2024 NSA SEMINAR SESSIONS

Tuesday, June 25th

Mexican Cartels & The Battle For Control Of Our Borders

2:00PM – 4:00PM | Room 303A | Public Safety

Prepare to uncover the chilling and unrelenting reality of Transcontinental Criminal Organizations (TCOs)—an intricate web of ruthless power, relentless violence, and devastating consequences. This seminar takes you deep into the heart of the Mexican Drug Cartels and other notorious syndicates like Tren de Aragua, exposing their stranglehold on the southern and northern borders and their relentless expansion across the United States. Witness the horrifying truth behind their dominance in the illicit drug trade, fueling a nationwide epidemic, and their chilling involvement in human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Through gripping first-hand accounts and shocking insights, you’ll confront the brutal turf wars, violent rivalries, and sinister alliances that define these organizations, including their expanding partnerships with foreign countries and known bad actors like China to flood America with lethal drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine. Discover how their reach extends into every state, leaving no community untouched by their terror. For law enforcement officers and anyone determined to combat these violent organizations and the drug epidemic, understanding the enemy is not just critical—it’s essential. This seminar pulls no punches, offering a raw and unfiltered exploration of TCOs, Mexican Drug Cartels, and the Tren de Aragua gang. Learn their tactics, grasp their savagery, and the necessity for law enforcement nationwide to join the fight against their invasive grip on our nation.

PRESENTERS: Sheriff Kieran Donahue, NSA President, Canyon County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Donahue is serving his third term as Sheriff of Canyon County, Idaho, and will begin his fourth consecutive term in January 2025.

He currently serves as the 84th President of the National Sheriff’s Association (NSA). He is the first Idaho Sheriff to ever serve as the President of the NSA. He is a current member of the NSA’s Border Security Committee, Government Affairs Committee, and Domestic Violence and Crime Victim Services Committee. The NSA represents over 3,000 Sheriffs nationwide.

Before becoming NSA President, Sheriff Donahue was actively involved with the NSA for over ten years, with appointments to several committees such as Domestic Violence and Crime Victim Services, Border Security, Youth Programs and Juvenile Justice, Constitution and Bylaws, and Government Affairs.

In 2019, he was elected to serve on the NSA’s Board of Directors. In 2021, he became the first Idaho Sheriff elected to the NSA Executive Committee as 3rd Vice President. He has served NSA as the Vice-Chair of the Government Affairs Committee, Chair of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, and Chair of the Auditing Committee. Under Sheriff Donahue’s leadership, the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office was chosen in 2017 to receive the NSA’s distinguished Crime Victim Services Award.

Sheriff Donahue has served for the past 10 years on the Executive Board for the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), funded by the Department of Justice’s Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). He served as the Chair of the Executive Board in 2019 and Vice Chair in 2018. He is also an Executive Board Member of the FBI Salt Lake Division – Boise Field Office – Joint Terrorism Task Force

Sheriff Donahue was elected to the Idaho Sheriffs’ Association (ISA) Board of Directors in 2014. He served as the association’s President in 2018 and remains a current member of the ISA Board of Directors. He is the current Chair of the ISA Legislative Committee, a position he has held for the last four years, and also served on the Legislative Committee for the Idaho Association of Counties (IAC). He has also served on the ISA Jail Standards Committee and Operations Committee since 2013 and as Vice Chair and Chair of the Sheriff’s Civil School in 2022 and 2023.

Sheriff Donahue is a Keynote Speaker and Subject Matter Expert Lecturer on the nation’s Border(s) and the Mexican Cartels involvement with drugs and human smuggling and holds a top-secret clearance with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

In January 2021, Governor Little appointed Sheriff Donahue to the Idaho Criminal Justice Commission (ICJC), representing the Sheriffs of Idaho. He is currently serving as the commission’s Vice Chair. In 2022, Idaho Governor Brad Little Appointed Sheriff Donahue to Operation Esto Perpetua to meaningfully reduce the flow of fentanyl and methamphetamine into the State of Idaho.

He is an active member of the Western States Sheriff’s Association (WSSA), representing Sheriffs from 18 states west of the Mississippi River. In 2016, he was awarded the WSSA Sheriff of the Year

Sheriff Donahue has served on local boards and committees throughout his tenure as Sheriff, such as the Idaho Family Justice Foundation, where he served as President of the Board of Directors. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Idaho and as Chairman of the College of Western Idaho Law Enforcement Program-Technical Advisory Committee.

Sheriff Donahue was recently appointed Statewide Director for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Idaho.

Sheriff Donahue is the Chairman and co-founder, with his wife, Jeanie, of the K. Donahue Foundation (dba Man Up Crusade), a National and International non-profit public awareness campaign on the issue of domestic violence.

Sheriff Donahue received his Executive Certification by Idaho P.O.S.T. in 2016. As Sheriff of Canyon County, he oversees an agency of 300 plus personnel (nearly 200 commissioned officers) with an annual budget of nearly $40 million. The Canyon County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is a full-service law enforcement agency including a patrol division, criminal investigations division, jail operations (approximately 500 beds), warrant and civil processing, records division, state-of-the-art forensic crime lab, emergency management and disaster services, driver’s licensing, concealed weapons permit, sex offender registration, (PSAP) emergency dispatch services—both primary and secondary—for 34 agencies in Canyon and Owyhee counties, marine patrol division, and victim witness services program.

