2024 NSA SEMINAR SESSIONS
Thursday, June 26th
Removing Law Enforcment Leaders for the Disciplinary Process
8:00am – 9:00am | Room 201 | future of law enforcement
Coming to a community near you: Police Accountability Boards, Civilian Charging committees and citizen led trial boards.
Learn how Maryland went backwards in their haste to pass “Police Reform. In their race to be first; the State of Maryland has completely revamped the disciplinary process for Law Enforcement Officers and have largely removed police leaders from deciding punishment for the men and women of their respective agencies. Director of Legislative Affairs Erik Robey; will discuss the process the Maryland Legislature went through to pass these drastic changes. He will discuss the function of the Police Accountability Boards, Administrative Charging committee and citizen led trial boards. Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler; will discuss the impact the law has had on administering discipline and the significant challenges and time constraints on investigations because of the new process. Attorney Mellisa Lambert; will discuss gaps in the current law that allow for inconsistent interpretation of discipline due to different processes established in each jurisdiction and the lack of uniformity.
PRESENTERS: Sheriff Jeff Gahler, Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Melissa Lambert, Harford County Sheriff’s Office
2024 Grant Funding Forecast for Public Safety Technology
8:00am – 9:00am | Room 202 | public safety
Looking for alternate ways to fund your agency’s next technology deployment? Please join us to discuss the grant funding landscape for large, small, rural, and tribal agencies, as well as how to justify the inclusion of equipment in a proposal.
PRESENTER: Shannon Day, Senior Grants Development Consultant, Grants Office, LLC
Shannon Day is a Senior Grants Development Consultant for Grants Office, LLC, heading the state and local government team, specializing in public safety. In that role, she supports organizations in their pursuit of funding for various public safety and emergency response initiatives. Shannon’s education in information science and her 16 years of experience working in the public safety sector gives her an insider’s perspective in the pursuit of grant funding.
Take It Down: Disrupting the circulation of images of child sexual exploitation
8:00am – 9:00am | Room 203 | public safety
This seminar will share advice sheriff’s offices can give to sexual exploitation survivors and their families on removing explicit content from the internet, what resources are available, instructions for reporting images or videos directly to the tech companies and through NCMEC’s “Take It Down” initiative; NCMEC resources that may help survivors recover from child sexual exploitation; how to use NCMEC’s CyberTipline public reporting platform; how reports are processed and made available to sheriff’s offices; and how sheriffs can use the CyberTipline Web Banner on their agency website to share a link to NCMEC’s CyberTipline.
PRESENTER: Alfred Miller, Senior Program Manager, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Alfred “Fred” Miller served over 40 years in county law enforcement. During that time his assignments included crimes against children investigator; communications, patrol shift supervisor, training supervisor, accreditation manager, and command level assignments in all divisions as Public Safety Communications Director, Criminal Justice Training Academy Director and Deputy CID Commander overseeing Special Victims, Internet Crimes Against Children, Digital Forensics and Missing Children investigations. Fred retired from law enforcement in January 2019 and is the Senior Manager of Training Programs for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). He managed the 2021 revision of NCMEC’s Model Law-Enforcement Policy and Procedures for Reports of Missing and Abducted Children. Fred was co-chair of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International (APCO) workgroup for the 2022 revision of the APCO ANSI Standard for Public Safety Telecommunicators When Responding to Calls of Missing, Abducted and Sexually Exploited Children and member of the workgroup for the 2022 revision of the IACP Law Enforcement Policy Center Model Policy on Missing Persons. He serves on the IACP Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Committee, and currently is a member of the workgroup revising the IACP Model Policy on Missing Children. His professional active memberships include the National Sheriffs Association, IACP, APCO and the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST). Since 1996, Fred has served as a contracted Assessment Team leader for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
Enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of investigations through national FBI systems
8:00am – 9:00am | Room 204
The FBI CJIS Division offers services to enhance criminal investigation and intelligence operations. CJIS services contain a vast amount of data that can help identify subjects, discover information, locate persons, and provide information for domain awareness. The services that will be discussed has and continues to assist with many investigations with convictions and arrests. The following FBI CJIS Division programs will be discussed: the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, the Officer Safety Awareness Training (OSAT), the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), the National Threat Operations Section (NTOS), National Data Exchange (N-DEx), and the Law Enforcement Enterprise Portal (LEEP).
The NCIC is a system of documented criminal justice information available to law enforcement and criminal justice agencies nationwide, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The goal of the NCIC System is to assist law enforcement in apprehending fugitives, locating missing persons, and identifying stolen property. This goal includes investigative intelligence pertaining to gangs, domestic and foreign terrorist, and individuals who pose a physical threat to law enforcement and criminal justice personnel. Overall, the NCIC systems contains 22 files. One specific file, the Violent Person File (VPF), was implemented in 2012 as a mechanism to provide law enforcement officers the individual they’ve encountered has the propensity of violence to law enforcement or criminal justice community. Participation in the VPF is voluntary; however, it is vital as a VPF record can ultimately assist in reducing the number of officers killed or assaulted in the line of duty.
