Crimes Against Children

This intensive 24-hour course equips law enforcement professionals with specialized knowledge and practical skills for investigating crimes perpetrated against children. Participants will gain comprehensive understanding of investigative methodologies applicable throughout the entire case lifecycle, from initial incident response through courtroom proceedings.

The curriculum covers critical topics including DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and definitions, behavioral patterns and characteristics of offenders, pedophilia and offender classification, advanced investigative and interviewing techniques, and emerging investigative strategies. Participants will develop proficiency in conducting forensic interviews with child victims and witnesses, and will learn to prepare expert search and seizure warrants targeting preferential child molesters, including evidence seizure protocols for child pornography, child erotica, DNA, and computer evidence.

Through detailed case study analysis, attendees will examine the seven distinct classifications of child molesters, identify persistent behavioral patterns, and master effective interview strategies for criminal offenders. The course also addresses the criteria for amber alert activation and emphasizes the critical importance of initial response procedures in child abduction cases. Participants will learn how to establish and coordinate a Child Abduction Response Team (CART)—a multidisciplinary, multijurisdictional team structure designed to significantly enhance recovery outcomes for missing children.

Intended Audience: This course is designed for patrol officers, detectives at all experience levels, investigation supervisors, crime scene technicians, military investigative personnel, non-sworn personnel participating in investigations, 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 personnel, investigators, and prosecuting attorneys employed by governmental agencies.

Prerequisites: While not mandatory, it is recommended that participants have completed a basic investigations course or possess foundational knowledge of proven investigative techniques applicable to crimes against children cases.

Course Details:

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

Scheduled Sessions:

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