Child Death Investigations: A Practical Approach

Pinnacle TCI has developed an intensive 3-day course designed to address the unique challenges of investigating child deaths. These cases are not only emotionally taxing due to the young age of the victims but also require a specialized approach to uncover the truth. This course provides law enforcement officers with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of these investigations. Attendees will learn how to work closely with the Medical Examiner’s Office in cases involving Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID), including conducting doll re-enactments to reconstruct events. The course also covers abusive head trauma, offering insights into identifying and investigating these tragic cases.

Through detailed case studies, attendees will explore real-world examples to understand effective investigative strategies and avoid common pitfalls. The course emphasizes the importance of timeline construction, teaching attendees how to determine the roles of primary and secondary caretakers at and near the time of death. It also delves into interview techniques for speaking with family members and offenders, particularly in homicide cases. Additionally, attendees will learn how to forensically process death scenes, identify critical evidence, and ensure proper recovery of items by forensic personnel. Other topics include search and seizure protocols, collaboration with child protective services and prosecutors, and leveraging multidisciplinary approaches to achieve justice. This course provides a comprehensive foundation for law enforcement officers handling these sensitive and demanding investigations.