Forgotten Victims: The Forensic Interview

In this episode, we have special guest, Kate Homan, Senior Consultant for MCG. Kate and Staci discuss tools for overcoming blocks and barriers in a forensic interview.

In this episode, we have special guest, Dermot Whelan, Senior Consultant for MCG. Dermot and Scott discuss investigating crimes against individuals with disabilities, specifically those who live in a facility.

Before specializing in investigating crimes against individuals with disabilities, Mr. Whelan started his police career in 1991 as a member of the New York City Housing Police and attended the NYC Police Department’s Police Academy. After several years of policing housing projects in the Bronx, Mr. Whelan took a position with the City of Albany Police Department where he served as a Patrolman, Detective, and Sergeant.

In this episode, we have a special guest, Kate Homan, Senior Consultant for MCG. Kate and Staci discuss narrative event practice, an effective tool for maintaining rapport and establishing a baseline during interviews of individuals regardless of age or ability. Kate shares examples and research to help interviewers engage in successful narrative event practice.

In this episode, Scott and Staci discuss the labels verbal, non-verbal and low-functioning and better ways to describe how individuals with disabilities communicate.

In this episode, Scott and Staci discuss helpful tips on how to talk to kids about sexual abuse.

In this episode, Scott and Staci discuss strategies and tactics for interviewing individuals with Autism.

In this episode, Scott and Staci focus on some of the data and statistics that Multi-Disciplinary Teams' should be aware of regarding crime victims with disabilities.

In this episode, Scott and Staci discuss the steps that go in to assessing capacity to consent to sexual activity for individuals with intellectual disabilities. While this assessment does not happen during a forensic interview, someone’s capacity to consent impacts an entire investigation. As an expert in assessing capacity to consent to sexual activity for people with intellectual disabilities, Scott shares the complex nature of this process.

Scott and Staci discuss the importance of building rapport with individuals with disabilities during a forensic interview. They share stories, examples and strategies on how to effectively communicate with vulnerable victims.