Field Interviews for Animal Law Enforcement: Essential Skills and Techniques      February 5, 2025 Virtual Training

Course Description:
This course provides Animal Law Enforcement Officers with essential skills for conducting effective field interviews. Covering both foundational and advanced techniques, it emphasizes the purpose and challenges of field interviews, including how to gather pertinent information from victims, witnesses, and suspects in dynamic settings. The course explores the complexities of rapport building, the nuances of juvenile interviews, and the importance of accurately documenting animal-related information.

Participants will gain a thorough understanding of best practices in field interviewing, including the importance of preparation, effective communication, and adherence to legal standards. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining professionalism and self-control, especially when handling sensitive or difficult situations.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Define and understand the concept of a field interview and identify its purpose.
• Recognize key elements of rapport building, positive interviewing traits, and common roadblocks.
• Identify critical information to collect, including animal-related details, and navigate specific challenges in field interviews.
• Understand the importance of documenting interviews properly, including using Field Interview Cards.
• Develop strategies for handling challenging interviews, including those involving multiple witnesses, juvenile subjects, and individuals with impairments.
• Recognize the legal parameters for conducting interviews, including the role of Constitutional protections and Miranda rights. 

Topics Covered Include:

• Field Interview Basics: Purpose, elements, and pertinent information to collect
• Key Interviewing Traits: Patience, respect, and self-control
• Rapport Building Techniques: Establishing trust, reducing tension, and finding common ground
• Field Interview Process: Preparation, establishing narratives, clarifying statements, and effective questioning
• Juvenile and Vulnerable Populations: Legal considerations, interview approaches, and special handling requirements
• Practical and Ethical Challenges: Managing environmental factors, minimizing distractions, and recognizing mental or physical impairments
• Legal and Ethical Standards: Constitutional rights, Miranda warnings, and the importance of legal compliance

For more information and to register, visit www.code3associates.org

Continuing Education Credit

Upon successful completion, students will receive a certificate of completion and become eligible to apply for continuing education credits from Colorado State University. Veterinary professionals may apply to receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

This class is approved for Colorado Bureau of Animal Protection Agents for CE credit.

Tuition, Registration & Payment

Tuition for this class is $25.00.

Registration closes 1 hour before course begins.

Payment- Credit card payment is due at time of registration.  An invoice will be sent for all check payments.

Training participants will be assessed a 25% fee on any cancellation made two weeks or less prior to class date, no refunds will be issued if the cancellation is made 0-5 days prior to the training. Exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances and/or credits could be applied to future Code 3 training, please contact us regarding all cancellations.

This is a virtual class and refunds will not be provided for any internet or technology-related issues. If issues arise the student may be provided with the option to attend another scheduled training session to complete any instruction missed due to connectivity issues.

Please email us, info@code3associates.org, with any questions.

Details on Virtual Class

• Our virtual classes are taken via computer with the ability for students to interact with each other and the instructors.
• A computer with webcam, microphone and reliable internet access are required for attendance.
• 100% attendance is required with participation options available through the student’s microphone and/or through type-written communications.
• Class is from 9:00 am to 11:00 am MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME.