What We Did
We evaluated the Military Criminal Investigative Organizations’ (MCIOs’) sexual assault investigation training to determine whether it adequately supports the Department. Our evaluation focused on the following questions:
- What sexual assault investigation training do the MCIOs provide?
- How do the MCIOs ensure that sexual assault investigation training is effective?
- How do the MCIOs leverage their resources and expertise?
What We Found
Each MCIO provides initial baseline, periodic refresher, and advanced sexual assault investigation training to assigned criminal investigative personnel who may conduct sexual assault investigations. Between MCIOs, the training hours devoted to initial baseline training tasks varied. Further, Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) initial baseline training materials did not cover four required essential training subtasks.
All MCIO training academies measure the effectiveness of initial and advanced training courses, and they use the results to adjust training content to increase effectiveness. Conversely, the MCIOs do not measure the effectiveness of periodic refresher training. CID has attempted to consolidate MCIO advanced sexual assault investigation training.
CID and NCIS share highly qualified and subject matter experts (HQE and SME) to assist with training course development and delivery. Also, CID assisted NCIS by instructing at their advanced sexual assault investigation training course.
What We Recommend
- The Director, NCIS, ensure lesson materials for initial sexual assault investigation training covers all essential training tasks.
- The Director and Commanders of the MCIOs form a working group to review (1) initial baseline sexual assault investigation training programs to establish common criteria and minimum requirements, (2) periodic refresher sexual assault investigation training programs to establish common criteria and minimum requirements for measuring effectiveness, and (3) advanced sexual assault investigation training programs to further capitalize on efforts to leverage training resources and expertise.
Management Comments and Our Response
The Director, NCIS commented that all essential training tasks are addressed; however, not all are well-detailed in lesson plans and slides.
The MCIOs objected to efforts to improve periodic refresher training; however, they concurred with recommendations to improve initial baseline training and to review advanced training and work toward leveraging resources, advising they have begun many new initiatives relative to sexual assault investigation training.
This report is a result of Project No. 2011C017.