Page 1179 - Week 04 - Thursday, 21 May 2020
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(IVWI) training. The IVWI is also referred to as an Evidence-In-Chief-Interview (EICI). This training is designed to provide police officers with the necessary tools to interview children and young persons as well as adults with disabilities.
The EICI is the primary method used by SACAT members to interview complainants of sexual offences.
All police officers in the ACT are also required to complete the Family Violence Evidence-In-Chief-Interview (FVEICI) training. This training is designed to provide police officers with the necessary tools to interview complainants of family violence related offences.
Currently SACAT members do not receive any interview training from any external agency or location.
(2) The Australian Federal Police (AFP) Learning and Development (L&D) Specialist Investigations provide the training. AFP L&D is located at the AFP College in Barton.
(3) Yes. The IVWI training focuses on the techniques to interview children and young persons. It is a regular occurrence for SACAT members to interview children under 5 years of age.
(4) Yes. With the introduction of the ACT Intermediary Program, L&D have incorporated guidance on interviewing persons with special needs within the IVWI training. It is a regular occurrence for SACAT members to interview persons with a range of disabilities.
(5) Police officers are required to complete the IVWI training when they first join SACAT. There is formal training for members within SACAT every two years with the next training due to occur in 2021. All SACAT members maintain a high level of proficiency in interviewing vulnerable persons.
(6) The Intermediary Program provides guidance to ACT Policing officers in regards to determining the best method of communication with persons with special needs or due to age. The determination on whether a witness’ evidence is considered reliable is made by the case officer, in consultation with their Sergeant.
When there is a question about the merits of an investigation, SACAT members are able to request the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to review the evidence and provide advice on whether it is sufficient for the matter to proceed to Court.
(7) Since the inception of the Intermediary Program on 1 February 2020, SACAT have made 20 referrals for assistance. At the moment, SACAT are the primary referring area of ACT Policing for the Intermediary Program.
(8) All ACT Policing recruits receive standardised training in investigative interviewing techniques and FVEIC interviewing at the AFP College. The IVWI training is an enhancement to that training which requires a level of understanding and practical experience in interviewing techniques in order to be effective. Consistent use of the specialised interviewing techniques is required to maintain currency. As such, the IVWI training is a mandatory requirement for SACAT members and is available to all other members once they have gained practical experience to contextualise the training.
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