“[After attending AFIT], I investigated an attempted kidnapping case in which I used the skills I learned to interview the young victim. The information led to the arrest of three suspects who will no longer be attempting to kidnap anyone. I know this is the first case of many where I will be able to put your training to good use. Thank you again from myself and on behalf of all the victims you have helped by providing such excellent training!” – Detective attendee of AFIT
Advanced Forensic Interview Training (AFIT) is a four-day (32 hour) experiential course that teaches investigators how to forensically interview both children and adults. It is open to DCS Investigators, Law Enforcement Detectives, Designated Forensic Interviewers, Tribal CPS, and Prosecuting Attorneys.
Participants will be taught the semi-structured cognitive interview technique, a research-informed forensic interview method designed to elicit the most amount of factual information from interviewees and avoid re-traumatization of victims.
The course includes role plays and practicum exercises, with several opportunities for participants to receive assessment and feedback from expert faculty members. Through videos, lecture, large group exercises, and small group exercises, AFIT prepares investigators to interview victims or witnesses of crimes including child physical abuse, child sexual abuse, adult sex assault, sex trafficking, and domestic violence.
Participant progress is determined through the use of a pre- and post-test, as well as expert faculty assessment of participants through practicum exercises and role plays.
Note: It is no longer necessary to attend BFIT before AFIT. AFIT used to require the eight-hour Basic Forensic Interview Training (BFIT), a stand-alone course, to be taken within the 12 months prior to attendance to AFIT. Now, the eight-hour BFIT course is the first day of AFIT. The remaining three days of AFIT will go into further depth and include role plays and small-group practicum exercises facilitated by expert faculty.
2023 Training Dates:
May 1-May 4, 2023
Application deadline: March 3, 2023
Location: Hilton Phoenix Airport, Phoenix
May Applications:
AFIT Application May 2023 – Law Enforcement
AFIT Application May 2023 – Prosecutor
AFIT Application May 2023 – Tribal CPS
AFIT Application May 2023 – Forensic Interviewer
AFIT Application May 2023 – Out of State
September 11-September 14, 2023
Application deadline: July 14, 2023
Location: Hilton Phoenix Airport, Phoenix
September Applications:
AFIT Application September 2023 – Law Enforcement
AFIT Application September 2023 – Prosecutor
AFIT Application September 2023 – Tribal CPS
AFIT Application September 2023 – Forensic Interviewer
AFIT Application September 2023 – Out of State
December 11-December 14, 2023
Application deadline: October 20, 2023
Location: Hilton Phoenix Airport, Phoenix
DCS & OCWI– If you are part of DCS/OCWI and you are interested in attending AFIT, please speak with your supervisor. Your supervisor will be able to ask that you are added to an upcoming training.
For questions about Advanced Forensic Interview Training, please contact Simone Tavassoli at simone@pcaaz.org.