In a concerning incident in Ohio, a father sought police assistance after discovering that his 11-year-old daughter had been manipulated into sending intimate photos of herself online. However, the response he received from two Columbus police officers has ignited controversy and led to an investigation into their conduct.
A Disturbing Encounter
According to a video widely shared on social media, the father contacted the police in the hope that officers could speak with his daughter and help her understand the gravity of the situation. In the video, which was posted on TikTok and has since garnered over 730,000 views, one of the officers shocked the father by suggesting that his 11-year-old daughter "could probably get charged with child porn."
The father, incredulous, responded, "She's 11 years old," emphasizing his daughter's age.
Undeterred, the officer reiterated, "Doesn't matter. She's still making porn."
Viral video and police response
The video, recorded on September 15, captured the exchange between the man and the officers. It appears to have been recorded from a camera outside the home. The disturbing encounter quickly gained attention online, prompting widespread outrage.
The Columbus Division of Police acknowledged the video and confirmed that the city's inspector general had initiated an investigation into the officers' behavior. In a statement, the division emphasized its commitment to taking all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously.
Furthermore, the police officers are investigating the 11-year-old's allegations of online exploitation.
Apology and Further Investigation
Police Chief Elaine Bryant issued a statement to The Washington Post on Tuesday, revealing that the department had contacted the father to apologize "as soon as we learned of this incident." They assured him that the officers' response and the alleged crime against his child would be "fully investigated."
The incident, as captured in the roughly 90-second video, began with the two Columbus police officers arriving at the residence with flashlights in hand. The father informed them of his concerns about online exploitation and requested that they talk to his daughter, who had already gone to sleep.
In the caption accompanying the video, the father noted that he had called the police around 6 p.m., and they arrived around midnight. Despite his efforts to seek assistance, the interaction with the officers left him feeling helpless.
Investigation Underway
As the video circulated online, the Columbus inspector general received complaints about the officers' actions, as stated in the department's official statement. If it is determined that policies were violated, the inspector general will make recommendations to "restore, build, and maintain public trust."
This incident has brought attention to the complexities surrounding cases of online exploitation and the need for law enforcement agencies to handle such matters with sensitivity and professionalism. The investigation will play a crucial role in determining whether the officers' conduct was appropriate in this sensitive situation.
