2025 Conference on Violent Crime: Full Schedule

3:00pm EDT

Recognizing Child Torture – Response and Investigative Considerations

Wednesday May 28, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Human service professionals—including those in law enforcement and child welfare—are highly skilled in identifying child maltreatment. However, many lack familiarity with child torture (CT) and the distinctive characteristics that differentiate it from other forms of maltreatment. As a result, aspects of torture may go unrecognized, with CT cases often classified as severe child abuse. This presentation will examine the defining elements of CT, contrast them with more widely recognized forms of child abuse, and address offender behaviors, investigative strategies, and the impacts on victims.

Speakers

Melissa R. Stormer

FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit

Dr. Melissa Stormer is a Supervisory Special Agent with the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) and a Clinical/Forensic Psychologist. She has been an OSI agent for 21 years and has experience working and advising on investigations relating to violent crimes, sex crimes, crimes... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Assembly Hall

Breakout

3:00pm EDT

Social Media Investigations

Thursday May 29, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Assembly Hall

Attendees will learn what digital data is available, why the specific data is valuable, what data to seek based on case particulars, and how to write court orders and/or search warrants to obtain the data successfully. The class will discuss how to correctly manage the data received for posterity and discovery requirements and how to exploit the data received for actionable leads and intelligence. Attendees will leave equipped with knowledge and skills, positioning them to better leverage this data in investigations.

Speakers

Scott Kilpatrick

Scott Kilpatrick has been a police officer with the Baltimore County Police Department for over 18 years and a detective for the past 16 years. He spent the early part of his career in the Vice Narcotics Unit, which worked to dismantle drug trafficking organizations. Early on... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Assembly Hall

Breakout