The FBI UCR Crime Data Explorer (CDE) aims to provide transparency, create easier access, and expand awareness of criminal, and noncriminal, law enforcement data sharing; improve accountability for law enforcement; and provide a foundation to help shape public policy with the result of a safer nation. Use the CDE to discover available data through visualizations, download data in .csv format, and other large data files.
PRESENTER: Nicky Megna, Unit Chief, FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS), Law Enforcement Engagement Unit and Designated Federal Officer (DFO), CJIS Advisory Policy Board, FBI CJIS
Mr. Nicky J. Megna serves as the Unit Chief of the FBI CJIS Division’s Law Enforcement Engagement Unit (LEEU).
Mr. Megna supervises the division’s liaison activities and communications with the law enforcement community that promote the effective use of CJIS-managed systems and programs that promote officer and public safety.
In addition, Mr. Megna has served as the DFO for the FBI CJIS APB since June 2019, when he was appointed by the FBI Director to serve as the management official responsible for coordinating all APB activities. The APB is chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, and reviews appropriate strategy, policy, technical, and operational issues to provide recommendations to the FBI Director on CJIS Services. Mr. Megna also serves as an advisor to the FBI and law enforcement community.
Prior to this assignment, he served as the Unit Chief of the Programs Research and Standards Unit where he was responsible for advancing the adoption of biometric and identity management solutions within the FBI and the criminal justice community. His research, development, evaluation, and standards efforts have included the Electronic Biometric Transmission Specification, Universal Latent Workstation Software, fingerprint image compression, biometric algorithms, and the FBI’s Iris and facial recognition pilots.
Mr. Megna was assigned as a Unit Chief within the 1.2-billion-dollar Next Generation Identification (NGI) project from 2010-2014. He served as the transition manager for the NGI Advanced Fingerprint Identification Technology implementation. He also led an array of NGI trade studies, pilots, prototypes, and transitions to include the FBI’s Repository of Individuals of Special Concern, face recognition, and iris Search capabilities.
Mr. Megna served as a functional expert during the operational testing and deployment of the FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) in the late 1990s, and has worked closely with federal, state, local, and tribal criminal justice agencies to implement CJIS Division systems to include the IAFIS and National Crime Information Center. He served as the FBI’s lead supporting the development and implementation of Department of Defense Automated Biometric Identification System in the early 2000s.
Mr. Megna entered on duty with the FBI in July 1996 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Fairmont State University with a minor in psychology and emphasis in law enforcement.
Paradigm Shift: The Growing Threat Posed by Chinese Money Laundering Organizations
8:00AM – 9:00AM | Room 205 AB | Public safety
In response to the emerging threat Chinese money laundering organizations (CMLOs) pose to our nation’s security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) recently established the Cross-Border Financial Crime Center (CBFCC) – a public-private partnership – to strengthen the United States’ anti-money laundering framework. The CBFCC convenes domestic law enforcement agencies, partner nation authorities, financial institutions, and financial technology companies to support the prosecution, disruption, and dismantlement of Mexican cartels, CMLOs, and other criminal actors engaged in illicit cross-border financial activity.
This seminar will focus on the rise of CMLOs operating throughout the United States, and how Mexican cartels and other transnational criminal organizations increasingly rely on CMLOs to move, conceal, and launder billions of dollars of criminal proceeds. CMLOs represent one of the most worrisome new threats in combating transnational organized crime. Virtually unheard less than a decade ago, CMLOs – comprising small cells of Chinese visa holders, lawful permanent residents, and U.S. citizens – have become one of the dominate actors in laundering money within the United States. These networks, many with suspected associations with Fujian Organized Crime groups, have become key cogs in the multi-billion-dollar criminal empires run by Mexican cartels and other transnational criminal organizations. The actions of CMLOs enable the deadly flow of fentanyl across our southern border to continue, levying lethal consequences on everyday Americans. Using case studies and compelling vignettes, HSI’s CBFCC will describe how CMLOs use complex money laundering schemes, such as underground banking, to move vast sums of dirty money quickly, cheaply, and quietly. Attendees will gain insights from the CBFCC into the increasingly challenging threat environment, including investigative ramifications for law enforcement agencies throughout the United States.
PRESENTER: Brian Davis, Director, Cross-Border Financial Crime Center, DHS/Homeland Security Investigations
Brian S. Davis currently serves as the Director of the Cross-Border Financial Crime Center for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the principal investigative component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). HSI investigates, disrupts, and dismantles transnational criminal organizations and terrorist networks that threaten or seek to exploit the customs and immigration laws of the United States.
In his current role Mr. Davis leads agency efforts to support the prosecution, disruption, and dismantlement of illicit finance networks; strengthen the financial and fintech industries against illicit activity; and enhance communication between government and private sector partners. Prior to this assignment, Mr. Davis worked in the Office of the Executive Associate Director where he led HSI’s Congressional Program and overall engagement with the United States Congress. Mr. Davis began his federal law enforcement career in 1999 and has since held a variety of leadership positions within HSI, including as the Deputy Chief of Staff, HSI Attaché in The Hague, Netherlands, and HSI Attaché in Brussels, Belgium.
