Crimes Against Children

This intensive 24-hour course provides law enforcement professionals with specialized training in investigating crimes perpetrated against children. Participants will progress through the entire investigative process, from initial report through prosecution, gaining comprehensive knowledge of proven methodologies and best practices.

The curriculum focuses on understanding offender behavior patterns, with particular emphasis on seven distinct typologies of child molesters. Attendees will develop proficiency in conducting effective interviews with offenders as well as trauma-informed forensic interviews with child victims and witnesses.

Practical investigation skills form a core component, including analysis of evidence types and their applications, preparation of expert search and seizure warrants specifically tailored for preferential child molesters, and protocols for collecting diverse evidence such as child pornography, child erotica, DNA samples, and computer-based evidence. The course incorporates real-world case studies throughout to reinforce learning.

The training also addresses child abduction response procedures, including amber alert criteria and the critical importance of immediate response protocols. Participants will learn how to establish and operate a Child Abduction Response Team (CART)—a multidisciplinary, multijurisdictional unit—and its role in improving recovery outcomes for missing children.

Topics covered include: DSM-5 definitions and diagnostic criteria, offender patterns and characteristics, pedophilia and offender typologies, investigative and interviewing techniques, expert search and seizure warrant preparation, emerging investigative strategies, child forensic interviews, predatory behavior recognition, and CART development.

Intended Audience: Patrol officers, detectives at all experience levels, investigation supervisors, crime scene technicians, military investigative personnel, non-sworn investigative support personnel, and prosecutor's office staff involved in child crime investigations and prosecutions.

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

Course Length: 24 hours | Daily Schedule: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Fee: $695.00

Instructor: Diane McLennon

Available Sessions:

• September 28-30, 2026 – Jacksonville, Florida (Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224)
• February 22-24, 2027 – Jacksonville, 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 (Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224)

Enrollment Requirements: This course is restricted to active sworn and non-sworn law enforcement personnel, investigators, and prosecuting attorneys employed by governmental agencies.