LMPD Crimes Against Children Unit Protecting Kids for Over 20 Years
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For detectives serving in the Louisville Metro Police Department’s (LMPD) Crimes Against Children Unit, the mission is clear: protect children. For more than two decades, the unit has worked to safeguard young people from abuse, exploitation, and harm.
A Detective’s Perspective
Detective Eric Goldschmidt, who has been with LMPD for three years, said every day on the job presents challenges but also real opportunities to make a difference.
“Every day is different, and it’s tough. But you really feel like you make a difference in some of these people’s lives, and victim’s lives and their families,” Goldschmidt explained.
Goldschmidt works out of the Crimes Against Children Unit, based at the Family and Children’s Place Child Advocacy Center. His responsibilities include investigating human trafficking cases and working with the sex offender registry.
“Every day’s got new challenges, and that’s kind of what I like about it. It is kind of creative problem-solving a little bit, but for a good cause,” he said.
Caseloads and One-Stop Support
The unit is part of the LMPD’s Office of Sexual and Physical Investigations. According to Sgt. Chris McMichael, the unit sees around 600 cases per year, all involving crimes against children.
McMichael emphasized the unique structure of the Louisville program.
“This is one of the only places in the nation that has the police and the child advocacy center and CPS combined into one building,” he said. “It makes it a really good one-stop-shop for us.”
The unit currently has about 10 detectives dedicated solely to child-focused investigations.
Importance of the Mission
McMichael said that while the detectives encounter heartbreaking situations, their focus remains on helping children.
“It matters extremely. The detectives here, they are so focused on trying to help the kids, to make life better for them, that we do see evil things, but we need to move on from that. We try and move on from that so we can focus on one thing, and that’s protecting that kid.”
Local leaders have also recognized the importance of this work. Councilman JP Lyninger (D-6) toured the facility and praised the mission.
“This is a place where children are saved and protected and families are supported and healed, and we need to do everything we can to support that work,” Lyninger said.
Lifelong Commitment
Goldschmidt said he plans to continue dedicating his career to this kind of life-saving work.
“Every day I wake up and I know what we’re doing is right and important and it needs to be done,” he said.
The Crimes Against Children Unit has been a cornerstone of child protection in Louisville for over 20 years, helping victims while supporting families and holding offenders accountable.
For assistance or to report a case, residents can contact the LMPD Crimes Against Children Unit at 502-574-2465.
The Louisville Metro Police Department’s unit shows how dedicated law enforcement, advocacy centers, and child protection services can come together to fight exploitation and protect the community’s most vulnerable members. For more community coverage, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.