Essex Police’s Online Investigation Team has protected 250 children from online offenders, showcasing their commitment to child safety.
They’re part of Essex Police and have been recognized as the best in the country for tackling online child abuse. In 2024 alone, they executed 210 warrants, leading to 146 arrests. That’s a lot of action to keep kids safe!
The team is always looking for new ways to stay ahead of the bad guys. They even work with international partners to share important info. With a 75% success rate, they’re really making a difference in stopping online abuse.
One case that stood out was about a guy named Darren Hornsby. The investigation started back in 2019 after they got tips about his online activities. They found evidence linking him to indecent images of kids, and he was eventually convicted. He’s now serving 15 years in prison.
POLIT jumps into action whenever they get a lead on someone sharing indecent images. They also took down a couple who used a chat site to exploit children. Both were sentenced to 15 years in jail.
Detective Inspector Emma Portfleet emphasized their commitment to child safety. She mentioned how the online world keeps changing, but they’re always ready to adapt and investigate suspicious activities.
Last year, they secured 424 charges against 243 people, which is a huge achievement. But they’re not resting on their laurels. They’re currently handling 278 live investigations and are dedicated to protecting vulnerable kids, even if it means dealing with some tough evidence. The team is supported to ensure they can keep up the good work.
