Nearly 200 children safeguarded by Police Online Investigation Team this year

POLIT investigate offences relating to indecent images of children and paedophile material held on a computer. The team, based within Essex Police’s Crime and Public Protection Command have achieved some successful court results this year and safeguarded nearly 200 children. 

Just last week, a 30-year-old man was sentenced to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to 14 sexual offences against children, following an investigation by POLIT.

Detective Superintendent Natalia Ross said “Our Police Online Investigation Team are specialised in investigating offences relating to indecent images of children and paedophile material held on a computer. 

“Our work, like the work across Essex Police isn’t just about catching criminals, it’s about safeguarding vulnerable victims and ensure they are protected. 

“When it comes to catching criminals, a lot of our work is covert, but we act quickly when we suspect an individual is putting children at risk.

“So far this year, POLIT have facilitated 164 warrants at addresses across the county and outside of Essex. These warrants allow us to seize any digital equipment for crucial evidence. 

“Often with POLIT investigations, perpetrators target more than one victim so every arrest or warrant often results in multiple children being safeguarded. 

“Young people typically spend a lot of time online and we want to make online environments as safe as possible and will continue this hard work.” 

To read more about the recent POLIT investigation, visit our website: Colchester: Man sentenced to 14 years in prison for child sex offences | Essex Police