Overview of Trauma-Informed Police Training Programs

Federal and National Programs

OVC Trauma-Informed Victim Interviewing
Focus: Training law enforcement to respond to trauma-exposed victims during interviews 
Components: Trauma neurobiology, dissociation, memory fragmentation, empathetic questioning 
Delivered by: U.S. DOJ Office for Victims of Crime 
Link: https://www.ovcttac.gov/

IACP Enhancing Law Enforcement Response to Victims (ELERV)
Focus: Victim-centered response embedded in agency culture 
Components: Empathy training, procedural justice, departmental reforms 
Supported by: DOJ Office for Victims of Crime 
Link: https://www.theiacp.org/projects/enhancing-law-enforcement-response-to-victims

SAMHSA GAINS Center Training Curriculum
Focus: Police response to trauma and behavioral health in community settings 
Components: Trauma identification, de-escalation, vicarious trauma for officers 
Audience: Crisis response teams, jail diversion, patrol officers 
Link: https://www.samhsa.gov/gains-center

State and Local TIP Programs

Seattle PD Victim-Centered Sexual Assault Training
Partner: King County Sexual Assault Resource Center 
Emphasis: Survivor autonomy, trust-building, mental health responses 

Illinois State Police – Child Trauma Interviewing
Partner: DCFS and Children’s Advocacy Centers 
Audience: Sex crimes investigators and child welfare police liaisons 
Topics: Memory fragmentation, trauma-informed questioning 

Vermont State Police Academy Integration
Scope: Integrated TIP into cadet academy training 
Topics: Coercive control, officer regulation, DV calls 

Survivor-Led and NGO Trainings

SOAR for Justice
Audience: System actors including police, probation, court staff 
Content: Recognizing survivor trauma behaviors, power in systems 

The Network (Chicago)
Topics: Neurobiology of trauma, why victims recant, intersectionality 
Delivered to: Chicago PD DV units, state court personnel