As executive level leaders with an eye toward the future and our legacy, we must strike the balance between “How will we get along without them?” and “I thought they’d never leave!” This presentation discusses the equation of legacy building and focuses on the resources that can be called upon to leave a lasting and successful mark on your agency.  It also covers the pitfalls that exist and can prevent someone’s best intentions from becoming utter failures.  Finally, the dynamics of succession planning are discussed, including the importance of planning and the preparation for the myriad of details that come with it.

Learning Objectives

• Attendees will know what factors make up a lasting legacy
• Attendees will learn of pitfalls that will taint your legacy and how best to avoid them
• Attendees will understand the importance of a legacy mindset and succession planning on both the person and the agency

What is the secret sauce when it comes to recruitment, hiring and retention? Why aren’t the traditional methods working? The Hermosa Beach Police Department was faced with the same challenges as most small agencies. The police department of 71 employees had 26 vacancies. Over the next 18 months the department hired 26 people to become fully staffed. This presentation will provide real examples from the Police Recruitment Team on how they recruited a diverse pool of quality applicants and have set the stage for the next generation of leadership in the department. A focus on changing the internal culture, using social media, technology and meeting the unique needs to today’s young generation applicants will be presented. The roles of the City Manager, Chief of Police, Command Staff, Front Line Supervisors, Recruiters and Human Resources will be outlined as every role plays an important part in the overall success in hiring, recruitment and retention.

Learning Objectives

• Attendees will develop strategies to create a culture that is conducive to the new generation employee, while maintaining strong organizational values
• Attendees will identify tasks for each member of a recruitment team, ranging from the head executive to HR
• Attendees will learn specific techniques to create an organizational culture that will develop 21st Century leaders

For three decades, Verizon Frontline, the #1 network choice in public safety, has remained committed to supporting the public safety community through the routine and extreme, providing our nation’s first responders with the mission-critical communications capabilities they need to achieve their mission. This panel represents a continuation of that long-standing commitment.

The “Empowering Women in Public Safety: Breaking the Numbers Barrier” discussion aims to shed light on the underrepresentation of women in the public safety workforce and explore strategies to overcome this imbalance. This interactive session brings together influential public safety leaders, professionals and advocates to discuss the challenges faced by women in the workforce and the importance of increasing their representation within this field.

Learning Objectives

• Attendees will become more informed and bring awareness to the underrepresentation of women in the public safety workforce.
• Attendees will learn about the challenges faced by women in the workforce and the importance of increasing their representation within this field.
• Attendee will access practical guidance for aspiring and current women in law enforcement, empowering them to thrive in their careers

Law enforcement officers continue to suffer the consequences of career-related and personal trauma EVERY DAY despite effective help that they often refuse to get. Stigma is the main impediment to that help. The most critical objective of this class is the provision of information intended to destigmatize our human reactions to traumatic events in our lives, whether personal or professional. In addition, this class demystifies traumatic reactions by teaching attendees that the trauma responses they experience originate in the brain and are the brain’s attempt to first cope, and second, heal. Finally, this class works to inspire hope for healing and recovery, empowering law enforcement officers by reminding them that they do have the ability to get to the lives they want and deserve.

Learning Objectives

• Attendees will learn about trauma is and about the post-traumatic stress responses it causes
• Attendees will learn that our human responses to trauma are a function of our brain, not of whether or not we are “strong” or “weak,” which are words that originate in stigma
• Attendees will learn about ways to improve resilience and healing

After winning Super Bowl 58, an estimate one million fans gathered in downtown Kansas City for a celebratory parade and rally. But this joyous occasion, attended by families and young children, was tragically interrupted by gunfire. In the aftermath of the shooting that left one dead and over 20 injured, this presentation details the immediate media response as well as the crisis communication challenges faced in subsequent days. 

Learning Objectives

• List the setup of the KCPD Media Relations Team and the goals / pre-planning efforts that were undertaken the day of the parade
• List the methods and timing of information release in the immediate aftermath of the shooting incident
• List the crisis communication challenges in the days that followed and how they were overcome

Change can be hard, but very rewarding. Your successful career in public/government service is coming to a close either voluntarily or involuntarily. Even if this change is self-initiated, your transition may come with a sense of loss and the anxiety that comes from change. A career transition from the public sector to the private sector will likely require a reinvention of your professional self. Topics include the emotional adjustment, financial considerations, importance of business acumen, professional certifications, understanding business operations, “living/breathing” resumes, networking outside of public service, interviewing and negotiating within private industry!

