Why EVERY LIFE Was NOT Important To Suffolk PD In Gilgo Investigation

In a recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers", host Tony
Brueski discussed the troubling link between sex workers, their
marginalization, and the unresolved crimes connected to them,
with retired FBI Special Agent, Robin Dreeke. The conversation
shed light on the role of police and society in the perpetuation
of this cycle, specifically referencing the case of James Burke,
former Suffolk County Police Chief, during the time Rex
Heuermann, the alleged Gilgo Beach killer, was active.
 
 Dreeke highlighted the systemic victimization of the sex
worker community, explaining that most of them did not choose
this line of work, but were forced into it by predators at a
young age. “This group tends to be the most trafficked as
teenagers, basically sold into slavery,” Dreeke said. This
initial victimization often spirals into a life of continued
exploitation and marginalization by society and law enforcement,
making it incredibly difficult for individuals in this community
to come forward or seek help, thereby enabling serial rapists and
killers to continue victimizing them.
 
 In the case of Burke, not only did his involvement in the
sex industry likely deter sex workers from coming forward, but he
also utilized and victimized them himself. Brueski and Dreeke
agreed that this is part of a larger societal issue, where sex
workers are viewed as lesser individuals, despite being forced
into their circumstances. Brueski noted, “It’s a societal issue
where people aren’t accepting that… these folks did not choose to
do this.”
 
 The conversation also touched on the importance of
community policing, with Dreeke emphasizing that communities with
strong police-community relationships tend to have lower crime
rates and faster resolution times. Unfortunately, the individuals
who could be most proactive in solving crimes are often the ones
most victimized by them.
 
 Despite the dark nature of the topic, Dreeke noted a
disconcerting trend: episodes of his podcast covering serial
rapists receive significantly fewer downloads than those covering
serial killers. This disparity highlights a societal tendency to
focus on sensationalized crimes while overlooking issues that
could lead to proactive solutions.
 
 The podcast episode served as a stark reminder of the need
for society to address its underlying issues contributing to the
victimization of already marginalized communities. It stressed
the importance of acknowledging the systemic forces that lead
individuals into sex work, treating them with empathy and
respect, and recognizing the critical role they can play in
solving and preventing crimes. Ultimately, every life is
important, and it is the responsibility of both law enforcement
and society as a whole to ensure that no one is left behind or
forgotten.
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