A self-assessment tool for helping identify police burnout among investigators of child sexual abuse material

Introduction Law enforcement professionals who investigate child sexual abuse material face increased risk of mental health challenges, including burnout. This study aims to develop a data-driven self-assessment tool for law enforcement personnel exposed to child sexual abuse material. The tool assesses burnout symptoms and related mental health issues, offering a proactive approach to identifying and supporting individuals at risk. Methods A mixed-methods investigation involved 500 police investigators and forensic examiners from the United States. The study utilized a convenience sample recruited through various channels connected with the National Criminal Justice Training Center. Results Twenty percent of participants exhibited high burnout. The BURNT demonstrated a sensitivity of 69.6% and specificity of 74.6% at a cutoff point of ≥2; correctly classifying 73.6% of the sample. Individuals with scores of 2 or more were 3.47 times more likely to be experiencing high burnout compared to peers with a score of zero with increasing odds with each additional score. High burnout was associated with longer tenure in current positions. Conclusions The BURNT offers a short and simple self-assessment tool for law enforcement professionals exposed to child sexual abuse material, aiding in the early identification of burnout symptoms. A cutoff point of ≥2 provides a data-driven strategy for identifying individuals at increased risk, promoting timely intervention and support to mitigate burnout's adverse effects on mental well-being and professional performance. The BURNT's sensitivity and specificity balance enhances its utility, providing a proactive approach to address the unique mental health challenges faced by law enforcement personnel combating child sexual abuse material.