In the recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, host Tony Brueski sat down with psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott to discuss the deeply troubling culture within law enforcement that has allowed serial killers, like the accused Rex Heuermann, to operate freely, exploiting the most vulnerable members of society. The conversation revolved around the involvement of the former Suffolk County Police Chief, James Burke, in the sex industry, and the implications of this involvement for the community and law enforcement culture as a whole.

 

 Scott stressed the detrimental impact on the community when victims of sex workers, already operating in an illegal and therefore precarious environment, don’t feel safe coming forward due to the involvement of police officials in exploiting them. “It's really atrocious. I mean, it really is. People like this don't live in a bubble either. There's obviously more Rex Heuermann out there, not just in Long Island but throughout the country,” she said. The atmosphere created by Burke contributed to a wider culture of mistrust and vulnerability, ultimately leading to the tragic deaths of many women who might have otherwise been saved.

 

 She highlighted a particularly shocking incident documented in a Hulu documentary by TMZ, where a witness who knew one of the women very well identified the vehicle she went into, and even recognized Heuermann. Despite reporting it, no one took any action. This case pointed to a larger, systemic issue that needs addressing—a complete cultural shift within law enforcement. "We need to change the people who are in power and revisit how we interact with the more disempowered people in the community and how we keep them safe," Scott noted.

 

 Brueski further questioned the reluctance of local officials to accept help from larger forces like the FBI, despite their offer to provide resources and assistance in investigations. This refusal not only indicated interdepartmental politics and ego clashes but also raised red flags about the intentions of local officials. Scott cited the case of the Golden State Killer in California, where local jurisdictions intentionally chose not to share information with each other, enabling the killer to commit more crimes across different communities. "We need to do a better job, and we certainly need to include the FBI, and everybody needs to get over their egos and work together," Scott insisted.

 

 The discussion highlighted the urgent need for a change in law enforcement culture, including greater transparency, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society. Only by addressing these deep-rooted issues can we hope to prevent further tragedies and bring justice to the victims of heinous crimes like those committed by Rex Heuermann.

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