Virtual Training: Neurobiology of Trauma, Report Writing and Interviewing

What: FREE virtual training “Neurobiology of Trauma, Report Writing and Interviewing”

Where: Virtually! Register to receive details for joining the training.

When: Friday, October 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Who: This training is for anyone who works with victims of trauma, and is led by Corporal Angela M. Weekes, retired from the Nampa Police Department and Nampa Family Justice Center (read her full bio below).

REGISTER: While this training is free, registration is required.

Why: Understanding trauma and the aftermath is important for anyone who works with victims. When a victim experiences trauma, certain indicators may be present that can offer insight into their behavior. Trauma can also affect a victim’s ability to remember and recall details of the event.

When officers are trauma informed, it can minimize the likelihood of re-traumatizing the victim, and promote healing and empowerment. Another crucial area to emphasize is using trauma indicators as evidence, and how we can use this to hold those responsible for the trauma accountable. Misunderstanding trauma can lead to negative outcomes in investigations, and also pose potential long-term, devastating consequences for the victim, future victims, and community.

This training will focus on the brain and body’s response to trauma. We will also be discussing trauma-informed interviewing and talking about strategies to reframe questions in a trauma-informed manner. By the end of the training, participants will also understand the impact of accurate report writing and documenting trauma. We will wrap up with a discussion on vicarious trauma.

Corporal Angela M. Weekes has more than 26 years of law enforcement experience, with specialized training and expertise in domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse investigations. She has served as a lead investigator in multiple complex homicide cases and has extensive experience conducting investigations, interviews, and interrogations.

Corporal Weekes was the visionary behind the Nampa Family Justice Center and played a key role in developing Idaho’s first Family Justice Center, recognized as one of the original centers established under President George W. Bush’s Family Justice Center Initiative. She also led the Nampa Police Department’s participation in the International Association of Chiefs of Police Integrity, Action and Justice: Strengthening Law Enforcement Response to Domestic and Sexual Violence Demonstration Initiative.

This project was supported by PCCD Grant # 44019-2, awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), US Department of Justice, STOP VAWA funds. The opinions, findings and conclusions expressed within this program are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of PCCD or the Department of Justice.