Interviewing Special Victims

Perhaps the most sensitive and delicate crimes for law enforcement to respond to is when they involve special victims. Law enforcement is often called upon to investigate sexual and physical abuse of both children and adults. However, this can never be a typical police response. The role of the responding officer as well as the investigator is critical. The initial response and follow-up investigation must be thoroughly and properly conducted, including getting properly obtained statements. Any law enforcement officer involved in an investigation must be able to recognize signs of physical and sexual abuse and utilize the proper interview techniques based on the type of victim they are dealing with. This course is designed to provide law enforcement officers with the skills they need to properly and compassionately interview both adult and child victims of sexual and physical abuse. Course highlights include:

· Police response to adult/child sexual assault and adult/child physical abuse cases

· Sexual Assault/Child Abuse law and legal definitions

· Adult victim interviews

· Understanding SART Team Approach

· Child Victim Interviews – When to contact a child forensic interviewer

· Signs and indicators of physical and sexual abuse

· When to contact the Division of Child Protection & Permanency

· Understanding the role of medical personnel in investigations

· Understanding the obstacles faced with adult and child sexual abuse allegations

· Suspect interviews and interrogations