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We are excited to introduce Catherine Cox, Special Projects, Operation Artemis – Child Rescue Coalition’s (CRC) newest team member. Catherine joined CRC in April 2024 and is now leading Operation Artemis—a groundbreaking initiative focused on disrupting online offenders and safeguarding children from sexual abuse. With over 15 years of experience as a police officer in the UK, Catherine brings a unique blend of hands-on expertise, leadership, and a deep-rooted passion for child protection.

From Detective to Advocate: Catherine’s Career Journey

Catherine’s career began with Merseyside Police in her hometown of Liverpool, where she quickly found her calling in child protection. Over her 15-year tenure, she served in various specialist departments and reached the rank of Detective Chief Inspector, focusing on safeguarding and tackling online child sexual abuse. Her experience spans working with multiple government agencies, including the Department for Health, the Department for Education, and the Home Office.

One of Catherine’s standout achievements is the development of the Police Online Investigation Team (POLIT) network, a proactive force dedicated to targeting online child predators. Under her leadership, this team became a driving force in disrupting offenders, safeguarding children, establishing best practice and collaborating with police forces across the country. Catherine also established a network for senior police leaders focused on improving child safeguarding measures across the UK, pushing for continuous improvement and innovation in the field.

In addition to her leadership in law enforcement, Catherine sought to contribute to legislative change, including consulting on the Online Safety Bill, advocating for senior management liability, and meeting with UK government ministers to discuss these critical issues. Her influence didn’t stop there; she successfully lobbied for changes to the Sexual Offences Act and was involved in developing the national Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) taskforce. This work demonstrates her commitment to creating a safer world for children.

Passion for Justice and Child Protection

When asked what motivated her to pursue this path, Catherine’s answer reflects both her upbringing and her passion for justice. Growing up in a working-class family in Liverpool, Catherine was raised in an area impacted by poverty and hardship. However, her family instilled in her a deep sense of empathy and the importance of helping others. “My parents and my church raised me to care about people facing challenges and to help them wherever I can,” she shares.

Catherine’s personal experiences only deepened her commitment to child protection. “I hate injustice and I hate abuse,” she explains. “This has driven me through my whole life and career, and I want to make a difference in the world.” Having seen loved ones suffer the lifetime impact of childhood abuse, Catherine’s passion is personal, and she channels it into everything she does, from her work in law enforcement to her current role at CRC.

A Love for Learning and Leadership

Catherine’s enthusiasm for learning is a trait that has carried her throughout her career. “I’m a bit of a nerd. I love learning,” she admits. After excelling in school, particularly in History and English Literature, Catherine went on to earn her BA Hons in English Literature from Liverpool University. One of her fondest memories is visiting Orchard House in Concord, Massachusetts, where Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women—a dream come true for this literary enthusiast.

Her love for learning is matched by her leadership abilities. A natural problem-solver, Catherine has always been known for bringing people together to tackle difficult challenges. Whether it’s persuading stakeholders to adopt new policies or leading a team of detectives, she’s driven by a sense of collaboration and shared purpose. “I’m good at identifying the right people and getting them to solve the right problems,” she says. Her “Scouse charm” (as she calls it) and Irish heritage have earned her a reputation for being able to talk to anyone and bring them on board with her vision.

What’s Next? Building Operation Artemis

Catherine’s focus now is on making Operation Artemis as impactful as possible. She’s set ambitious goals for the initiative, aiming to target as many offenders as possible while providing vital support to survivors of abuse. “My aspirations right now are to develop Operation Artemis into the most effective operation it can be—help as many survivors as we can and stop as many children from being abused as we can,” she explains.

In her previous roles, Catherine developed crucial guidance for information sharing and joint working between law enforcement and other entities, such as Ofsted, the UK’s regulator for children’s services. Her track record in building collaborative frameworks will no doubt serve her well as she continues her work at CRC.

Awards, Recognition, and Life Beyond the Job

Throughout her career, Catherine has received recognition for her leadership and contributions to child protection, including awards and commendations from Merseyside Police and letters of appreciation from the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and other agencies. However, for Catherine, the real reward isn’t in the formal recognition. “Going home knowing that you’ve done your best and made a difference—that’s what really matters,” she reflects.

Outside of her professional achievements, Catherine continues to channel her passion for safeguarding through community involvement. She serves as a trustee for a UK charity that supports child victims and applies her expertise closer to home by ensuring proper safeguarding practices for her son’s soccer team and his school.

Despite her demanding career, Catherine makes time for personal passions that reflect her love of learning and community. A lifelong Liverpool FC fan (though not without family rivalry from Everton supporters!), she enjoys spending time with family and friends over good food, spirited debates, and the occasional board game. Her competitive streak shines in pub quizzes, where she is very proud of her record.

Catherine also finds joy in simple pleasures like reading and binge-watching series, and her love for travel is fueled by the desire to explore new places with loved ones. “I’d spend every last penny I had on traveling,” she said. Her ultimate indulgence is swimming in the sea—her favorite way to relax and recharge.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

Catherine’s enthusiasm for collaboration extends far beyond her day-to-day role. She loves connecting with others, sharing ideas, and finding ways to work together to amplify the impact of child protection efforts. “I love hearing about what other people are doing and seeing how we might be able to work together,” Catherine explained.

Please join us in welcoming Catherine Cox to the Child Rescue Coalition family. We’re excited to see the incredible work she will accomplish through Operation Artemis and beyond!