Law Enforcement Training

Since 2007, APNM has assisted with training law enforcement on the effective enforcement of animal cruelty laws, in conjunction with numerous law enforcement agencies.

APNM organizes law enforcement and agency employee training directly related to the welfare of animals. Training in cruelty investigations for law enforcement officers and training in ‘The Link’ between animal cruelty and domestic violence for juvenile justice system employees is in high demand. Examples of training offered, subject to funding, include:

• animal control officer training in cruelty investigations
• state police and sheriff deputy training in animal fighting investigations
• workshops about the Link between animal cruelty and family violence to social workers, child welfare advocates, juvenile justice agency employees, and law enforcement officers through presentations at the Children’s Law Institute and through cooperation with the New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD) and the NM Corrections Department (NMCD)
• Workshops for therapists on the Anicare Treatment Model for treating animal abusers. APNM created and now maintains a statewide list of Anicare trained therapists and has made it available to every district attorney and judge in the state so this crucial information is available for court-ordered referrals of counseling

Testimonials

Quotes from New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department and New Mexico Corrections Department employees who attended training:

• “Excellent information for probation-parole officers.”
• “The issues presented illustrated a link between animal abuse and domestic violence that I hadn’t thought about.”
• “Excellent training and very knowledgeable instructors. Information was current and positive to my job.”
• “Loved this training! It was very informative and will be helpful in my job. This training should be mandatory for all CYFD employees.”
• “I wish I’d had this training before some earlier jobs working with at risk adolescents and with adults in prison.”

APNM is available, when requested by an agency, to help coordinate contacts among the numerous state and federal resources often needed to ensure the safety of officers and relief for animal and human victims involved in animal-related crimes that are investigated. APNM can help link law enforcement officers with human service agencies, veterinarians and animal shelters to effectively and humanely address the complex crimes involving animal victims.