Episode 170: A Pioneer in Protecting Children - Part 1

Written By Tony Godwin

There are people who work in a profession, and then there are those who help shape the profession for everyone who follows them.

In Part One of this special two-part episode, we sit down with retired Detective Robert Shilling, former head of Crimes Against Children for INTERPOL and a true pioneer in the investigation of crimes against children.

Robert’s career placed him on the front lines of some of the most difficult investigations imaginable, during a time when technology was rapidly changing both how offenders operated and how investigators worked to identify them and protect their victims.

What struck us most, however, wasn't the résumé or the accomplishments. It was the man behind them.

Despite decades of experience and an international reputation in the field, Robert is remarkably humble. He speaks less about what he accomplished and more about the children, investigators, and professionals who motivated the work.

In Part One, Robert takes us through his journey—from detective to international child-protection leader—and shares how investigators began confronting crimes that increasingly crossed jurisdictions, borders, and eventually the digital world.

This isn't simply a conversation about a career. It's a conversation about the early foundations of a mission that continues today: finding victims, identifying offenders, and protecting children wherever they may be.

Part One: Robert Shilling — A Pioneer in Protecting Children

Tony Godwin

I am currently an active duty Detective for a large Law Enforcement agency in the North Texas Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex where I have been employed for 31 years. For the past 19+ years, I have received specialized training and experience working both proactive and reactive criminal investigations associated with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force intending to combat the child exploitation epidemic in the United States and abroad.

I have presented case studies and law enforcement training both nationally and internationally on ICAC-related topics. I have prepared hundreds of formal reports suitable for legal presentation, which state results, interpretations, and professional opinions/conclusions while assisting the Federal Bureau of Investigation, The United States Postal Service, the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, the United States Secret Service and local Law Enforcement agencies in the investigation of cases involving child exploitation, CyberTips, and child pornography investigations. I am also a certified forensic examiner for computers and cell phones. 

http://www.Catfishcops.com
Next

Episode 169: Snaggletooth