – The New Westminster Police Department is announcing the implementation of a new dedicated Child Sexual Exploitation investigator position. This position was created with three years of confirmed federal funding distributed by the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, under the Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized (CPCSOC). It has a mandate to liaise with community safety partners and investigate reports to police that involve child sexual abuse material.
The New Westminster Police Department investigates approximately 30 child sexual abuse material offences annually. At present, there is a growing demand for investigators with specialized experience and training to investigate Child Sexual Exploitation offences. The Child Sexual Exploitation Position will work with the Major Crime Unit on these complex investigations. These kinds of investigations are time consuming and investigators must keep pace with the rate of technological change.
“Every image or video depicting child exploitation represents a moment of unimaginable suffering for an innocent child,” said Chief Constable Paul Hyland. “These crimes have lasting and devastating consequences. With the support of federal funding administered through the province, our department is strengthening our commitment to fully investigating these offenses, supporting victims, and holding offenders accountable.”
The New Westminster Police Department encourages residents to visit protectchildren.ca to support the work of the Child Sexual Exploitation position. The website, run by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, provides age-appropriate resources, research, and support for families.
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CONTACT PERSON: Hailey Finnigan, Communications Officer
EMAIL: communications@nwpolice.org