Learning Objectives

• Understand the importance of a focused preparation and the necessary requisites to be successful
• Understand the importance of business acumen during an interview for a private corporation
• Understand the requirement that resumes in the business world need to be aligned to job description key words, and preferred and required qualifications

This session will provide a detailed overview of the FBI’s iris capabilities, a description of the program’s short and long-term goals, and system enhancements. Attendees will be provided with a background on iris recognition and how it is emerging as a biometric identification tool based on scientific research showing the accuracy and effectiveness of the NGI System algorithm. Current participant’s use cases for iris recognition will be discussed as well as a discussion on the current best practices for iris image collection. This session will also provide information and specifications necessary for agencies interested in participating in the FBI’s Iris Service.

Learning Objectives

• Participants will gain an understanding of iris recognition and its effectiveness
• Participants will gain working knowledge of the practical application of iris for law enforcement purposes
• Participants will gain key insights to current use cases and future operational possibilities for iris technology within the criminal justice community

In today’s volatile economic climate, financial resilience is more critical than ever. This session will delve into practical strategies and tools that individuals can adopt to strengthen their financial foundation. We’ll explore the importance of emergency savings, and debt management. Attendees will also gain insights into risk management techniques and long-term financial planning ensuring that they are better prepared to navigate economic uncertainties and protect their financial well-being.

Learning Objectives

• Risk Management Strategies: Implementing insurance and other tools to protect against unforeseen financial shocks
• Budgeting and Expense Control: Maintaining a disciplined approach to spending and saving
• Build Financial Literacy: Enhancing knowledge about personal finance, and the economy

Use of force has long been a topic of national discussion, especially when a high-profile case heightens community tension. This complex subject encompasses a wide range of elements, including policies, procedures, training, education, community awareness, accountability, leadership, investigations, and data analysis. In collaboration with the IACP CRI-TAC partners, the COPS Office has developed a comprehensive training program designed to empower officers to intervene and prevent procedural errors and criminal conduct among their peers. These peer intervention techniques are essential for enhancing officer safety and wellness, as well as building community trust. This session will feature a module from our extensive 8-hour Duty to Intervene/Active Bystandership training, providing attendees with practical tools and strategies to foster a safer and more accountable policing environment; and we will share how agencies can request the training for their agency at no cost through CRI-TAC.

Learning Objectives

• Attendees will learn about the CRI-TAC program and the no-cost assistance offered to law enforcement agencies of all sizes and types
• How to request training and technical assistance through CRI-TAC, and what to expect during the process
• The benefits of DTI training, and how to implement practical tools for intervening within the policing profession

The NYS (DCJS) Gun Involved Violence Elimination Initiative (GIVE) sets the standard for statewide approaches to reducing violent crime. As of 2024, NYS’s homicide rate is 57% lower than the national average and 25% lower than the next closest large state (CA). This presentation will discuss the initiative’s structure and the iterative evolution that has led to its success.

Central to the GIVE Initiative are its core pillars of People, Places, Alignment, and Engagement. These pillars, reinforced through implementation science, are pivotal in guiding agencies in their strategic planning; this presentation will focus on how the guidance, infrastructure, and training provided by DCJS have been tailored to address the challenges and opportunities within the current policing environment. Our panel will explore GIVE’s dynamic nature and demonstrate how departments of all sizes can leverage this approach to enhance outcomes and build effective cross-collaborative violence reduction teams.

