Inside The Minds Of CSAM Investigators With Prof. Patrick Brady
Forensic Focus - A podcast by Forensic Focus: Digital Forensics, Incident Response, DFIR
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Professor Patrick Brady, a criminal justice and criminology professor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to share his research on the mental health challenges faced by digital forensic investigators, particularly those handling child sexual abuse material (CSAM) cases. Drawing from personal experiences and years of study, Professor Brady delves into secondary traumatic stress, burnout, and compassion satisfaction, highlighting the profound impact this work has on investigators and their families. The discussion explores the importance of proper onboarding, specialised training, and leadership approaches that prioritise well-being. Professor Brady also examines the role of social support, stress management strategies, and organisational resources in helping investigators maintain a healthy work-life balance and manage the emotional toll of their work. With practical insights and a focus on fostering resilience, this episode provides a compelling look at how the industry can better support those on the front lines of digital forensics. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:45 Inspiration Behind the Research 01:11 Personal Experiences and Career Path 02:51 Exploring Vicarious Trauma and Burnout 04:58 Impact on Personal Life and Relationships 05:48 Research Findings and Implications 08:54 Challenges and Coping Mechanisms 09:36 Role of Supervisors and Administrators 10:10 Family Support and Social Dynamics 18:30 Technological Advancements and Training 20:19 Mental Health and Wellness Initiatives 30:42 Personal Reflections and Future Directions 37:36 Challenges in Researching Domestic Violence Among Police 40:03 Mindfulness and Mental Health in Policing 41:07 Importance of Specialized Training and Support 43:18 Stigma and Mental Health in Law Enforcement 46:45 Role of Psychologists and Continuity of Care 59:28 Support Systems and Family Involvement 01:02:47 Need for More Research and Funding 01:06:24 Final Thoughts and Future Directions If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, these organisations may be of help: Samaritans – https://www.samaritans.org Mind – https://www.mind.org.uk Oscar Kilo – https://www.oscarkilo.org.uk/ Occupational health unit (OHU) – all police forces have access to an OHU providing a range of support services Employee Assistance Scheme (EAS) – check with your employer to see what specific resources are available to you GP – your GP can provide access to various local resources and make referrals to psychological support services Show Notes Crimes Against Caring: Exploring the Risk of Secondary Traumatic Stress, Burnout, and Compassion Satisfaction Among Child Exploitation Investigators - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11896-016-9223-8 The dark figure of stalking: Examining law enforcement response - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0886260515596979 Burnout Among Forensic Interviewers, How They Cope, and What Agencies Can Do to Help - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1077559519843596 What We Can Learn About Vicarious Trauma From Child Maltreatment Investigators, Patrick Q. Brady, Ph.D. - https://www.forensicfocus.com/stable/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Vicarious-trauma.pdf Identifying & Corroborating Stalking, Patrick Q. Brady, Ph.D. - https://www.forensicfocus.com/stable/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Identifying-corroborating-stalking.pdf