The Forensic Center of Excellence’s AFI™ Program, conducts forensic interviews for adult victims (17 and older) of violence, including sexual assault, sex trafficking, and domestic violence.
The program is dedicated to conducting investigative, trauma-informed interviews of victims and witnesses of crimes. The crimes may include, but are not limited to: domestic violence, interpersonal violence, family violence, human and labor trafficking, elder/older adult abuse, physical abuse, strangulation, sexual assault and adults molested as children. Participants have an opportunity to engage in a conversation about what has happened in a safe space by specially trained interviewers.
The Keymer Institute is available to conduct interviews through our online scheduling system or through our 24/7 hotline number at (281) 306-6893 option 3.
The Keymer Institute provides Tele-Forensic Interviews for participants that no longer reside in county.
The AFI™ will be conducted virtually with an investigative agency present. Please note prior to scheduling a Tele-Forensic interview a safe and secure location needs to be established for the participants . Therefore, please reach out to the AFI™ team prior to scheduling the Tele-Forensic Interview. Our 24/7 number is 281-306-6893 option 3.
Frequently Asked Questions
An Adult Forensic Interview (AFI™) is an investigative conversation, not an interrogation, that is conducted in a safe, neutral, and non-judgmental space, which allows the participants to talk about their experiences in their own words. An AFI™ is observed in real-time by a member of the investigative team in its entirety. Interviews are also recorded to reduce the number of times a participant has to talk about what happened.
An AFI™ is conducted in collaboration with law enforcement after a participant has reported a crime with a law enforcement agency after being impacted by sexual assault, human trafficking, strangulation, adults molested as children, domestic violence and other victimizations.
Adult Forensic Interviewers are specially trained, unbiased, and neutral individuals who are not part of law enforcement. Adult Forensic Interviewers apply trauma-informed, victim-centered best practice approaches to reduce further victimization. Adult Forensic Interviewers maintain confidentiality and only discuss the details of the interview with the investigative team or others involved in any affiliated court proceedings.
Ages for eligibility vary by county, with 17 being the minimum allowable age. Reach out to the AFI team for further details regarding age restrictions.
An AFI™ is scheduled by law enforcement agencies. Due to an influx of Adult Forensic Interviews, please contact forensicinterview@txfne.com, or call us at 281-306-6893, press 3 to schedule the interview.
Yes, if a participant’s primary language is NOT English, an interpreter is used. The interpreter will convey everything word per word, without any additions or paraphrasing. Interpreters will maintain confidentiality and will not discuss any details shared in the interview with anyone else. It is important to note that interviews with an interpreter may cause the interview to be longer than usual.
The length of an AFI™ is dependent on the complexity of the case and the needs of the participant. On average, an AFI™ will last 90 -120 minutes.
An AFI™ is conducted at our main office, centrally located in Houston, Texas. The address is provided once the AFI™ is scheduled. Tele-forensic interviews are available for participants who live outside of the Greater Houston area.
A Tele-Forensic Interview (TFI) is a forensic interview for Participants living outside of the Greater Houston area. TFIs are hosted by a partnering agency who provide a safe, private space and a means of technology for interview Participants to complete the TFI through video-conferencing with an Adult Forensic Interviewer. Similar to an in-person AFI™, TFIs are also observed by law enforcement and recorded.
Only the participant, forensic interviewer, and interpreter (if applicable) can be in the AFI™ room during the interview. Participants can bring a support person, however, they will be asked to wait in our waiting area or outside of the building due to our facility’s space capacity. Please note that childcare is not provided, please make arrangements for minors prior to your interview.
There is no need to bring anything specific to the interview. Our team is well-prepared and equipped for the AFI™ process. Reach out to your AFI™ team with any questions or concerns about further accommodations.
After the interview, TXFNE advocacy services can be offered. TXFNE has an in-house team of advocates who are ready to assist immediately after the interview or a referral can be sent to our advocacy team. Any questions about what happens with the investigation after the interview can be referred to the investigative team. If participants have additional information regarding their case that needs to be disclosed in the interview space, a follow-up interview can be scheduled.
A follow-up interview is a subsequent interview conducted after the initial AFI™, typically at a later date. A follow-up interview can be scheduled if the investigation continues with law enforcement and the participant has further information to share.
Email records@txfne.com using your agencies email address. Request your interview by giving the case number and participant name within the email. Once our administrator verifies this information, a member of the AFI™ team will reach out to coordinate your interview access.
Contact the AFI™ team at (281) 306-6893 and select option #3.
District Attorney Partners of the AFI™ Program