Mr. Davis has extensive experience with conducting and leading complex criminal investigations and operations, including those involving money laundering; terrorism finance; bank fraud and wire fraud violations; technology proliferation; intellectual property theft; and the smuggling of humans, weapons, bulk currency, narcotics, and other contraband. Mr. Davis also served as a DHS Fellow to the U.S. Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations where he authored a 150-page investigative report in 2020, The Art Industry and U.S. Policies that Undermine Sanctions, that identified legislative gaps and vulnerabilities that enabled Russian oligarchs to evade and abet U.S. economic sanctions.
Mr. Davis is a Certified Anti-Money Specialist (CAMS) and graduated with High Honors from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.
Center for internet security (cis)
8:00AM – 10:00AM | Room 206 AB | Law Enforcement Tech
This collaboration is designed to enhance the cybersecurity capabilities of our sheriff’s offices by providing cutting-edge tools and assessment support. This comprehensive workshop will provide guidance and recommendations detailing insights following the completion of a Cyber Security Assessment Tool (CSAT) assessment. This session will also provide tailored solutions to meet the unique cybersecurity needs of sheriff’s offices. As well as an overview of specific threats currently facing law enforcement from cyberspace.
PRESENTERS: Dave Beaudoin, CSAT/ cybersecurity Specialist, Casey Cannon, Cyber Threat Analyst, and Jason P Houser
future of law enforcement
9:15AM – 10:15AM | Room 201 | future of law enforcement
Every Law Enforcement agency depends on the Critical Infrastructure [Water treatment, Waste Removal, Hospitals and Emergency services, Communications and Transportation] to function properly. It is up to our sheriffs, with their vast areas of jurisdiction, to be able to identify the serious threats to the most sensitive parts of the Critical Infrastructure. That is why we have prepared this break-out to share this vital information of this evolving perspective in Law Enforcement.
PRESENTERS: Clare Lopez, Counterterrorism Director, Task Force on National & Homeland Security, David Cserep, Sheriff (ret.), Security Analyst, All Secure Group, and Thomas J. Holiday: Oklahoma, Director, Task Force on National and Homeland Security.
Clare M. Lopez is Founder/President of Lopez Liberty LLC, w/a mission to alert Americans to national security threats, both international & from the Islamic Movement/Muslim Brotherhood & their Marxist collaborators in this country. She supported former Acting ICE Director Tom Homan & Tom Trento at Defend the Border/The United West & was an instructor for John Guandolo’s Understanding the Threat “Into Action” program & its online National Security Academy. In mid[1]2023, Lopez offered expertise as national security advisor to U.S. Presidential candidate Bishop E.W. Jackson. She is also senior advisory board member & Director of U.S. Geostrategic Security Issues for Near East Center for Strategic Engagement. She served as advisor/mentor to Special Forces students in a fall 2020 DoD course. From 2014-2020, Lopez served as VP for Research & Analysis at the Center for Security Policy. In 2016, she was named to Sen. Ted Cruz’s presidential campaign national security advisory team.
From 2013-2016, Lopez served as a member of the Citizens’ Commission on Benghazi & continues as a member of the Citizens’ Commission on National Security. Formerly VP of the Intelligence Summit, she was a career operations officer with the CIA, professor at Centre for Counterintelligence & Security Studies, Executive Director of the Iran Policy Committee from 2005-2006 & has served as a consultant, instructor, intelligence analyst & researcher for a variety of defense firms. She was named a 2011 Lincoln Fellow at the Claremont Institute.
In Feb 2012, Ms. Lopez was named a member of the Congressional Task Force on National & Homeland Security, which focuses on the Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP) threat & serves as its Director for Counterterrorism. She has served as a member of the Boards of Advisors/Directors for the Center for Democracy & Human Rights in Saudi Arabia, the United West & Voice of the Copts. She has been a Visiting Researcher & guest lecturer on counterterrorism, national defense & international relations at Georgetown University. Ms. Lopez is a regular contributor to a range of media on China, Russia, Iran & the Middle East. She is the co-author of two published books on Iran, author of multiple book chapters plus numerous articles on China & its civilian-military fusion Biological Weapons program. She is the author of The Rise of the Iran Lobby & co[1]author/editor of CSP’s Team B II study, Shariah: The Threat to America as well as The Tiger Team’s The Secure Freedom Strategy: A Plan for Victory Over the Global Jihad Movement. She co-authored Gulen & the Gulenist Movement w/CSP’s VP for Outreach, Christopher Holton, See No Shariah: ‘Countering Violent Extremism & the Disarming of America’s First Line of Defense with Frank Gaffney, CSP’s past President & is both editor & co-author of the Center’s Ally No More: Erdogan’s New Turkish Caliphate & the Rising Jihadist Threat to the West. She has contributed chapters to “Barack Obama’s True Legacy”, edited by Jamie Glazov & Elizabeth Sabbaditsch Wolff’s 2019 book, “The Truth is No Defense”.
