CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- A criminal investigator’s job is not an easy thing to describe. It can range from examining case files to working with forensic scientists in order to solve sexual assault cases. Investigators take numerous classes to be prepared for any situation.
The Sex Crimes Investigation class was a week-long course held Aug. 18-Aug. 22 at the Education Center on Camp Foster to teach investigators new ways to solve cases.
The Sex Crimes Investigation class is a mobile training team. The class was contracted through Headquarters Marine Corps Plans, Policies, and Operations, according to Capt. Eric M. Kaltrider, Operations Officer with Law Enforcement and Corrections Branch, HQMC PPO.
“Headquarters Marine Corps (PPO) sponsored this MTT in support of the commandant’s priority of combatting sexual assault,” said Kaltrider, “by incorporating military police and criminal investigators from [Marine Corps Base] Butler, 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, and Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.”
Similar classes were held before in the United States, one on the East Coast and West Coast, according to Kaltrider. HQMC PPO decided it was beneficial to hold the class on Okinawa to get maximum participation from Marines, overseas employees, and Okinawa Military Police representatives from MCB Camp Butler, 3rd LE Bn., and MCAS Iwakuni.
“Quality class participation is very helpful and instrumental, and this class provided that,” said Gunnery Sgt. Terry D. Lewis, the central district chief investigator with Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Base Camp Foster, Marine Corps Installations Pacific.
The class used numerous, past sexual assault cases as examples to learn and understand new investigation techniques. The cases used showed information from the beginning of the investigation to conclusion, providing helpful insight and giving those who attended the class a chance to see investigative theories as they evolved, according to Lewis, Participants were given the opportunity to analyze the actions of investigators and determine different approaches that might have been utilized in each case.
“The attendees’ experience ranged from having little to no experience investigating sexual assaults, to individuals who have vast knowledge conducting investigations,” said Lewis. “When involved in this type of learning environment you are not only learning from the instructors, but also from the investigator peer group.”
Naval Criminal Investigative Service investigates sexual assault cases and crimes against or by U.S. Navy and Marine Corps personnel. Military police and criminal investigators investigate minor felonies, and have crucial roles in the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program across the Marine Corps, according to Kaltrider. The class enhanced the investigators’ ability to use their law enforcement skills, whether being assigned to the Provost Marshal’s Office, or while in deployed environments as a part of a law enforcement battalion.
“A team approach is required because those (assaults) happen, and it’s horrible, but we find out about them in different ways,” said Kaltrider, who is also a military police officer. “They’re reported differently. Sometimes by the victim, sometimes by an eye witness, sometimes right away, sometimes after a while.”
The various investigative concepts and techniques give agents the tools necessary to be a part in solving sexual assault cases.
“I think it’s important that everyone understands as much as they can in their role in sexual assault prevention and response,” said Kaltrider. “It’s not just something for a poster, it’s real life.”