Crimes Against Children

This comprehensive 24-hour course provides law enforcement professionals with specialized training in investigating crimes against children. Participants will explore investigative processes and techniques applicable to these sensitive cases, progressing from initial incident response through courtroom procedures.

The curriculum examines the behavioral patterns of seven distinct categories of child molesters and equips attendees with proven interviewing strategies for offenders. Participants will develop competency in conducting forensic interviews with child victims and witnesses, utilizing case study methodology to understand evidence classification and investigative applications.

Key instructional areas include warrant preparation for child exploitation cases, techniques for seizing child pornography and digital evidence, search and seizure procedures, and predatory behavior analysis. The course also addresses amber alert protocols and the development of multidisciplinary, multijurisdictional Child Abduction Response Teams (CART) to enhance missing child recovery outcomes.

Topics covered include:

• DSM-5 definitions and diagnostic criteria
• Offender patterns, behaviors and characteristics
• Pedophilia and offender psychology
• Investigative and interviewing techniques
• Expert search and seizure warrant preparation
• Emerging investigative strategies
• Forensic interview procedures for children
• Predatory behavior recognition and analysis
• Child Abduction Response Team development

Prerequisites: Completion of a basic investigations course or equivalent knowledge of investigative techniques is recommended but not required.

Intended Audience: Patrol officers, detectives, investigations supervisors, crime scene technicians, military investigative personnel, non-sworn investigation personnel, and prosecutor's office staff involved in investigating and prosecuting crimes against children. This course is restricted to active sworn and non-sworn law enforcement, investigators, and prosecuting attorneys employed by governmental agencies.

Course Details:
Duration: 24 hours
Daily Schedule: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Instructor: Diane McLennon
Fee: $695.00

Scheduled Sessions:

• September 28–30, 2026 – Jacksonville, Florida (IPTM - University of North Florida, Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224)
• February 22–24, 2027 – Jacksonville, Florida (IPTM - University of North Florida, Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224)
• March 8–10, 2027 – Lawrenceville, Georgia (Lawrenceville Police Department, 300 Jackson Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046)
• July 12–14, 2027 – Altamonte Springs, Florida (Altamonte Springs Police Department Training Room, 225 Newburyport Avenue, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701)
• September 27–29, 2027 – Jacksonville, Florida (IPTM - University of North Florida, Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224)