Lopez received a B.A. in Communications & French from Notre Dame College of Ohio & an M.A. in International Relations from the Maxwell School of Syracuse University. She completed Marine Corps Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Quantico, Virginia before declining a military commission to join the CIA.
David Cserep II is the Security Analyst for All Secure Group LLC. Dave is a retired County Sheriff serving 36 years in law enforcement. As Sheriff, Dave has served on the board of Directors and 2nd Vice President for the Indiana Sheriffs Association. His early Law Enforcement work included areas of K-9 officer x 2, Under-Cover Narcotics officer, Patrol Corporal and Patrol Sergeant. He served as the Domestic Violence Liaison coordinator, Firearms Instructor and Generalist Indiana Law Enforcement Academy instructor.
Dave is a retired US Army Reserve Major, early on serving on active duty with the US Air Force, then moving on to the US Army Reserve, Military Police Corp serving 20 years. After September 11, 2001, he was mobilized to Fort Hood, Texas until September 2002. His list of deployments includes Guantanamo Bay Cuba (Logistics Officer) 2003, Iraq (Assistant Brigade G3 and then Iraqi High Tribunal Commander)2007, and Afghanistan (Provost Marshal for 4 forward operating bases in Afghanistan)2010.
Dave specializes in evaluating security of facilities, Safe Air Space counter drone operations and layering security for optimal protection while keeping freedom of movement as necessary, being mindful of location esthetics, décor or historical value.
As Sheriff and as US Army Commander, Dave understands open negotiation and dialog are critical to achieve any objective and understanding the client’s needs. He successfully negotiated out-sourcing Iraq prisoner meals on behalf of the U.S. Government and Government of Iraq. He negotiated DeKalb County Community Corrections offender admittance program with the Board of Directors and three county judges. As Sheriff, he negotiated with All Secure Group a contract with the DeKalb County Commissioners which had lingered for 3 years, now completed in 6 months.
Dave is a graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, Instructor, and Firearms Instructor. In 1997 he graduated Indiana University Ft. Wayne with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public and Environmental Affairs. In 2009, Dave received his diploma from U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth Kansas, in military art and science.
Thomas J. Holiday has 49 years of full-time employment in the Electromagnetic Spectrum for U.S. Communications Industry at Radio and TV stations in Ohio, Florida, Texas, California, and Oklahoma. Missions involved improving the performance of licensed Broadcast properties for greater profitability, and better service to community. He has expertise in recruiting talent, team building, retaining talent, FCC license renewal, create & produce programs to enhance image, build morale, establish greater service to community and enhance station profitability. He has a mission to ensure that Oklahoma’s population is protected from threats to any of our 16 critical infrastructures necessary for life: Water and Wastewater systems, Electric Power Grid, Food & Agriculture, Emergency Services, Communications, Healthcare, Financial Services, Dams, Transportation, Information, Materials & Waste, and Government Facilities.
Emerging Threats CBRNE for Law Enforcement
9:15AM – 10:15AM | Room 202 | public safety
This workshop offers a comprehensive examination of operational challenges in managing Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) incidents at the state and local levels. Through case studies and discussions, attendees will explore the evolution of terrorism, the historical context of law enforcement involvement in HAZMAT incidents, and national directives guiding response efforts. Emphasis will be placed on Incident Command System protocols, equipment procurement, and the implementation of an all-hazards approach. By the end of the session, participants will have refreshed their understanding of operational complexities and gained insights into enhancing preparedness and response strategies within their respective jurisdictions.
PRESENTER: Doug Huffmaster, Manager of CBRNE Customer Success, 908 Devices, and Bruce Gentner, Manager of State and Local Law Enforcement Customer Success, 908 Devices
Douglas G. Huffmaster, a retired LVMPD Police Sergeant with over 30 years of operational experience, specializes in coordinating, performing, and commanding multi-agency operations related to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) incidents. With an extensive background, Doug is a combat veteran with 11 years of service in the U.S. Army, serving as a Nuclear Biological, and Chemical Non-commissioned Officer in the 82nd Airborne Division and the 1st Ranger Battalion. He holds certifications as a Hazmat Technician, Confined Space Rescue Technician, Tactical Explosive Breacher, and is an FBI certified Bomb Technician. Doug served as a Detective in the ARMOR task force, ultimately retiring as the Sergeant of the team in 2017. Currently, he serves as the Manager of CBRNE Customer Success for 908 Devices.
