Bolster Your Campus Investigation Skills with Mediation-Informed Interviews

Public Safety Captain Don DiStefano published the article, “Bolster your campus investigation skills with mediation-informed interviews,” in Campus Safety magazine on Sept. 23, 2025.

Adobe stock image by Amdrey Popov

In the piece, DiStefano, a certified mediator by the School of Law's Center on Dispute Resolution, outlines how blending traditional investigative interviewing with mediation-based techniques such as neutrality, active listening and interest-based questioning can build trust, reduce defensiveness and improve the quality of information gathered - particularly in sensitive campus contexts.

This article underscores Quinnipiac’s commitment to advancing best practices in campus safety, ensuring that investigations are not only thorough and effective but also conducted in ways that uphold fairness, community values and the educational mission of the university.

It also highlights DiStefano’s leadership and expertise. With more than four decades of experience in law enforcement and higher education public safety, he continues to innovate and share insights that emphasize humane, effective, and evidence-based approaches to complex challenges.

By contributing to the broader conversation in a leading national publication, DiStefano demonstrates Quinnipiac’s role as a thought leader in campus safety. His work reflects both his personal dedication to fairness and respect in investigative processes and the university’s broader commitment to fostering a safe, supportive and values-driven campus environment.

Click here for the full article

Find My Hero® – Reuniting Lives, One Story at a Time

Every day across America, first responders—police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and military personnel—step into dangerous, uncertain situations to save lives. For many survivors, those moments are unforgettable, yet the identity of the person who changed or saved their life remains unknown. That’s where Find My Hero comes in.

Find My Hero®

We are proud to announce that Find My Hero® is now an officially registered trademark. This milestone represents more than a legal designation—it’s a promise. A promise to survivors seeking closure. A promise to heroes who deserve recognition. And a promise to our communities to preserve the stories of bravery that too often go untold.

What Is Find My Hero?

Find My Hero is a first-of-its-kind investigative service created by Madison Investigative Services and led by former Marine and retired Detective - Sergeant Don DiStefano. This initiative was born from the belief that a heroic act should never fade into obscurity. Whether someone was pulled from a burning building, revived after a cardiac arrest, protected during an act of violence, or rescued from a car crash or natural disaster - Find My Hero helps survivors reconnect with the individuals who made their second chance at life possible.

Many of these life-saving encounters happen during chaos. There is rarely time for names, hugs, or handshakes. Our job is to bridge that emotional and informational gap and give people the chance to say what they never got to: “Thank you!”

Why Reconnection Matters

The impact of being reunited with your hero is profound. Survivors often carry deep gratitude—and sometimes lingering questions—about the person who saved them. Finding that hero can bring closure and healing. On the other side, first responders seldom receive follow-up or recognition. They perform extraordinary acts as part of their duty, never expecting thanks. For many, hearing how their actions changed someone’s life is a powerful, emotional affirmation.

These reunions are not just about the past. They create ripples into the future - restoring faith, mending emotional wounds, and reminding all of us of the humanity that still exists in the world.

A Registered Commitment to Service

Now backed by federal trademark protection, Find My Hero stands as a lasting symbol of our mission.

Every investigation is conducted discreetly, professionally, and with a process that ensures the utmost respect for privacy.

Ready to Begin?

Have you ever wondered what happened to the person who saved you, or your loved one? Did you miss the chance to say thank you? With Find My Hero, you don’t have to wonder anymore. Let us help you arrange that long-overdue reunion. Your hero deserves to be found.

Contact Madison Investigative Services Today!

The Vital Role of Private Investigators in Abuse and Neglect Investigations in Connecticut

Connecticut’s commitment to protecting adults with developmental disabilities is exemplified by the collaborative work of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and a network of highly trained private investigators.

Abuse and Neglect Investigations in Connecticut

In this blog, we explore how private investigators contribute to uncovering and resolving allegations of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation, and how DDS’s structured training, regulatory framework, and investigative protocols underpin this vital work.

A Mission to Protect and Serve

DDS continuously strives to safeguard the health, safety, and rights of individuals with

intellectual disabilities and those on the autism spectrum. Since the creation of the Division of Investigations in 1997, DDS has ensured that every allegation of abuse or neglect is handled thoroughly, timely, and impartially. This mission extends not only to DDS-employed

investigators but also to licensed private investigators who have completed the rigorous DDS New Investigator Training certification.

Training: The Foundation of Effective Investigations

The DDS New Investigator Training is a comprehensive course designed to equip private

investigators with the tools necessary to examine allegations of abuse—including verbal,

physical, sexual, and psychological abuse—as well as neglect and financial exploitation. Key

features include:

Curriculum and Standards

The training program is designed to provide investigators with a comprehensive understanding of the statutory and regulatory requirements necessary for conducting thorough investigations and crafting detailed reports in accordance with DDS policy. The course is structured as follows:

Three Days of Intensive Classroom Instruction:

Investigators receive comprehensive instruction in every facet of the investigative

process—from initial case intake and strategy development to interviewing, obtaining statements, gathering evidence, and crafting the final report.

