Sexual assaults occur in all jurisdictions, and reporting is often deceiving. Many other crimes involve a sexual assault that was not the primary offense, or officers fail to properly identify the offender as a sexual predator; therefore, never discovering additional offenses. Sexual predators come in a variety of categories, from highly prolific to occasional episodes, and from posing comparatively little danger, to the most vicious and skilled murderers.

All officers, not just investigators, need to be aware of the nature of the various offender typologies in order to recognize offenses and evidence for what they are, and to know where to search for additional victims. Interviewing offenders and associates may be a critical step, requiring different approaches.  There are equal investigative concerns on the victim side. Normal reactions to an assault, reasons to report or not report, and reasons for making false complaints will vary. If any of these are misunderstood by investigators, it can lead to a miscarriage of justice by way of an unprotected victim, or a ruined life through false charges.

The crime scene and related forensic concerns can help investigators sort out fact from fiction when receiving unexpected or confusing information from victims or offenders. Scenes must be properly preserved; however, it is critical that the appropriate evidence not be overlooked by both first responders and investigating officers.

This course is a detailed review of sexual predators. It is appropriate for new investigators, and experienced investigators who want to expand on the basics. However, anyone who may respond to a sexual assault will gain something from this course. The psychological make-up of offenders will be explained, as well as their varying behavioral and evidentiary indicators. Special attention will be given to interviewing recommendations for each type of offender.

28-hrs Total (CEH: 17-hours Technical Skill; 10-hours Interpersonal Perspectives & 1-hour Legal Studies)