Learning Objectives

• Attendees will be able to identify the GIVE Initiative’s four core pillars and understand the holistic approach required to develop a violence reduction strategic plan
• Attendees will gain insight into identifying the right stakeholders for violence reduction efforts and recognize the roles of crime analysis, research partnerships, and an internal iterative review in strategic planning
• Attendees will be equipped with a framework for selecting appropriate evidence-based strategies and leveraging data-driven, harm-centered, and implementation science-informed approaches to support violent crime reduction

An insightful, and inspiring presentation highlighting the importance of effective, engaging leadership, supporting resiliency, and building relationships both within the agency and the community at large. People, places, the things they do, and the times they do them. These four simple benchmarks can help senior and executive level leaders guide their agencies in a manner that promotes professionalism, attentiveness to the community, and officer morale and resiliency. This approach is vital to overcoming the adversities that face our profession today and tomorrow! Paul Bailey is an actively serving Deputy Chief of Police in Middletown, NJ and a member of NA Session 281. Early in his career, he saw how effective it can be by having focus on the 4 keys. As his career progressed, experience showed that the focus may change, but the keys stay the same. This presentation will make a lasting impact on the attendees and allow them to bring fresh perspective to their organizations.

Learning Objectives

• Attendees will understand the importance of using an engaging leadership style
• Attendees will be able to apply principles learned to improve connections to members of the agency and the community they serve
• Attendees will be able to identify ways to address personal or professional adversity

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is a consistently recognized therapy for officer wellness. There is an early intervention EMDR that demonstrates significant reduction in symptoms after work-related critical incidents. The International Association of Chiefs of Police specifically outlines the need for departments to have access to immediate psychological services for critical incidents–and department leadership needs to know what to ask when vetting mental health providers. There are critical differences between the standard EMDR provided for law enforcement with cumulative traumatic memories and the officer who just experienced an officer involved shooting. Knowing the difference can help departments vet providers with The Right Stuff. Early Intervention EMDR can help officers return to work after a critical incident feeling more confident, and it can reduce the likelihood of that officer developing post-traumatic stress disorder later in their career.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the different types of EMDR
• Explain the benefits of Early Intervention EMDR
• Defend the financial benefits of having access to a wellness team that offers Early Intervention EMDR

This presentation will go over the myriad of extremist protest radical groups in the U.S. and the tactics they employ against the police and the communities they protest in. The presentation will also give insight on how to best plan for these extremist and radicalized protest groups while preserving the integrity of your agency and the dignity of the communities your serve. Within an eight-day period in late 2014 two court decisions changed public order policing in the United States. With the decisions not to try police officers in high profile deaths in Ferguson, Missouri and New York City policing the protests became exponentially harder. The police had to maintain order at protests where they were the main focus of the anger of the protestors. Since then, the protestors have become more sophisticated and European style of protests and tactics have come to these shores. Since the Floyd riots in the summer of 2020 this type of extremist protestor has gained a foothold in the U.S.

Learning Objectives

• Attendees will be able to identify different tactics that extremist groups employ
• Attendees will gain an insight on what best practices can be deployed against violent extremist groups
• Attendees will be able to update their policies on public order so that they can best combat these extremist groups

As public safety agencies move towards full radio encryption to protect sensitive information, there have been unintended consequence in maintaining public trust and the role the media plays in conveying our messaging. This presentation will explore two interconnected topics. 1: The processes taken and lessons learned from a collection of agencies within the Mid-Atlantic region as they independently transitioned to full encryption of their land mobile radio systems. 2: Leveraging your Social Media platforms and public information specialists to overcome the radio silence, re-establish public trust and ensure your messaging remains the focal point of public information.

Learning Objectives

• Examine the planning and process for transitioning to full radio encryption
• Explore the impact on public trust and media collaboration
• Learn how to leverage agency managed social media platforms and public messaging

Officers responded to a domestic disturbance and encountered a subject armed with a rifle. The two initial responding officers had trainees with them; it was their 3rd day of FTO. During the incident, the suspect fired several rounds at the officers, striking one officer six times and another one time. The officers returned fire, injuring the suspect. I will discuss programs in place to assist us. How we handled the media, the officers involved, and the families in the aftermath, lessons learned, what training we implemented, and training completed before incidents unfolded. Also, what equipment did we purchase because of the incident, why is having good equipment critical, and what policies were changed? I will also discuss the importance of leadership and leadership training and why it is important to train every department member to understand the agency’s mission, vision, values, expectations, and leadership principles.

