ABOUT THE CSAIA

OUR MISSION STATEMENT EXPLAINS OUR PURPOSE AND OUR GOALS.

The CSAIA advocates effective relationships between investigators and members of related disciplines for the purpose of improving the team approach to cases to assure that victims receive the highest level of service and sensitivity and that offenders procure the maximum measure of the law.

The CSAIA encourages the ongoing development of progressive standards of training and qualifications for sexual assault investigators and members of related disciplines to assure the continuing improvement of effectiveness in the field.

The Association encourages and will actively support legislative changes, which promote the mission of the CSAIA.

Welcome to the California Sexual Assault Investigators Association (CSAIA)!

It is my honor and privilege to be the President of CSAIA this year. On behalf of CSAIA, I would like to thank each and every one of you for your dedication and commitment to this extremely important work, as handling sexual assault investigations can be very challenging, yet very rewarding. These cases truly make a difference in our communities, as helping victims of sexual assault and their families is so vital. Whether you are a law enforcement investigator, medical professional, prosecutor, victim advocate, or any other professional involved in sexual assault investigations, your role is vital in delivering support, justice, and healing to victims and survivors.

Our mission at CSAIA is to provide exceptional training and resources, to help equip our members with the tools needed to handle these complex and challenging cases, and to promote networking and collaboration within the association. Our goal is to ensure that you have the resources available to boost your skill level and ability to serve with pride and determination.

Please remember to take the time for wellness and self-care, as this work can take a tremendous toll on us. We at CSAIA, are here to support you and help you overcome the traumas that can occur when responding to these difficult cases. We stand together in this work and are committed in ensuring you have the support and resources required to confront these challenging cases head on.

Every year we host our annual Spring Training Conference which offers an excellent opportunity for our members to receive world class training, as well as networking opportunities with other investigators and professionals. For 2026, the Spring Training Conference will be hosted in beautiful Pismo Beach, CA, which not only offers a great setting for this excellent training, but it is also promotes relaxation and a way to pause, take a deep breath, and enjoy comradery among our peers in this field. You don’t want to miss it.

As a member of CSAIA, please get involved and take full advantage of everything CSAIA has to offer. Attend the training sessions throughout the year, network and collaborate with fellow members, and make sure you prioritize the wellbeing of yourself and the ones you hold dear. Know that you are making a difference!

Thank you for your service and commitment in all that you do.

David Schell
President, CSAIA