Podcast Summary: "Intentionally Disturbing" - Episode Featuring Michael Arterburn on the Frontline of Child Protection

Overview In this compelling episode of Intentionally Disturbing, hosted by Megan, Michael Arterburn—a seasoned police officer specializing in crimes against children—shares his harrowing experiences and insights from the frontline of child protection. Drawing from his extensive 23-year career, Michael delves deep into the dark realities of child exploitation, the psychological toll on first responders, and practical advice for parents to safeguard their children in an increasingly digital world.

1. Michael Arterburn’s Career and Experiences

Michael begins by recounting his extensive tenure as a police officer focused on crimes against children, particularly internet-related offenses. He highlights the relentless nature of the job, stating, "They say that the average person maybe sees three critical incidents in their life. And if you're a first responder, you see like around 700." (04:05) This staggering statistic underscores the constant exposure to traumatic content that officers like Michael endure daily.

2. The Psychological Impact and Personal Struggles

The conversation takes a personal turn as Michael opens up about the mental health challenges inherent in his role. He shares, "They gave no heads up on this is the trauma you're going to see and hear firsthand." (04:16) Michael discusses how the lack of mental health support led to the deterioration of his first marriage and personal wellbeing. He recounts a severe health crisis following shoulder surgery, which resulted in pneumonia and a month-long coma, further exacerbating his trauma.

3. Handling Graphic and Disturbing Content

Michael delves into the grim details of his work, including dealing with Child Sexual Assault Material (CSAM) and other illicit content. He explains the meticulous process involved in identifying and prosecuting offenders: "My day would start with an image or a movie. And my first objective is to identify the child if it's a legit csam." (10:35) He emphasizes the challenges posed by the sheer volume of cases and the limitations posed by jurisdictional boundaries.

4. Interview Techniques and Law Enforcement Collaboration

Sharing his unique approach to interviewing perpetrators, Michael reveals techniques aimed at building rapport without intimidation. He notes, "I'm the guy that takes the handcuffs off. I'm the guy that asks him, do you want to smoke? Do you want to coke? Are you hungry?" (55:08) This method, grounded in empathy and understanding, helps elicit confessions and gather crucial information for prosecutions. Michael also highlights the invaluable support from the FBI and Interpol in his investigative efforts.

5. The Role of Technology in Prevention and Enforcement

Michael discusses the advancements in technology that aid in combating child exploitation. He credits tools like machine learning and specialized software in identifying and tracking offenders: "The software's come a long way in, I don't know, 14 years." (14:43) Additionally, he praises the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) for their role in vetting and managing cases, urging listeners to utilize resources like missingkids.org for reporting and prevention.

6. Advice for Parents on Protecting Children Online

A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to empowering parents with strategies to protect their children from online predators. Michael offers practical tips such as enforcing secrecy regarding electronics, using headsets without microphones for younger children, and actively monitoring online interactions. "Secrecy. No electronics behind closed doors." (39:42) He underscores the importance of parental vigilance and the use of monitoring tools like Bark Technologies and Google's family safety features to detect and prevent grooming behaviors.

7. Addressing Vigilante Vigilance and Legal Boundaries

Michael addresses the rise of vigilante groups aiming to catch pedophiles independently. While acknowledging their good intentions, he cautions against potential legal repercussions and the ineffectiveness of such actions without proper law enforcement support. "Vigilantes are, have good hearts, but you could actually fuck it up more to the point where the pedo isn't going to go away." (53:56) He stresses the importance of relying on trained professionals to handle these serious crimes safely and legally.

8. Coping with Retirement and Ongoing Trauma

Reflecting on his retirement, Michael shares his strategies for coping with the lingering trauma of his career. He emphasizes the necessity of finding new hobbies, rebuilding personal relationships, and seeking professional help. "As a retiree, I try to tell guys that I know that are retiring is find a hobby." (65:04) Michael also highlights the enduring impact of his work on his worldview and personal relationships, illustrating the deep-seated challenges faced by retired first responders.

9. Final Reflections and Advocacy

In his closing remarks, Michael reinforces the critical role of community awareness and proactive measures in combating child exploitation. He encourages listeners to leverage available resources, advocate for stronger laws, and remain vigilant in protecting children both online and offline. "If you've got lewd and lascivious and you know it's a child, you know what streets to not walk your kids down." (63:17) Michael’s dedication to safeguarding children shines through, leaving listeners with a profound understanding of the complexities and urgencies of child protection.

Notable Quotes:

• "They gave no heads up on this is the trauma you're going to see and hear firsthand." — Michael Arterburn (04:16)

• "The FBI is great. I know shows portray them to be like, they'll take over your case or whatever. They want credit. Not my experience." — Michael Arterburn (15:50)

• "Secrecy. No electronics behind closed doors." — Michael Arterburn (39:42)

• "Vigilantes are, have good hearts, but you could actually fuck it up more to the point where the pedo isn't going to go away." — Michael Arterburn (53:56)

• "If you've got lewd and lascivious and you know it's a child, you know what streets to not walk your kids down." — Michael Arterburn (63:17)

Conclusion

This episode of Intentionally Disturbing offers an unflinching look into the frontline efforts of combating child exploitation. Michael Arterburn’s candid discussions shed light on the pervasive challenges, technological advancements, and personal toll associated with this crucial work. Listeners gain not only a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by law enforcement but also practical knowledge to protect their children in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Resources Mentioned:

• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC): missingkids.org
• Bark Technologies: Monitoring tool for online safety
• Google Family Safety: Parental control features

Follow Michael Arterburn:

• Website: killerbtactical.org
• Social Media: Search for Killer B Tactical across major platforms

Stay Informed and Protect Your Children

Ensure your children’s safety by staying educated, utilizing available resources, and fostering open communication. Together, we can create a safer environment for the next generation.