While investigating child abuse is a challenging and demanding area of work, I embraced the challenge and came to find this role tremendously rewarding.
During my first three years working in this area I was surprised at the number of cases of child abuse reported to the police, and saddened by the degree of physical, sexual and emotional abuse that some inflict on children.
Although I didn't work on the Nia Glassie homicide investigation, I have seen first-hand the impact that case has had on our community.
As horrific as this case was, it seems that Nia's legacy has been to raise awareness of this issue. Over the past few years awareness of child abuse has increased, as has the willingness of people to report suspected abuse.
Other positive changes have been the introduction of the Government's discussion paper on vulnerable children, the development of the Rotorua Children's team and the co-location of police and Child Youth and Family staff who are assigned child abuse cases.
That initiative had greatly improved communication between the two agencies and the overall effectiveness of both groups.
Government agencies cannot solve this problem on their own.
During my time on CPT I drew encouragement from the number of good people that "stepped up" to report suspected child abuse.
However, there were other occasions when I encountered misplaced loyalties that left vulnerable children exposed.
The dynamics of abuse are such that vulnerable children are rarely able to find a voice, so the responsibility rests with all of us in the community to look out for them.
Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.
Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.
Reporting is easy, free and is confidential by calling the national helpline 0508 FAMILY -0508 326 459).
• Detective Jeff Alpe is a member of the Rotorua CIB.