Peter Spindler - The enduring legacy of Operation Yewtree

Joining the Dots with Thomas Drohan

In this compelling episode, Thomas sits down with Peter Spindler to delve into his distinguished career in law enforcement, spotlighting his pivotal role in Operation Yewtree. Spindler shares his journey from joining the police to spearheading one of the most significant investigations in UK history - the probe into sexual abuse allegations against Jimmy Savile and others.

Listeners will gain a firsthand understanding of the origins and outcomes of Operation Yewtree following the wave of allegations triggered by a revealing TV programme. Spindler discusses how this landmark investigation prompted a surge in the reporting of sexual abuse cases across the UK and the intricate challenges of investigating historical abuse cases while determining prosecutable claims. He also reflects on the critical lessons learned and how they have reshaped the handling and support of sexual abuse investigations. Additionally, we explore emerging threats, including the evolving impact of technology on vulnerable populations.

Join us for an eye-opening discussion that not only revisits past injustices but also looks forward to how law enforcement can better protect future generations.

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1. Peter Spindler - The enduring legacy of Operation Yewtree (00:00:00)

2. Peter discusses the moment at age 13 when he realised he wanted to pursue a career in policing. (00:03:01)

3. Peter reflects on recognising technology's impact through his work on Operation Cathedral in the late 1990s. (00:05:45)

4. Peter discusses Operational Cathedral, a transnational inquiry into online child sexual abuse. (00:09:00)

5. Thomas prompts Peter to discuss how the Jimmy Savile situation came to light and landed on his desk. (00:15:11)

6. Peter shares how they approached investigating the huge volume of reports coming in from the public following Operation Yewtree. (00:24:30)

7. Peter touches on changing perceptions in approaches to safeguarding work. (00:40:45)

8. Both discuss concerns about the future impact of technologies like AI and deepfakes on volumes of vulnerable people. (01:01:30)