Regulatory and Procedural Focus

The curriculum emphasizes the legal and regulatory frameworks that guide

investigations, ensuring that investigators are well-versed in the necessary statutory

requirements.

Practical Learning

Interactive sessions, case studies, and practical examples are used to bridge theory

and practice.

Competency Examination on the Fourth Day

At the end of the training, a written exam is administered to assess the investigator’s

knowledge and readiness. A minimum score of 80% is required for certification as a

DDS-trained investigator. This ensures that only well-prepared and knowledgeable

investigators are qualified to enter the field.

This structured approach guarantees that licensed private investigators maintain a consistent, high-quality standard in this complex investigative work, ensuring both competency and professionalism.

Investigating a Range of Allegations

Private investigators in Connecticut address a broad spectrum of allegations. Understanding the precise definitions and nuances of these allegations is essential:

Abuse

The willful infliction of physical pain or injury, or the deliberate deprivation of

services necessary for an individual’s health or safety. "Willful" implies intentional acts, omissions, or a reckless disregard for safety.

Sexual Abuse

Any sexual contact between an individual, regardless of such individual’s

ability to consent, and an employee, legal representative, family member or volunteer;

or the encouragement of an individual to engage in sexual activity by an employee, legal

representative, family member or volunteer.

Verbal Abuse

The use of offensive or intimidating language that provokes or causes

distress in a person with an intellectual disability or someone receiving services.

Psychological Abuse

Actions that humiliate, intimidate, degrade, or demean an

individual; inflict emotional harm; or invoke fear, thereby negatively impacting

mental health.

Neglect

The failure by a caregiver—whether DDS staff, a DDS-qualified provider’s staff,

or a Community Companion Home licensee—to provide the necessary services (through

action or inaction) to maintain an individual’s physical and mental health. This includes

situations where an individual living alone cannot obtain needed services.

Programmatic Neglect

A specific form of neglect in which an agency fails to provide

adequate oversight in developing an individual’s programs or ensuring proper staff training, compromising the individual’s well-being. This reflects an agency-wide lapse rather than an isolated staff error.

Regulatory Framework and Accountability

Abuse/Neglect Registry

DDS maintains the DDS Registry, as established by Connecticut General Statutes 17a-

247a to 17a-247f, which lists former caregivers from both the public and private sectors

who have been separated—whether terminated or resigned—due to substantiated

abuse or neglect confirmed through an administrative hearing. When a private

investigator’s investigation substantiates allegations of abuse or neglect against a

caregiver, the investigator is called to testify at these registry hearings. Individuals listed

on the registry are subsequently prohibited from further employment in the field of

intellectual disability services in Connecticut, ensuring that vulnerable populations are

protected from repeat offenders.

Mandatory Reporting

Under CGS 46a-11b, caregivers who work with individuals with developmental

disabilities are legally designated as mandatory reporters. This means they must

immediately report any reasonable suspicion of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or

self‐neglect involving these individuals to the Department of Developmental Services

(DDS) or the appropriate authorities. The statute applies to caregivers in a range of

settings—such as residential facilities, day programs, or any environment where they

interact with vulnerable populations—and it imposes legal obligations to ensure timely

intervention and protection. Failure to report in accordance with this law can lead to

legal consequences for the caregiver.

Private Investigators and the DDS Investigative Process in Action

Following a standardized process, private investigators in Connecticut play a critical role in

supplementing DDS investigations. They are often engaged by private qualified providers to:

The Intake

Make a detailed review of the allegations formally recorded in the DDS initial intake

report. The intake report captures vital details about the victim, alleged perpetrator(s),

and the nature and circumstances of the complaint (e.g., abuse, neglect, or financial

exploitation).

Developing an Investigative Plan

Craft a strategic plan addressing the “who, what, when, where, why, and how” of the

incident after reviewing intake forms and initial evidence. Investigators outline a

roadmap by identifying key documents, witnesses, and evidence needed to

comprehensively address the allegation.

Evidence Collection

Every piece of evidence is meticulously gathered and preserved—whether through

photographic documentation or review of relevant records such as medical reports and

incident reports.

Interviews and Statements

Investigators conduct both face-to-face and, if necessary, telephone interviews of

involved parties. Special care is taken when interviewing individuals with intellectual

disabilities to ensure their accounts are accurately recorded.

The Investigative Report

The investigator’s final report is an orderly narrative that synthesizes all evidence,

supported by exhibits and factual findings that meet the standard of preponderance of

evidence.

This structured approach upholds the integrity of each investigation and ensures that cases

withstand legal scrutiny.

Where we can help

Conclusion

Madison Investigative Services is a trusted partner to Developmental Services (DDS)

Qualified Providers across Connecticut. For over 14 years, our trained and experienced

investigators have played a vital role in Connecticut’s effort to protect adults with

developmental disabilities – conducting more than 700 thorough, fact-based

investigations into allegations of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and injuries of

unknown origin. Guided by DDS standards and a commitment to integrity, we bring

clarity, closure, and compliance to each case. Our work protects the rights, safety,

health, and dignity of individuals with developmental disabilities—while helping

providers meet their highest legal and ethical obligations. If your organization needs a

reliable investigative partner, Madison Investigative Services is here to help.

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