Training Courses

Advanced Strategies for Investigating and Prosecuting Domestic Violence

Date & Time:
  • December 7, 2026 – December 9, 2026
Location:
Hoover, AL

Course Fee: $450.00

Duration: 24 hours (3 days)

Upcoming Sessions:

  • December 7-9, 2026 in Hoover, AL (Registration Deadline: November 2, 2026)
  • September 14-16, 2026 in West Palm Beach, FL
  • March 15-17, 2027 in Sandy, UT

Daily Schedule: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Location (December 2026 Session): Hoover Police Department Training Center, 850 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216

Course Overview

This comprehensive three-day program offers advanced instruction designed to equip criminal justice professionals with practical methodologies for investigating, supporting, and prosecuting domestic violence cases effectively. Participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of domestic violence investigations, including strategies for working with uncooperative victims, evaluating danger and risk levels, and collecting robust evidence from the initial response forward. The curriculum balances investigation skills with victim advocacy and trial preparation, incorporating expert-led sessions and real-world case examples to provide attendees with evidence-based tools for improving case outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

  • Apply Non-Cooperative and Evidence-Based Investigation Strategies: Master techniques for gathering evidence and information from victims, including those who may recant, and use initial scene information and physical evidence to establish strong case foundations.
  • Identify Power Dynamics in Domestic Violence: Recognize and evaluate power and control tactics in abusive relationships and consider special circumstances involving LGBTQ+ and other communities.
  • Assess Lethality and Risk Factors: Use lethality risk assessment tools and behavioral pattern analysis to evaluate danger levels and apply findings to shape investigation and prosecution strategies.
  • Conduct Trauma-Informed Interviews: Apply trauma-informed interview techniques with victims and suspects, particularly when addressing recantations and fear-based responses, and use forensic interviewing methods to identify and document strangulation assault evidence.
  • Develop Advanced Investigative Techniques for Strangulation Assault: Identify strangulation incidents and recognize signs and symptoms, then apply proven tactics for establishing serious physical harm and appropriate criminal charges.
  • Develop Effective Follow-Up Strategies: Collect additional evidence through follow-up interviews, track injury progression, monitor protection order violations, and strengthen cases while ensuring victim safety.
  • Prepare Domestic Violence Cases for Prosecution: Apply trial preparation strategies with emphasis on victimless prosecution techniques, jury preparation, and expert witness testimony.
  • Enhance Safety in Domestic Violence Response: Identify and mitigate hazards in responding to domestic violence calls through proper safety protocols.

Curriculum Topics

Day 1: Non-participative investigation strategy, power dynamics and victimology, lethality risk assessment and stalking, and officer-involved domestic violence prevention and intervention.

Day 2: Strangulation and sexual asphyxia investigations, advanced interviewing strategies for victims and offenders, domestic violence child witnesses and interviews, and report writing and documentation skills.

Day 3: Witness and victim follow-up strategies, jury preparation and victimless prosecution techniques, working with expert witnesses, and dangers of domestic violence response.

Intended Audience

This training is designed for law enforcement professionals, prosecutors, victim service providers, child advocates, first responders, probation and parole officers, social workers, and tribal partners and their representatives.

Instructors

Robert Kaiser is an NCJTC Associate and retired Assistant Attorney General with the Wisconsin Department of Justice. A 45-year veteran prosecutor, he previously served nine years as an Assistant State's Attorney in the Cook County, Illinois State's Attorney's office and as an Assistant District Attorney in the Felony Unit of the Dane County District Attorney's Office. His expertise spans prosecution and investigation of murder, child abuse, sexual assault, gang crimes, strangulation, victims' rights, trial practice, witness preparation, and prosecutor ethics. He holds certification as a Trial Advocacy Instructor from the National Institute of Trial Advocacy.

Todd Curtis is a retired Senior Investigator with the Wood County Prosecutor's Office and a 33-year law enforcement veteran with over 20 years as a criminal investigator. A former K-9 handler and special response team member, he brings more than two decades of law enforcement training experience. He is court-certified as an expert in domestic violence and strangulation assault, holds OPOTA Master Criminal Investigator certification and Certified Criminal Profiler designation, and received the 2022 Purple Ribbon Award for National Law Enforcement Partner of the Year. As lead investigator for the Wood County Prosecutor's Office, he managed complex investigations, cold cases, and was instrumental in passing Ohio's strangulation law in 2022.

Fees and Lodging

The $450.00 fee covers 24 hours of instruction, program materials, and instructional costs. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for meals, travel, and lodging. Recommended hotel options near the December 2026 session venue include Courtyard Birmingham Hoover, Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham-Hoover, Holiday Inn Birmingham-Hoover, and Hyatt Place Birmingham-Hoover.

Contact Information

For additional information, contact Jessica Heimann at jessica.heimann2274@fvtc.edu or (855) 866-2582.