Learning Objectives

• Discuss and show the importance of training and how it impacted the incident and what training did we implemented post-incident
• Discuss and show the importance of equipment, researching and purchasing good equipment, including what equipment we purchased post-incident
• Discuss and show the importance of leadership and leadership training and how it impacted the officers response as well as dealing issues post shooting

Deputy Chief AJ DeAndrea (Retired) was in a leadership role in three school shootings that changed the fabric of American society and police response to active shootings around the world. He takes a deep dive into these tragic events and more importantly analyzes the positive things that came from them in decision making, improved tactics, and mental health practices. Joining him is his daughter, Madalena DeAndrea, who survived the Borderline Bar and Grill active shooting in Thousand Oaks, CA in 2018. Now a Senior Manager of Strategic Projects, Recovery, and Resiliency for Jeffco Public Schools, she shares how the protective factors she learned growing up helped save her life and her journey of post-traumatic growth. AJ and Madalena share their Eight Pillars which can assist in preventing an active shooting from occurring or help stop and manage them more effectively if one is to occur.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the tactical decision making matrix, “P.I.E.” (Priorities, Intel, & Environment) and be able to apply it to real world situations
• Understand the Eight Pillars of awareness and preparation that can help prevent active shootings from occurring or help stop and manage them more effectively if one occurs
• Create a resilient and positive mental health culture in their agency and apply protective factors to their day to day life and the lives of their colleagues and loved ones to make them more resilient in the aftermath of trauma

This session will highlight the present state and the future directions of the FBI National Academy Program. Discussion of recent achievements as well as expected near- and long-term directions of the National Academy Program will be shared and discussed. These include, but are not limited to, programmatic considerations, curriculum growth and change, current and future partnerships, as well as evolving post graduate opportunities. Lastly, input from attendees will be sought as to possible avenues that both the FBI and the FBINAA may wish to consider in the future.

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of law enforcement, command leaders play a pivotal role in guiding investigative teams toward greater efficiency and accuracy. This session explores how modern investigative units can benefit from advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, data outsourcing, and historical data analysis. Discover the transformative potential of AI algorithms to uncover hidden patterns, how outsourced data can broaden investigative scope, and the power of historical data to provide layered insights. Tailored for command leadership, this presentation delivers actionable strategies for integrating these advancements into your team’s workflow, ensuring your unit stays ahead in a complex digital environment.

Learning Objectives

• Identify how AI can enhance investigative strategies and inform command decision-making by uncovering covert patterns
• Outline practical approaches for incorporating outsourced data sources to expand investigative capabilities and team effectiveness
• Develop a framework for leveraging historical data to enrich analysis and provide comprehensive perspectives in complex cases

Most executive leadership courses cover the same subjects: accountability, delegation, discipline, ethics, decision-making, etc. Few of these courses examine the “soft arts” of leadership: EI, self-awareness, introspection, and ego suppression. My presentation establishes that when a leader self-examine themselves through the use of a truthful lens, AKA the “mirror,” they will exponentially strengthen their leadership qualities and build meaningful connections with their subordinates. The class teaches the participants how to gain self-awareness, introspection, and ego suppression using practical exercises designed to gain inner truth and candidly assess their strengths and weaknesses. From this new point of honesty and ultimate self-accountability, the student will be able to inspire and effectively lead their teams.

Learning Objectives

• Learn the Value of Self-Awareness, Introspection, and Ego Suppression in Leadership
• Understand How to Use Written and Verbal Exercises to Gain Self-Awareness, Introspection, and Ego Suppression
• Demonstrate How These Invaluable Skills Will Exponentially Improve The Students Leadership Abilities

This session addresses a critical topic in law enforcement: the prevention of PTSD and enhancement of resilience through evidence-based training. We will present the outcomes of a clinical study on Yoga for First Responders’ (YFFR) 16-week training protocol, which has been scientifically shown to reduce PTSD symptoms, improve stress mindset, and build resilience. This approach is a proactive, preventive solution that equips officers with skills to manage stress and trauma before symptoms escalate into diagnosable PTSD. In addition to clinical data, this class connects to broader themes in officer wellness, ethical intervention, and leadership development, offering leaders an accessible, holistic tool for personnel health and operational resilience. YFFR’s protocol empowers officers to sustain high performance and develop resilience through evidence-backed methods aligned with modern wellness standards.

