Course Description

This course will address the unique needs of law enforcement investigators who are responsible for investigating child sexual molestation cases. This course will provide key information on historical cases, such as the McMartin Daycare, to help the investigator conduct objective investigations and avoid historical mistakes.

The investigators will go in-depth on issues designed to help them meet prosecutorial expectations as well as help them with their own jury appeal. They will be presented with unique interview and interrogation strategies as well as investigative tactics designed to enhance their investigations.

This course will include information to help bridge the gap between medical evaluations and police investigations. It will also include techniques for investigating complex cases. This course will conclude with an exclusive insight into the San Diego County sexual assault/molest homicide investigation of David Westerfield against 7-year-old Danielle Van Dam.

IMPORTANT: While there is no prerequisite for this course, it is suggested the investigator attend the POST ICI 40-hour Child Abuse Course prior to attending this course.

Course Topics

• Significant Historical Court Cases
• Prosecutorial Expectations
• Presenting yourself in court before the judge and jury
• Defense Tactics in the Court Room
• Investigating Complex Cases
• Interview and Interrogation Strategies
• Pre-Text Phone Calls
• Victim Interview Techniques
• Medical Evaluations and STD’s
• Strangulation
• The Danielle Van Dam (David Westerfield) Homicide Investigation

Course Certification Number: 9070-32322
Course Certification Hours: 24

Tuition: $324

Effective February 1, 2020 per POST Bulletin No. 2019-40:

POST Reimbursement Plan IV: Tuition for POST reimbursable agencies is $324. Travel reimbursement is available via Training Reimbursement Request (TRR).

Non-POST Reimbursable agencies: Tuition is $324. There is no reimbursement for travel and per diem.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations received more than ten (10) business days prior to the start of the class will not be charged. If payment has already been made, it will be refunded. Cancellations received ten (10) or less business days before the start of the class will be charged at full price. This late cancellation charge compensates RTC for the non-refundable costs incurred prior to the start date of the course.

No Shows: A No Show on the day of the class will result in a full charge for the class.