Sarah Cato

Investigative Consultant working full-time in Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) and Abusive Conduct for United Nations, INGO and NGO clients

• Independent Investigation of acute and historic allegations in different countries and regions globally (both remote and in person)

• Evidence collection, preservation and data analysis

• Conducting outreach presentations and training programs on SEAH and Investigation processes within a workplace context

• Interviewing survivors, witnesses and subjects at all hieratical levels within large scale organizations

• Time management, risk assessments and prioritization of investigative activities

• Producing high quality investigation reports with recommendations.

• Identified areas of improvement for clients'' operations, implementing targeted solutions to increase productivity.

• Plan, conduct and report on IOS investigations into allegations of misconduct with a focus abusive workplace conduct, including workplace harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination and retaliation; and sexual misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment.
• Review and assess complaints and allegations in assigned cases, formulate investigation plans, review and analyze all information to determine its relevance and reliability, conduct interviews of staff and other involved parties, record interviews, obtain and analyze potential documentary and electronic/digital evidence, conduct investigative research and determine the appropriate presentation of investigative results. Coordinate with local officials, partners, and third parties, and obtain internal support such as interpreters to facilitate investigative work; report outcomes of investigations to Team Lead, Investigation Operations.
• Prepare complete and concise investigation reports, case closure memoranda and other investigation products containing findings and recommendations for remedial or disciplinary action.
• Prepare advisory reports, including recommendations for corrective action and improved controls and effectiveness or efficiency of WHO systems and operations.

Investigating historic physical, sexual and psychological abuse of children and vulnerable adults within the context of the Anglican, Catholic, Presbyterian and Methodist faiths.

• Interviewing survivors & witnesses of historic abuse

• Documenting detailed investigation and interview plans

• Liaising and providing advice to other investigation teams, predominantly thematic based teams such as Māori, Pacific, Disability and LGBTQI+

• Providing strategic direction to the faith-based investigation team.

The investigation and prosecution of acute and historic allegations of sexual abuse.

• Collected, analyzed and interpreted information, documentation, and physical evidence associated with investigations.
• Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information while sharing vital intelligence with appropriate colleagues for effective case resolution.
• Coordinated crime scene searches methodically for comprehensive evidence collection ensuring no critical elements are missed.
• Investigated complaints brought by members of community by conducting interviews and compiling evidence.
• Consulted and cooperated with legal staff to verify timely and efficient investigation completion.

As a Detective working in the CIB, I have thorough and detailed experience in the following:

• Investigating, managing and preparing Crown prosecution.

• Liaising with multi-disciplinary agencies such as ESR, Crown Prosecutors, Immigration services, Oranga Tamariki, Local Council departments, Customs, District Health Boards, New Zealand Land Transport Department and local prosecution departments.

• Evaluating a wide range of data sets

• Conducting detailed analysis and reporting including decisions regarding the result of investigation files and communicating the result with all parties concerned

• Facilitating courageous conversations with multi-cultural and diverse ranges of people to elicit all the appropriate information and to ensure that all investigative avenues are covered.

• Dealing with a wide range of offending including sexual offending, firearms, homicides, drugs and serious assaults.

• Assisting with mentoring Detective Constables in the CIB Detective Training Programme.

Investigative Interviewing of survivors of sexual assault, eyewitnesses to serious crime and critical incidents:

• Conducting electronic interviews with survivors of sexual abuse, both acute and historic allegations in accordance with policy guidelines and regulations

• Liaising with sexual assault support agencies and stakeholder agencies

• Conducting electronic interviews of eyewitnesses to critical incidents such as Homicide

• Conducting audio interviews with Police Officers involved in critical incidents in which a member of the public has died

• Liaising with external agencies in particular the New Zealand Police Association and the Independent Police Conduct Authority.

• Writing reports outlining the facts of the allegations, lines of inquiry, survivor preferences and opinion on appropriate charges or alternative action.

The investigation and prosecution of acute and historic allegations of sexual, physical abuse and serious neglect of children in the West Auckland Area.

• Collected and preserved physical evidence, photographs and laboratory submissions.
• Substantiated validity and admissibility of evidence and preserved data integrity for court hearings.
• Investigated complaints brought by members of community by conducting interviews and compiling evidence.
• Obtained and served search warrants related to ongoing cases.
• Attended regular training sessions to stay updated on new developments in forensic science and investigation methodologies.
• Participated in court hearings to provide written reports, evidence and verbal testimonies.

• The investigation and prosecution (or alternative action) of offenders who have inflicted physical and emotional violence on their family.

• Documented findings and prepared detailed reports.
• Substantiated validity and admissibility of evidence and preserved data integrity for court hearings.

• Performed rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters by directing traffic and administering emergency medical aid.
• Conducted thorough investigations to solve cases, utilizing strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Assisted detectives with complex investigations by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and conducting surveillance operations.
• Participated in ongoing training opportunities to maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in law enforcement procedures.

Consultant in the Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Sector within the South Pacific:

• Market demand and financial feasibility studies
• Operator search and selection
• Maintained database systems to track and analyze operational data
• Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations
• Improved client satisfaction by effectively managing multiple projects and consistently meeting deadlines.