Bruce Gentner is the Manager of State and Local LE Customer Succes for 908 Devices. Bruce worked for 24+ years in Law Enforcement and retired from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in a variety of assignments including patrol, narcotics and on several federal drug task forces. Bruce has provided training to numerous law enforcement agencies and professional groups, both domestically and internationally. Bruce worked over 18 years as a case agent and undercover detective, Bruce has extensive experience in night clubs and club drug investigations, as well as investigating and instructing in numerous Clandestine Methamphetamine Labs, Marijuana Grow productions and Fentanyl/Pharmaceutical/Synthetic Drug operations. Bruce has also worked on a HIDTA Interdiction and DEA Task Force as well as with FBI, HSI and Nevada Gaming. Bruce is the Executive Director and Past President of NNOA (Nevada Narcotics Officers Association) and has held the post of Director of Government Affairs. He was the founder of NEFN (Narcotics Education Foundation of Nevada). Both non-profit organizations bring training and education on Identification and Recognition of Narcotics to Nevada law enforcement and the Las Vegas community on narcotics related issues and events.
Harnessing Leadership Wisdom: The Crucial Role of Coaching for Sheriff’s Executives
9:15AM – 10:15AM | Room 203 | leadership
With the changing public safety landscape, executive staff in leadership roles need development and consistent, up to date, real world learning to navigate today’s complex environments. Honing leadership skills not only enhances individual potential but also fosters a culture of innovation, competence, and adaptability on teams and in organizations. In this session, participants will learn the critical role leadership coaching plays in driving growth, fostering collaboration, increasing employee retention and navigating challenges. Participants will also learn the difference between mentoring and coaching, the value of receiving specialized guidance in the form of seasoned sheriffs who work behind the scenes and at the sides of executive staff, and how a coach can guide a sheriff’s executive staff in a structured way so they achieve the outcomes they seek.
PRESENTERS: Jerald Monahan, Director of Justice Studies, Yavapai College Justice Institute
Jerald Monahan has served the public safety community for over four decades, including leadership positions as the Chief Deputy of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, the Chief of Police for the City of Apache Junction and Prescott and service as the Chief of Police for the Yavapai Community College District. Chief Monahan currently serves as the Associate Director of Operations for the National Center for the Prevention of Community Violence and Associate Director of Training and Business Development for the Kipper Group. Chief Monahan is also the current Program Director of the Administration of Justice Studies (AJS) program at Yavapai College. As the AJS program director, he oversees the operation of the Northern Arizona Regional Training Academy (NARTA) which is located on the Yavapai College Prescott Campus.
In addition to those leadership positions, Chief Monahan has served as the Chairperson for the Arizona Governor’s Commission to Prevent Violence Against Women; the Board President for End Violence Against Women International; the Board Chair for the Community Alliance Against Family Abuse and the President of the Arizona Police Chiefs Association. Chief Monahan served as an advisor/counselor, instructor and interim director of the Central Arizona Regional Law Officer’s Training Academy in Coolidge Arizona from 1992 to 2002.
Chief Monahan continues to train and consult both nationally and internationally on topics related to preventing domestic and sexual violence, leadership in public and private organizations, 1st responder wellness and criminal justice reform related issues.
Chief Monahan holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Administration both from Grand Canyon University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the 230th Session.
Find funding for Impactful Programs (Show me the money)
9:15AM – 10:15AM | Room 204 | jail operations
Our County Jails have become the de facto substance abuse and mental health treatment centers without obvious and readily available resources. Finding the funds for intensive addiction and mental health programs has become crucial. With the opioid epidemic moving from OxyContin to Fentanyl and killing 107,325 American in 2022, the need has become even more urgent. In this presentation we discuss exactly how we broke barriers to access funds and examine the types of programs, outcome reporting, screening, and engagement that captures the attention of participants and meets requirements for funding.
PRESENTERS: Scott Wisenbaker, Founder & Executive Director, Solutions of North Texas, Jeff Davis, Captain, CID, Solutions of North Texas
Scott Wisenbaker is a Speaker, Author, and Founding Executive Director of Solutions of North Texas. (SONTX) Clean and sober since 1995, Scott has worked in the addiction field since 1997. In 2006 he saw the need for a unique approach to fighting addiction on a community level and a robust Re-Entry program to reintegrate men and women recovering from addiction back into the community and founded Solutions of North Texas. In 2023 he launched a 12-week intensive addiction recovery & re-entry program for county jails and became a partner of I.G.N.I.T.E. through the National Sheriff’s Association.
Captain Jeff Davis is a U.S. Army Veteran, serving in Desert Storm/Shield, and has law enforcement experience from 1997-Present. Captain Jeff Davis has participated as a Special Federal Officer (Northern Drug Squad) with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Task Force Officer (Bulk Currency Initiative) with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Special Deputy U.S. Marshal with the United States Marshal’s Service (USMS). Captain Davis is a founding member of the North Texas High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Group (HIDTA) and is deemed an expert witness in Narcotics Smuggling, Storage, and Distribution Techniques.
Captain Davis has been awarded Police Officer of the Year, National VFW Narcotics Officer of the Year in 2003 and the FBI Golden Eagle Award in 2003. Captain Davis received the Cooperative Effort Award (ONDCP) in 2003 from the Office of the President of the United States under President George W. Bush.
