Sergeant, Crimes Against Children Irving Police Department
Through the child advocacy multidisciplinary approach, investigative partners and forensic interviewers have been able to collaborate to provide effective responses to child abuse allegations. Research has shown that utilizing a trained forensic interviewer is best practice when speaking to children about alleged abuse. Despite the many ways interviewers can aid in law enforcement and CPS's investigations, there will be times when law enforcement ask children questions in the field. The way these questions are asked can ultimately impact their investigations. This presentation will provide investigative agencies, such as law enforcement and child protective services, the skills and questioning techniques in enhancing effective responses in the field when investigating child crimes. Members will be provided with real case scenarios in which law enforcement and CPS have thoroughly interviewed children in the field and will identify how a forensic interview could have enhanced their investigations.
Learning Objectives:
Learn important key elements of the forensic interview process conducted at a child advocacy center
Distinguish special considerations when speaking with child abuse victims including medical needs, handling evidence
Best practices in writing initial police reports to limit barriers in child’s credibility, main purposes of interviewing children in the field & basic interviewing techniques
