One of Queensland’s longest serving and most dedicated child sex crimes investigators has retired today.
Detective Inspector Jon Rouse, who investigated crimes against children for 25 years as the head of Argos’ victim identification specialists, was piped from Queensland Police Service (QPS) Headquarters today after more than 39 years of service.
Commissioner Katarina Carroll was on hand to formally farewell the much respected officer, with the pair saluting and then embracing before Detective Inspector Rouse departed with family members.
In 2001, Detective Inspector Rouse commenced at Task Force Argos, where he implemented Australia’s first operation to proactively target internet child sex offenders.
He was seconded to the AFP operated Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) in 2019, to lead the Covert Online operations team, Victim Identification Unit and Training team.
The dedicated investigator was instrumental in the development of the Australian National Victim Image Library, which helps police identify victims of sex offenders, and has been a key member of the international community fighting online child exploitation.
He was awarded four Commissioners Certificates for his operational leadership and two Queensland Police Excellence awards for Child Protection Prevention during his career.
He was also the recipient of the Queensland Police Medal, the National Service Medal, the Exemplary Conduct Medal, the National Police Medal and the Australian Police Medal; and received the ‘Champion for Children Award’ from the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children in 2018, was awarded Queensland Australian of the Year in 2019.
He is also an Ambassador for several child protection NGOs, including Bravehearts.
“Detective Inspector Jon Rouse has dedicated his career to protecting and rescuing children from sexual abuse,” Bravehearts said in a statement.
“He was instrumental in the development of the Australian National Victim Image Library, which helps police identify victims of sex offenders, and is a key member of the international community fighting online child exploitation.”
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation also has a long-standing relationship with Detective Inspector Rouse.
“We celebrate his life’s work dedicated to protecting children from harm and as a champion to the cause of keeping kids safe,” the Foundation said in an online post.
“As a valued ambassador to the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, we look forward to continuing and growing our relationship with you.
“Congratulations on your retirement, we are confident that your energy and passion for protecting children from harm will not reduce.”
Daniel’s father, Bruce Morcombe, was among those to farewell Detective Inspector Rouse at Police Headquarters today.