Learning Objectives

• Reframe Resilience Training and Address Misconceptions Understand YFFR’s research-backed approach to resilience, positioning it as an essential skill for mental and physical endurance within law enforcement
• Integrate Officer Wellness for Improved Performance and Safety Explore how YFFR’s program aligns with officer wellness initiatives, offering proactive tools for stress management and PTS(d) prevention to support long-term health
• Implement Practical, Evidence-Based Tools Gain actionable steps for adopting YFFR’s resilience training in your agency, utilizing data-supported methods and resources for both in-person and digital applicatio

This session would help attendees understand the basics of Threat Assessment and the need for having a multi discipline threat assessment team in place to work together prior to mass casualty events taking place in their jurisdiction. The attendees will leave with an understanding of who should be part of the team, how to conduct meetings, how to handle cases, and the importance of collaboration. Additionally, a model policy for the team will be discussed as will the pertinent laws regarding Threat Assessment teams and the dissemination of information. The attendee will also understand the need for confidentiality and review a model policy regarding that standard. The use of information platforms will be discussed along with team pitfalls. Participants would look at past cases to determine what they believe is the best course of action and help them develop a safety plan for the case. A question and answer period would be included at the end of the presentation.

Learning Objectives

• A basic understanding of Threat Assessment
• Realize the need for a multi discipline threat assessment team within their community
• Understand who should be part of a multi discipline threat assessment team

As FBINA graduates already know, a career in Law Enforcement presents additional and unique consequences that impact our families, our finances, our health and our future opportunities in life. This presentation focuses on those “life after law enforcement” outcomes in order to prepare both members of LE, and their significant others, so they can better understand the retirement transition, avoid pitfalls, and maximize positive possibilities. Combining their Law enforcement careers (and retirement from), plus living in LE families, with their academic and experiential backgrounds in Psychology, Education, Leadership and Resiliency, gives the instructors a great platform to facilitate others in their preparation for and transition through retirement. Several takeaway tools and ideas for consideration will be presented to the attendees.

Learning Objectives

• Understand and have a plan to tackle expected retirement challenges
• Open the aperture to the possibilities for LE retirees
• Focus on the Psychology of Network and “Community” engagement

With over 470 million connected vehicles anticipated on the road by 2025, generating about 25 gigabytes of data per hour, connected vehicle technology powered by artificial intelligence (AI) will  transform our roadways. For police, this means enhanced situational awareness and fleet efficiency. AI platforms can monitor vehicle health, predicting repair needs and reducing unexpected downtime. Likewise, connected vehicles send alerts to nearby cars, like when sudden braking is required, decreasing collision risks. The technology also strengthens response efforts. In severe weather, AI can analyze road conditions and vehicle performance, so municipalities can deploy plows and salt trucks to areas where cars are skidding. This enhances safety for officers and the public. As AI evolves, it will further streamline connected vehicle operations. This session will explore the importance of developing a strategic roadmap to maximize AI and connected vehicle technology today and in the future.

Learning Objectives

• Understand how AI-powered software platforms in connected vehicles can streamline vehicle maintenance by providing real-time performance insights, reducing admin time for officers, and enhancing vehicle reliability
• Gain a better understanding of the current capabilities of connected vehicle technology and how it will advance to support more intuitive traffic light pre-emption and reduce the likelihood of collisions
• Learn how municipalities can leverage connected vehicle data to monitor road conditions and proactively manage road safety, ultimately reducing accident response times and empowering officers to focus more on community engagement

“Living Through the Lens of Trauma” is an exploration of the various forms of trauma that law enforcement officers encounter, from critical incidents and personal loss to the cumulative stress of daily duties. This course delves into how trauma shapes our perceptions, behaviors, and emotional responses, often influencing decision-making in high-pressure situations. Participants will learn to recognize these patterns and develop strategies to regain control, fostering resilience and healthier responses in both their professional and personal lives. The session emphasizes practical tools for managing trauma’s impact, promoting mental well-being, and enhancing overall effectiveness in the field.