Beyond Search and Rescue — How to leverage apex predator behavior in the search for evidence in long-term-missing cases and cold-case murders in wilderness areas
10:30AM – 11:30am | Room 201 | future of law enforcement
This PowerPoint-based seminar will describe how search and rescue operators and investigators can leverage the behavior of local apex predators — Nature’s K-9s, such as the bear, wolf, cougar, bobcat, coyote, fox, dog, etc. — to locate physical evidence (human remains, biological evidence, clothing, gear, etc.) in unsolved long-term-missing (LTM) persons cases and cold-case murders in wilderness areas.
PRESENTER: Michael Neiger, Lead Investigator, Michigan Backcountry Search and Rescue (MibSAR), Long Range Special Operations Group (LRSOG)
Michael Neiger was a Det./Sgt. with Michigan State Police, 26 years. He is the founder and Lead Investigator with Michigan Backcountry Search and Rescue’s (MibSAR) Long Range Special Operations Group (LRSOG), which investigates unsolved long-term-missing (LTM) persons cases and cold-case murders in the remote bush between the Upper Great Lakes in the US and the Arctic Ocean in Ontario, Canada, 16 years. Certified as a SAR TECH 1 and Crew Leader by the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR). Author of the Missing-Person Sourcebook: A How-To Manual for Families Searching for a Missing or Murdered Loved One — Best Practices from the World’s Top Experts (2022). Ph.D. from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.
How BWCs Can Help Address the Unique Challenges Facing Law Enforcement In Small and Rural Communities
10:30AM – 11:30am | Room 202 | rural and small agency
Small and rural police agencies have recently begun to plan and use body-worn cameras in their jurisdictions. Panelists will describe their challenges and successes in implementing their BWC programs. Sheriff’s from Hot Springs, WY and Morton, ND will discuss issues regarding BWC policies, storage of BWC footage, and release of information to the public. Importantly, they will provide examples of success stories and challenges that will benefit other jurisdictions. Dr. Shellie Solomon, Executive Project Director of BJA’s Small, Rural and Tribal Body-Worn Camera program will facilitate.
PRESENTERS: Shellie Solomon, Ph.d., CEO/Facilitator, Justice & Security Strategies, Inc., Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier, Morton County Sheriff;s Office, ND, Sheriff Jerimie Kraushaar, Hot Springs County Sheriff’s Office, WY
Dr. Shellie Solomon is the Chief Executive Officer of Justice & Security Strategies, Inc. (JSS), a consulting firm that specializes in conducting research and evaluation issues related to criminal justice, homeland security, children and youth violence, public health, and public policy.
She currently serves as the executive project director for the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance Small, Rural and Tribal Law Enforcement Body Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program, funding over 400 agencies with micro-grants. She is also the research partner for the Miami Crime Gun Initiative Research and provides leadership on a number of Project Safe Neighborhood and Community Violence Initiative evaluation efforts. Her previous research has included projects on geospatial predictive policing, police early warning system, child support parenting time, gang intervention, mortgage fraud and collective efficacy. She has worked in over 50 law enforcement agencies across the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Trinidad and Tobago.
Dr. Shellie E. Solomon is also the President of Children of Inmates, Inc. Children of Inmates, Inc. a non-profit social service agency that transform the lives of children of inmates, enabling them to achieve happier, more productive lives. We meet them where they are, caring for them and their unique needs through family bonding, data-driven care coordination, and advocacy. Since its inception in 2007, Children of Inmates, Inc. has served over 6,000 children and 2,500 families.
Prior to joining JSS, Dr. Solomon served as a Deputy Budget Director for the U.S. Census Bureau and Senior Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of Justice. Dr. Solomon received her Ph.D. in 2019 from the University of Maastricht, Netherlands, UNU Merit Program (United Nations University – Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute). Dr. Solomon’s dissertation, Neighborhoods Matter, adopts geostatistical methods from the physical sciences to examine neighborhood functioning as related to crime and housing at the micro-level. She also holds a M.S. from the University of Rochester in Public Policy Analysis and a B.A. in Economics with Highest Honors from the University of Oklahoma.
Kyle Kirchmeier, Morton County Sheriff., was elected in Nov 2014 and took over the duties of Sheriff on January 1, 2015.
Kyle has been involved in Law Enforcement in one way or another since 1982, and was a member of the ND National Guard 191st MP Unit. He has worked as a small-town police officer, correctional officer and field deputy. Was a member of the North Dakota Highway Patrol for 29 years and retired as a Captain and Commander of the SW Region. He has over 5,000 hours of post certified training hours. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a graduate of Northwestern University Staff and Command.
Kyle is married and has one adult son, daughter in-law & two grandchildren.
