A JAYC Foundation team returned to Kansas City, Missouri on April 19 for another day of Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Training. Again this was facilitated by Capt. Chelly Pfeiffer of the Kansas City Police, and Ofc. Mike Mast of the Kansas City Mounted Patrol. The curriculum again included exercises that focused on the concepts of awareness, attitude, critical thinking, communication, cooperation, safety and connection. Horse work focused around finding your voice (not too hard or soft) and working as a team both collaboratively and creatively. This time, however, we presented a much more in depth account of working with recovered children, with emphasis on taking that extra moment. Topics covered were:
• Past research regarding abduction and exploitation of children.
• Identification of issues specific to familial and non-familial abductions.
• Complexities in these cases.
• Importance of family participation.
• Treatment approaches and challenges.
• Coordination of various agency personnel, including law enforcement.
• Recognition and identification of high profile cases.
• Media issues in high profile cases.
• Self-care: Staying healthy as a team.
In fact, in the year since we had visited last, it was reported that two officers absolutely stuck with their instincts at the doorway of a very suspect residence. They refused to leave until they were allowed to see the basement. Their instincts and efforts were rewarded by the discovery of a youth that was being held captive there. What a great example of “Just Ask Yourself To Care”.
