The opioid crisis and the flood of other drugs has reached epidemic proportion in many of our communities. Join us to learn more about this national challenge and other emerging drug trends such as fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, synthetic cannabinoids, and other chemicals. Explore the issues associated with the legalization of marijuana in many states and vaping, butane hash oil, and cannabis edibles. Gain an understanding of the stages of use, addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and the health and life-threatening dangers posed from the use of drugs. Discuss common delivery systems and observe examples of emerging drugs in various forms. Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of drug usage, as well as how Naloxone/Narcan works in cases of opioid overdoses.
Technology plays a tremendous role in our children's lives. Learn about the ways children are interacting online to create better understanding and open up meaningful communication. Increase awareness of opportunities to protect and connect with children while also gathering valuable information to mitigate threats posed by individuals who seek to exploit them.
Sextortion using technology is an increasing trend seen by law enforcement. Sextortion refers to the crime where someone employs an abuse of power, usually a threat to expose explicit images, in order to coerce a person to do something. This 1-day training will identify the methods and tactics used by offenders, and describe why youth are vulnerable to these tactics. The training will explain the long-term impact of these crimes on victims, offer a victim-centered response, and provide information on reporting these crimes to law enforcement, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the electronic service provider(s). This course will conclude with identifying effective Sextortion prevention messages for youth, parents and educators.
This intensive three-hour advanced course provides a focused environment for experienced forensic interviewers to refine and strengthen their practice in child sex trafficking cases. Through expert-led peer review, participants will critically analyze the structure, clarity, and defensibility of their forensic interviews, identify areas for improvement, and implement best practices to enhance the quality and integrity of their work. Emphasis is placed on trauma-informed interviewing techniques, legally sound documentation, and effective communication of complex case details to multidisciplinary partners and within judicial proceedings. Participants will leave with strengthened skills to ensure interviews are developmentally appropriate, victim-centered, and defensible in court.
The Internet of Things (IoT) involves a web of data which requires planning to access and manage. During this training, we will explore devices and their connected systems, to understand how they create valuable evidence and could have significance at crime scenes. Examination through live demonstrations on how to retrieve and review the data, identify applicable Fourth Amendment concepts, and apply them to build a legally defensible and ethical case will be discussed.
This training provides participants with essential guidance on identifying critical iPhone® data before a forensic examination. Participants will explore key usage data, search functions, Stolen Device Protection, Screen Time, synced passwords, and learn how Apple Watch® evidence can play a pivotal role in investigations.
Artificial intelligence is creating new challenges in the investigation of sex crimes, including the use of AI-generated images, videos, and other digital content. This course will help forensic interviewers and their multidisciplinary teams understand how AI is being used in these cases, how it may impact forensic interviews and evidence, and what considerations are needed when working with AI-related information. Participants will gain a better understanding of this evolving issue and how to address these challenges in their practice.
Avoid potential conflict both professionally and personally by learning to organize your thinking and respond calmly. Consider the approaches you can take to prevent and respond to verbal conflict. This course will explore the communication process and conflict prevention to help you understand why conflicts occur. Instruction will also cover certain circumstances in which verbal de-escalation techniques may not be appropriate, and provide techniques to resolve such conflicts. Join us to learn how de-escalation techniques and communication skills can potentially defuse tense situations and lead to more successful outcomes. This training does not cover physical intervention techniques.
Explore and discuss the application of Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) and the ways it aids in investigations. Techniques instructed will include tips in using genealogy to help establish the identities of cold case suspects and assist with identifying human remains. Instruction is provided by experienced investigators who have gained expert knowledge in their application of forensic genetic genealogy through real-life cases. Discuss topics including forensic genealogy techniques and investigative strategies for developing leads and information, as well as working with private labs and other related resources.
Explore the challenges involved with no-body homicide investigations. Most start as missing persons cases; the suspect’s head start coupled with the absence of the victim’s body leaves gaping holes in the investigation. Join us to hear from experienced instructors as they provide the framework and tools to build a prosecutable circumstantial case—regardless of the age of the case—from proving the victim is dead using established practices such as victimology, interviews, documents/records/digital footprint, to search strategies and best practices in documentation. This training will also provide established prosecution strategies that maximize the likelihood of success. During instruction, there will be an opportunity to share your case as a class participation case study exercise.