Jerimie Kraushaar is the Sheriff of Hot Springs County Sheriff’s Office located in Thermopolis, Wyoming. Jerimie was elected Sheriff in 2018 and is now serving his second term as Sheriff. Prior to becoming Sheriff, Jerimie started his career as a Patrol Deputy and then was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2010. Jerimie was the first Sheriff in the United States to be a Certified Drug Recognition Expert after obtaining his certification in 2014. Jerimie along with his full staffing of 4 Patrol Deputies are tasked with patrolling the 2004 square miles of Hot Springs County, which include the towns of Thermopolis and Kirby, WY along with large expanses of high plains desert and high altitude forested mountains. Due to staffing Jerimie and his deputies are required to be self-sufficient while on patrol and do use audio/video technology whenever possible.
Why people leave and why they stay: Insights from a national study of retention
10:30AM – 11:30am | Room 203 | recruitment, retention, & training
Despite much of the focus paid to recruitment of new officers, much less focus is being placed on developing strategies to keep good people and to target retention in sheriff’s agencies. Little is known about why law enforcement officers leave, where they go, whether or not they stay in law enforcement, and what strategies to keep good people actually work. This seminar presents results of a national study which examines reasons for current and former law enforcement officers leaving – and staying in – the profession. Discussion includes variables which have been identified as reasons for people leaving, whether or not they leave law enforcement entirely or just switch agencies, and whether or not solutions to offset voluntary turnover in law enforcement are viable given the current economic and hiring climate.
PRESENTERS: Charlie Scheer, Associate Professor, The University of Southern Mississippi, Sheriff Steve Rushing, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Detective Benjamin Ford, Criminal Investigations Unit, Gulfport Police Department, MS
Dr. Charlie Scheer is an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at The University of Southern Mississippi. His research specializations are police workforce management, police training, and police leadership pathways. His research has been published in Police Quarterly, Policing: An International Journal, Justice Research and Policy, and Police Practice and Research. He has provided briefings and testimony at academic and professional conferences such as the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement & Administration of Justice, International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference, FBI National Academy Associates, and Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Conference on Recruitment and Retention. He is also a sworn sheriff’s deputy.
Sheriff Steve Rushing is a native of Lincoln County, graduated West Lincoln School in 1991, Co-Lin Community College in 1993, and University of Southern Mississippi in 1996 with a degree in criminal justice.
Began working for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office in June 1996, was appointed as Sheriff in September 2006. Elected 5 times as Sheriff and currently serving as Sheriff of Lincoln County. Served twice as President of the Mississippi Sheriff’s Association and is a lifetime member of the National Sheriff’s Association.
Detective Benjamin Ford has worked for the Gulfport (MS) Police Department since 2018. He is currently in the criminal investigations unit where he has served for over 1 year. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and has been accepted to their Fall 2024 conference as a presenter on the subject of leadership preparation and succession planning. He was awarded the HCLETA Blue Heart award in 2018, and has been Gulfport Police Department Officer of the Quarter in 2022. His research interests are in the subject of retention where he has assisted with a federally funded grant on the subject of personnel retention trends.
Tools to Recognize and Combat Human Trafficking
10:30AM – 11:30am | Room 204 | Future of Law Enforcement
The DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) is the first unified, inter-component coordination center for countering human trafficking and the importation of goods produced with forced labor. Led by DHS’ Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the CCHT integrates the efforts of every component within DHS involved in combating human trafficking. DHS efforts range across criminal investigations, victim assistance, identifying and reporting human trafficking, external outreach, intelligence, and training federal, state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement partners. The CCHT better equips and positions DHS to accomplish and improve every aspect of its counter human trafficking efforts. Our presentation will provide a comprehensive review of CCHT’s capabilities as well as best practices for implementing a victim-centered approach to human trafficking investigations, forms of immigration relief available to noncitizen victims, and the Blue Campaign’s resources for bringing awareness to private industry partners.
PRESENTER: Amy Pugh, Management and Program Analyst, DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking,
Amy Pugh is a Management Program Analyst (MPA) for the Victim Protection Program at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT), led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). In this capacity Ms. Pugh promotes efforts to advance the victim-centered approach, engage survivors, and provide immigration relief for noncitizen victims through the administration of the Continued Presence program. Prior to being assigned to CCHT, Ms. Pugh was a Policy Analyst with the HSI Cyber Crimes Center, an MPA with HSI International Operations an MPA with DHS Privacy and FOIA Office and has held various other positions within the federal government. Ms. Pugh began her federal career with Department of the Army in 2002 and is a Veteran of the United States Army after proudly serving for 10 years.
Ms. Pugh holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Chamindae University, a Master of Arts in Social Work and Masters in Public Policy from George Mason University.
Recommendations from the Critical Incident Review of the Mass Casualty Incident at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas
10:30AM – 11:30AM | Room 205 AB | leadership
On May 24, 2022, an active shooter took the lives of 19 children and 2 staff members, and physically and mentally injured the survivors, the families, staff and teachers, and the community in Uvalde, Texas. At the request of Uvalde leadership, the U.S. Department of Justice established the Critical Incident Review (CIR) to conduct an independent, objective assessment of what happened that day and assess the systems in place in the weeks leading up to May 24. The goal of the CIR is to provide information to those most affected by the tragedy and to build knowledge regarding how to best respond to incidents of mass violence. This panel will present observations and recommendations from the CIR report in the areas of tactics, leadership, incident command, coordination, school safety, emergency management, public communications, pre-incident and post-incident processes, and trauma and support services.
