There was a time in my career when my world revolved around going after the worst pimps and human traffickers abusing young women and children. For years, nothing else mattered except holding those responsible to account. Along the way, I lost relationships. I made mistakes. No one came before the mission. You try to influence the next generation of investigators to carry the work forward and do better than you did. After many years, I needed to step away psychologically. If you have ever pushed human trafficking cases through the courts, watched survivors and young people testify, and watched them be cross examined in ways that can feel cruel and devastating, you understand the impact it has on you as a police officer and as a human being. It is one area of policing that changes you forever. All police officers carry heaviness. All people do. Police leaders are no different. A few nights ago, my good friend and I grabbed late night Asian food. Just a regular cowboy and a typical Asian guy in jeans and T shirts testing our spice levels late at night. Without even realizing the impact, @paulbrandt challenged me to step back into the fight in a different way. The mental break was over. Thank you, Paul, for everything you continue to do for survivors and vulnerable people across this country. You have my commitment. And I am fortunate to have an incredible team of investigators in London carrying this work forward every day. Stay tuned. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth# #humantrafficking# #NotInMyCity#