Training Courses

NCJTC Sexual Assault Investigation Academy

Date & Time:
  • February 1, 2027 – February 4, 2027
Location:
Luling, LA

This comprehensive four-day training program equips criminal justice professionals with essential knowledge and skills for conducting thorough sexual assault investigations. Participants will explore practical strategies for managing all aspects of sensitive crime investigations, from initial victim support through case preparation for prosecution.

Course Overview

The academy covers a broad range of investigative topics designed to improve case outcomes while minimizing trauma to victims and witnesses. Attendees will examine the dynamics of sexual assault, understand victim barriers to reporting, and learn how to apply trauma-informed approaches throughout investigations.

Key Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this training, participants will be able to:

  • Define sex crimes and their legal elements while analyzing current trends and misconceptions
  • Apply investigative strategies specific to sexual assault and other sensitive crime cases
  • Recognize victim services and implement best practices for supporting survivors
  • Enhance investigative skills through practical case studies and prosecution outcomes analysis
  • Implement current evidence collection and storage procedures for sexual assault cases
  • Develop investigative leads in stranger sexual assault cases
  • Establish and maintain effective multi-disciplinary team relationships
  • Understand the investigative role of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE)
  • Execute specialized interview and interrogation techniques that maximize case success
  • Address special circumstances including alcohol and drug impairment, Title IX investigations, and PREA considerations

Training Schedule

Dates: February 1-4, 2027

Daily Schedule: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT

Location: St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office Training Center, 220 Judge Edward Dufrense Parkway, Luling, LA 70070

Total Hours: 32 hours of instruction

Course Content Highlights

Day One focuses on framing the issue with discussion of sexual assault dynamics, reporting challenges, and consent concepts, followed by initial law enforcement response procedures and case study analysis. Day Two addresses crime scene management, investigative evidence requirements, legal search and seizure considerations, trauma-informed interviewing, and concerns regarding recantation and false reporting. Day Three includes Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) and SANE nurse involvement, drug-facilitated sexual assault investigation, human trafficking indicators, and group case review discussions. Day Four covers cold hit investigations with genealogy requirements, defense strategies, case building through group discussion, victim advocacy and support services, and secondary trauma awareness with self-care strategies.

Instructors

James Pittman - Sensitive Crimes Unit, Milwaukee Police Department. Pittman is an experienced law enforcement professional with service in the United States Air Force near Washington, DC, and civilian police work beginning in 2002. He has held various positions including patrol officer, lead officer, and supervisory roles with the Great Lakes Police Department in Illinois before joining the Milwaukee Police Department in 2014. As a detective assigned to the Sensitive Crimes Unit since October 2020, he investigates sexual assaults, child abuse, infant deaths, and missing persons cases.

Kathryn Marsh - Assistant Chief Special Victim's Unit, Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office, Maryland. Marsh is the Co-Founder of Right Response Consulting and brings seventeen years of prosecution experience. She specializes in child abuse, child exploitation, internet crimes, and sexual assault cases. As a professional trainer for law enforcement, prosecutors, and community organizations, she has established critical programs including a Child Advocacy Center in Calvert County and juvenile human trafficking protocols. She developed the ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) investigation and prosecution policy for Prince George's County.

Cost and Registration

Fee: $650.00

Registration Deadline: December 14, 2026

The fee includes 32 hours of training instruction and course materials. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own meals, travel, and lodging.

Lodging Options

Several hotels are available in the surrounding area:

  • Best Western Plus New Orleans Airport Hotel, 189 W Airline Drive, Kenner, LA 70062
  • Comfort Inn New Orleans Airport, 10151 W Airline Hwy, St. Rose, LA 70087
  • Hilton New Orleans Airport, 901 Airline Drive, Kenner, LA 70062
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites New Orleans Airport South, 110 James Drive E, St. Rose, LA 70087
  • La Quinta Inn and Suites Boutte, 14221 US-90, Boutte, LA 70039

Target Audience

This training is designed for law enforcement professionals engaged in criminal investigations.

Additional Information

For details regarding continuing education units, please consult the NCJTC policies page. Alternative dates and locations are available, including sessions in Madison, Wisconsin (September 21-24, 2026), Fargo, North Dakota (October 5-8, 2026), and Bartlett, Tennessee (December 14-17, 2026), all at the same cost of $650.00.

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