PRESENTERS: Robert Chapman, Deputy Director, US DOJ COPS Office, Sheriff John Mina, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Rick Braziel, Chief of Police (ret.), Sacramento (California) Police Department
Rob Chapman is a Deputy Director at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), where he oversees the COPS Office training and technical assistance, demonstration project, convening, and resources and publications portfolios. He has twice received the Attorney General’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Community Partnerships for Public Safety, which recognizes DOJ employees for outstanding achievement in the development and support of community partnerships designed to address public safety within a community. Prior to Joining the COPS Office in 1996, Mr. Chapman assisted in a variety of public safety research projects and managed the legislative affairs for the Police Executive Research Forum. Mr. Chapman received his Bachelor of Arts from West Virginia University, and his Master Degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Government.
Sheriff John W. Mina has dedicated his life to public safety. He spent nearly 28 years with the Orlando Police Department, where he rose through the ranks and was appointed Chief of Police in 2014. John Mina was the Orlando Police Chief on June 12, 2016, when a gunman entered the Pulse nightclub, killing 49 people. In November 2018, Orange County voters chose Mina as the 29th elected Sheriff. He has lived in Orange County for nearly 30 years and cares deeply about this community. Sheriff Mina is a member of the Major County Sheriff’s Association, Florida Sheriff’s Association, Central Florida Criminal Justice Association, the Florida SWAT Association, the FBI National Academy Associates, and the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force. Sheriff Mina also serves on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Central Florida Crimeline, The Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida, YMCA Central Florida, Heart of Florida United Way, Operation American Dream, and the Camaraderie Foundation. Prior to entering law enforcement, Sheriff Mina proudly served his country as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia College. Sheriff Mina has completed the Southern Police Institute Command Officers Development Course and is a graduate of the 254th Session of the FBI National Academy. Sheriff Mina is also a member of the IACP Mass Violence Advisory Initiative.
Rick Braziel was a member of the Sacramento Police Department for over 33 years including five years as Chief. He is the former Inspector General for Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department. He conducts organization assessments, critical incident reviews, and instructs in team building, communication skills, community policing, and leadership. Rick is Vice Chair of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, and a guest speaker regarding critical incidents throughout the USA and Canada. He has been the lead investigator on various critical incident reviews and a team member of several others. He conducts organizational assessments and leadership development for public safety agencies across the country. Rick is co-author of the book, COP TALK: Essential Communication Skills for Community Policing. He holds a Master’s Degree in Communication from CSU Sacramento and a Master’s Degree in Security Studies from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
updates to the department of justice equitable sharing program
10:30AM – 11:30AM | Room 206 AB | Future of law enforcement
The Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and the Department of the Treasury’s Executive Office for Asset Forfeiture released the new joint Guide to Equitable Sharing for State, Local, and Tribal Law Enforcement Agencies on March 1, 2024. This seminar will cover the major changes and provide an opportunity for Q&A.
PRESENTERS: Jennifer Bickford, Chief, Program Management & Training Unit, and Matthew Colon, Deputy Chief
Jennifer Bickford is the Chief of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section’s Program Management and Training Unit where she oversees the remission and restoration of forfeited funds to victims. The Department has returned over $12 billion to victims of crime, including over $4 billion to the victims of Bernard Madoff. Additionally, Jennifer manages the Equitable Sharing Program through which over $300 million is transferred annually to state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners and ensures these partners are compliant with Program policies. She also provides advice, guidance, and training to United States Attorney’s Offices, federal seizing agencies, and state and local law enforcement regarding asset forfeiture policy and practice, victim compensation, and the Equitable Sharing Program. Jennifer joined MLARS in 2005 after graduating from Tulane Law School in New Orleans. Prior to law school, Jennifer obtained a BS in Chemistry and a BA in English from Wittenberg University in Ohio.
Matt Colon is a Deputy Chief with the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section in the Criminal Division of the United States Department of Justice. He is a nationwide expert on returning forfeited funds to victims of crime and the Department’s Equitable Sharing Program. He received numerous awards for his work, including the Attorney General’s John Marshall Award for Handling Legislation and the Assistant Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service. Prior to rejoining the Department of Justice in September 2021, Matt was an Associate Director of Huntington Bank’s National Settlement Team. Immediately prior to joining the National Settlement Team, Matt was a Senior Attorney Advisor in the Criminal Division of the United States Department of Justice. Matt began his professional career as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Columbus, Ohio. Throughout his time in both the public and private sectors, Matt has dedicated his career to helping victims of crime receive recompense for the crimes committed against them and enhancing cooperation between federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies through the Equitable Sharing Program.