Following on from my introduction to digital forensics mental health stressors, this article aims to provide a more in-depth examination of two specific operational stressors discussed previously: exposure to traumatic material and high work-related stress.

Digital forensic investigators play a crucial role in law enforcement, particularly in cases involving child exploitation, human trafficking, and other serious offences. These investigators often handle disturbing content, especially child sexual abuse material (CSAM), which exposes them to significant psychological stress.

Compounding this stress are the high workloads and pressures to meet deadlines, often imposed by ever increasing backlogs and the time limits for prosecution, set by the criminal justice system, to secure timely case processing. This article explores the mental health risks associated with exposure to traumatic material and high work-related stress, examines the implications for productivity, and evaluates protective measures for preserving investigator well-being.

Exposure to Traumatic Content: A Primary Mental Health Stressor
One of the most significant mental health stressors for digital forensic investigators is repeated exposure to CSAM and other graphic material, which leads to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and related mental health impacts. PTSD symptoms include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and emotional numbing. Exposure to this material, particularly first-generation CSAM content that is new and uncategorised, can have a profound impact on mental health.