Safe Accessible Forensic Interviewing for Elders (SAFE) Training
This training is geared toward Law Enforcement, Adult Protection Services, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, and Prosecutors.
Training Description:
The SAFE (Safe Accessible Forensic Interviewing for Elders) Training was developed to meet the growing need for victim-centered, trauma-informed interview techniques for use with older adults in criminal contexts.
Grounded in forensic interviewing best practices, the 1-Day SAFE Training begins with a brief introduction to the concept of elder abuse, transitions to exploring ways in which elder abuse dynamics and aspects of aging impact communicating with older adults, and then introduces attendees to the basic concepts of forensic interviewing of older adults. The training includes interactive activities.
Presenter:
Dermot Whelan is a Senior Consultant for Modell Consulting Group, LLC. Mr. Whelan was instrumental in the development of an advanced Forensic Interviewing Protocol for interviewing individuals with disabilities (Project FIND) and for older adults (SAFE). Prior to joining MCG, Mr. Whelan served as a Criminal Investigator with the New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Mr. Whelan was primarily responsible for conducting and supervising criminal investigations stemming from allegations of abuse and neglect against vulnerable people who receive services through New York State operated, licensed, or certified agencies.
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.
