Without the internet, police were unable to track offender behaviour, and heavily relied on the testimony of victim-survivors.

These interviews were crucial, and required care and empathy, as one misstep, and evidence could be lost and a victim survivor left unheard.

Former detective Andrew Patterson was part of a special task force investigating paedophiles in Perth, and was the one who spoke to hundreds of victim-survivors... One morning, he received information about a sexual predator, and descriptions of an underground chamber with shiny chrome walls. He and his team set about investigating the offender, and finding survivors.

Andrew sat down with host Brent Sanders to explain this case, and others from his impressive career.

If you or anyone you know needs help:

Lifeline (Crisis support and suicide prevention) 13 11 14
1800 Respect (National sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line) 1800 737 732
Men's Referral Service (National counselling, information and referral service for men looking to change their behaviour) 1300 766 491
Full Stop Australia (National violence and abuse trauma counselling and recovery Service) 1800 385 578

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

REWIND | How the internet changed sex crime investigations

Crime Insiders