The Forensic Special Investigation Unit (FSIU) supports local, state, and federal agencies serving at-risk adult crime victims through technical assistance, case consultations, case reviews and training certification.
FSIU also collaborates with Adult Protective Services, Elderly Legal Assistance Program, Long-Term Care Ombudsman and others in aging and disability networks to champion the rights of older adults and adult with disabilities as well as the prevention of abuse, neglect & exploitation. Ongoing forensic training courses are provided to APS staff to supplement basic investigation techniques. FSIU also conducts the successful two-day ACT (At Risk Adult Crime Tactics) Specialist Certification targeting primary and secondary responders to ensure those who respond to crimes against at-risk adults know how to respond appropriately to best meet the needs of at-risk adult crime victims.
The ACT course curriculum was developed in cooperation with:
- Administrative Office of the Courts of Georgia
- Georgia Bureau of Investigation
- Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police
- Georgia Sheriff’s Association, Inc.
- Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council
- Prosecuting Attorney’s Council of Georgia
- Georgia Public Safety Training Center
- Institute for Continuing Judicial Education
In addition to FSIU instructors, ACT certified instructors who have successfully completed the ACT train-the-trainer course will deploy ACT, allowing more individuals to become certified. ACT Specialists will:
- Be the "go-to" person in their agency and/or region regarding at-risk adult crimes.
- Have direct access to FSIU to provide real-time exchange of crime trends around the state.
- Have access to ongoing training opportunities.
- Be encouraged to participate in multidisciplinary teams in their region.
An emphasis on multidisciplinary approaches should increase collaboration between various agencies with diverse legal authority and priorities in order to address crimes against at-risk adults.
ACT Specialist Certification is a step towards increasing the visibility of at-risk adult crime victims and improving the protection of their person, rights, and assets.
Schedule of 2013 At-Risk Adult Crime Tactics (ACT*) Courses
April 16 & 17, 2013
Host: Dawson County Sheriff’s Department
July 16 & 17, 2013
Host: Gwinnett County District Attorney
ACT* classes are open to law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, EMS, ER personnel, fire/rescue, social and regulatory agencies, victim witness programs, and any other agencies responding to and providing direct services for at-risk adult victims of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation (older adults and adults over the age of 18 with any disability).
For class details, contact David Blake (404-232-1257) or Pat King (404-657-1197).
For additional information about Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation please contact:
Division of Aging Services
404-657-5258 or 1-866-55Aging or 1-866-552-4464
Two Peachtree Street, NW, 33rd Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303-3142