Multidisciplinary Team Investigative Corroboration (Part 1 of 2)

MDT Investigative Corroboration is not a departure from, but an addition to, the traditional Who, What, When, Where, and Why of an investigation. It seeks to place the law enforcement or DCYS investigator inside the mindset of prosecutors who are required to corroborate every statement, element, and point made in the case.

Corroborative elements have different “values.” Some, such as a detailed confession, can stand alone. Others, such as theme pornography, may not prove an offense, but they are still supportive of the allegation. Better yet, Constellations of Corroborative Points, though individually circumstantial, can – and have – the ability to prove cases.

An MDT’s effectiveness is rooted in its ability to know and utilize the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques and, with consideration of certain Windows of Opportunity, administer them in a timely manner. Multidisciplinary skills-based training in our communities should focus instruction on these “skill sets.”

Part Two is an interactive Investigative Multidisciplinary Team-based instruction and exercise. Utilizing a forensic interview and a post-forensic MDT interview meeting, MDT members are required to prioritize next steps and identify additional witnesses, crime scenes, evidence to be collected, etc.

Although geared toward investigators, MDT coordinators, forensic interviewers, advocates, and forensic medical professionals will find this presentation fruitful in identifying team strengths, weaknesses in team dynamics, inter-communication, team protocol, intervention strategies and procedures of the attending disciplines.

Local Prosecutor’s representation is required.

Three-hour presentation