Sexual assault investigations are among the most complex cases a detective or prospective investigator will receive.

This class, taught by retired Maine State Police Detective Abbe Chabot, will give students a systemic yet flexible overview on how obtain best evidence, truth- seeking witness accounts, and build documentation for prosecution or to prevent liability. Abbe will introduce social media and digital evidence recovery in sexual assault cases, to include human trafficking, online solicitation, or child exploitation.

Attendees will become familiar with sexual assault kits to include collection and storage, as well as with forensic interviewing and Maine’s Children’s Advocacy Centers. Attendees will learn about interacting with victims and providing them survivor resources, and generalized information about sexual offenders that can aid in truth-seeking suspect interviews.

Finally, attendees will learn how to document their investigation to facilitate court prosecution and eliminate liability for their agency.