Purchase Hosts Local Police Officers for Special Training

More than 55 Police officers attended special training at Purchase College on August 2 and August 6. The topics covered included responding to sexual assaults, neurobiology of trauma, and trauma informed investigations and interviewing skills.  Multiple State University Police Units, New York State Troopers, Westchester County, Tuckahoe, Rye Brook, Yonkers, Yorktown, Dobbs Ferry, and Pelham Manor participated in the sessions which will help the officers better respond to situations involving sexual assault.

 Purchase College Police Chief Dayton Tucker said, “This training shared new techniques for seasoned investigators and allowed them to hone their skills.  Of equal or greater importance, the training allowed other non- investigative police officers reinforcement training on how to support victims.  We realize that locally, we have an abundance of trained sexual assault teams and investigators however, in many cases the investigators are not the first on scene.  The initial contact officer must have the tools to begin preserving evidence and supporting the victim.  The interaction with the first officer will set the tone for the rest of the investigation.  I am very proud of all the parties and agencies involved who assisted in making this training a success.”