Learning Objectives

• Attendees will be able to identify the different traumas faced by law enforcement on a daily basis
• Attendees will be able to identify how trauma shapes our perceptions, behaviors, and emotional responses
• Attendees will be given multiple mindfulness and mental health techniques to work through each trauma and take a proactive step for their mental health

With law enforcement facing staffing shortages and growing public expectations, Real Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) are transforming how agencies operate. RTCCs serve as the information hubs of public safety technology, enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement by providing precise, actionable intelligence in real time. This session will offer a deep dive into how to build an RTCC tailored to your agency’s unique needs, using an incremental approach we call “crawl, walk, run.” Attendees will learn about lessons from Cobb County’s award-winning RTCC and best practices gathered from national and international experience. Additionally, the session will explore the future of RTCCs, emphasizing interagency cooperation to complete the bigger puzzle of public safety. Whether you are starting from scratch or looking to optimize your existing operations, this session is essential for those wanting to shape the future of policing.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the key components and technology of Real Time Crime Centers and how they can serve as a force multiplier to overcome staffing shortages and meet increasing public expectations
• Learn how to build an RTCC from the ground up, using a scalable approach that evolves with your agency’s needs through the “crawl, walk, run” methodology
• Explore the future of RTCCs, including regionalization and interagency cooperation, to promote data sharing and more effective law enforcement across jurisdictions

In this session, we will explore the vital role of innovative leadership in adapting to rapidly evolving technological landscapes. A key highlight will be the poignant story of Alicia Kozakiewicz, a motivational speaker and missing persons advocate whose experiences as an abduction survivor illustrate the profound impact of crime on individuals and communities. Participants will learn how law enforcement executives can leverage digital tools to enhance crime prevention and resolution while fostering collaboration and continuous learning. The session will also cover insights into data analytics, community engagement, and strategies for emerging challenges. We will delve into case studies that highlight best practices for leading diverse teams and embracing a victim-centered approach in investigations. By the end, participants will gain actionable strategies to drive meaningful change, contributing to safer communities in the digital age.

Learning Objectives

• Leverage Technology for Increasing Solve Rates: Attendees will demonstrate how to effectively utilize digital tools, partnerships and data analytics to enhance crime-solving efforts and foster community support and engagement
• Understand Innovative Leadership: Participants will articulate the key characteristics of innovative leadership and its importance in navigating the challenges of solving minor and major criminal investigations in the digital age
• Implement a Victim-Centered Approach: Participants will identify best practices for integrating a victim-centered mindset in criminal investigations and team leadership, promoting empathy and support for victims while improving outcomes for victims and law enforcement

This session provides an overview of leadership principles codified from direct experience working in the U. S. Secret Service. It will provide insight into a true definition and view of Leadership. The session will review the twelve leadership principles derived from Michael Richardson’s firsthand accounts working in the Secret Service. Each principle will be defined to provide an understanding of how the principles enhance and foster organizational success.  The session will outline how the leadership principles should be applied to incidents. Michael will share from his published work. In reviewing the incident(s), Michael will elicit audience feedback to analyze the incidents/video(es) applying the defined leadership principles. Michael will probe the audience to elicit leadership thought. Audience members will be asked to provide example of enhancements that could be implemented or applied to their organizations that could enhance or improve the operation of their organization.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the meaning of leadership and be enlightened to leadership principles that are necessary for successful organizational operations and community engagement
• Ability to analyze actual incident(s) which may include video accounts to gain an understand how the leadership principle(s) should be applied
• Ability to explain how they can apply the reviewed leadership principles to their organizations

Vulnerable Person Registries have been promoted by both the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. The Town of Colonie made enhancements to these programs that are inexpensive and pair with an agency’s existing Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems and Geographic Information System (GIS). Responding officers are able to enter crisis intervention scenes equipped with critical rapport building information. Instead of relying upon individual officer memory retention, the police department integrated the Vulnerable Person Registry information into a system police personnel use every day: Computer Aided Dispatch. Officers are provided with calming methods and triggers along with a photograph of the vulnerable person. A vulnerable person layer was also added to dispatcher maps to aid in cases of vulnerable persons who are prone to wander. Attendees will learn how to implement a similar program in their agency.

Learning Objectives

• Identify the importance that pre-arrival information has for officers in tense crisis situations
• Identify the steps to building a vulnerable person registry for their agency
• Identify the key community stakeholders for successful implementation