Social justice
Washington PostThe Post investigated cops accused of sexually abusing kids. Here's what we learned.
Our investigation found that at least 1,800 officers were charged with these crimes from 2005 through 2022, showing a disturbing trend of abuse within law enforcement.
Abusive law enforcement officers can gain the trust of parents, create opportunities to get kids alone, and threaten repercussions for broken silence, complicating the path to justice.
Departments are enabling predators by botching background checks, hiring individuals with previous accusations of child abuse or serious crimes, which exposes children to further exploitation.
Over the years, law enforcement accountability has remained a significant challenge, with many officers evading scrutiny and consequences for their actions, leading to ongoing vulnerabilities for children.