Sheriff Donahue started his law enforcement career as a Conservation Officer for the Department of Defense in Fairbanks, Alaska―Ft. Wainwright. He completed the Alaska Peace Officers Standards and Training Academy (P.O.S.T.) in Fairbanks. He served in this capacity from February 2003 to March 2004, enforcing fish and wildlife rules and regulations, investigating cases of wildlife hunting and fishing violations, patrolling backcountry and waterways, and assisting in search and rescue operations, among other duties.

In 2004, he was offered and accepted the position of deputy for the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office in Caldwell, ID. From April 2004 – December 2012, he held a variety of positions, including detention deputy, school resource officer, major crimes detective, and Federal Task Force Officer (TFO) with the Federal Bureau of Investigation where he spent his time investigating highly complex/multi-defendant cases involving violent crime, criminal gangs, and illicit drug trafficking (Transcontinental Criminal Organizations). The TFO position required extensive knowledge of the state and federal court systems and grand jury proceedings in both courts. Sheriff Donahue has testified in state and federal court and Grand Jury proceedings and held supervisory and administrative positions, including the rank of Corporal, Captain, and Chief Deputy. As a TFO, he was deputized as a Special Deputy United States Marshal and received Top Secret Clearance with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Averting the Next Tragedy: An Evidence Based Approach to Active Shooter Prevention

2:00PM – 3:00PM | Room 303B | Public Safety

Across almost all sectors of society, mass attacks (active shooter events) have become almost commonplace. This seminar will review over two decades of evidence and case studies, supported by the best research in the field, to educate participants on how an evidence based approach can prevent these tragedies from taking place in our schools and organizations. All too often, safety strategies are being implemented that are misaligned with the evidence, and therefore prove to be ineffective in stopping these attacks before they take place. Prevention – using behavioral recognition, threat assessment, and management – is possible when solutions are based on evidence.

PRESENTER: Douglas Hart, Founder; FBI Special Agent (Ret.); Chief Deputy, ThreatZero Solutions

Douglas Hart has devoted nearly three decades of his life to law enforcement as a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). During his 27 years in the FBI, Doug amassed a wealth of experience investigating violent crimes and potential threats of violence. In recent years Doug served as the FBI Supervisor for all Criminal Programs in Southern Idaho. In this capacity he had managerial and supervisory responsibility for Violent Crimes Against Children, Complex Financial Crimes, Public Corruption, Civil Rights, Violent Incident Crimes, Drug Trafficking Crimes, and Transnational Organized Crimes.

Doug’s passion in law enforcement centers around the prevention of targeted acts of violence. As one of a select group of Certified Threat Managers in the United States coupled with his expertise investigating violent crime, Doug is uniquely qualified to assist organizations in identifying, managing and mitigating internal and external threats. His experience in this area includes: Responded to 3 active shooter events, managed and investigated hundreds of Guardian Incidents (FBI program for intake of threats), assessed more than 70 “threat to life” incidents for the FBI, conducted numerous trainings for schools, law enforcement, and public/private organizations on threat assessment and response throughout the West.

“That Wouldn’t Happen Here”: Why Preparing Schools for the Worst Case Scenario is the Best Case Scenario

2:00PM – 3:00PM | Room 302B | Future of Law Enforcement

School safety is more complex than ever, demanding law enforcement’s proactive engagement in preparing for worst-case scenarios that could affect communities across the nation. This seminar will focus on the vital partnership between law enforcement and educational institutions, highlighting the evolving strategies needed to address school safety in the current landscape. Sheriff James Hale from Oconee County will share insights and lessons learned from a recent neighboring county incident, illustrating how preparation, technology, and collaboration with school leaders can dramatically improve response capabilities and foster a safer environment. Attendees will gain an understanding of how advanced safety measures and structured response protocols play an essential role in the future of law enforcement’s approach to safeguarding schools, ensuring officers are prepared for the unthinkable while building resilient community relationships.

PRESENTERS: Sheriff James Hale, Oconee County, GA

Sheriff James A. Hale Jr. is a lifelong resident of Oconee County. He is a graduate of Oconee County High School and a veteran of the US Army. He has been a deputy sheriff since 1999 and a volunteer firefighter/ EMT with the Oconee County Fire/Rescue since 1996. For the past 20 years he has served as a deputy sheriff for the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office. While employed here he worked as a jailer, patrol deputy, patrol shift supervisor, investigator, Patrol Division Commander and now as the Sheriff.

Sheriff Hale has taken many additional training courses, including attending and graduating from the FBI National Academy, in order to educate himself on the many aspects of law enforcement. This further schooling has enabled him to return and educate others on what he has learned. This includes training on active shooter events and school safety. He was instrumental in the organization of all Rescue Task Force training that combined the Oconee Sheriff’s Office, Oconee Fire/Rescue and the Oconee School System.

Case Closed: How Closure Rates Can Bolster Community Relations and Help Victims

2:00PM – 3:00PM | Room 302A | Law Enforcement Tech

Case closure rates have dropped dramatically over the past 60 years. However, after a consistent decline, recent statistics indicate that currently only about half of all murders are being solved. This has a direct impact on victim and witness cooperation and contributes to the fact that only half of all crimes are actually reported to police. While contributing factors like trends in investigative workload and citizen cooperation must be considered, more immediate problems include reduced law enforcement investigatory personnel, inadequate training and technology, and inconsistencies in how law enforcement are able to provide adequate needs and resources to crime victims. The Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods Act or VICTIM Act is a potential solution that can provide for increased personnel for investigations, investment in technology, more training to aid victims and their families, and expanded resources for victims. This piece of legislation has bipartisan support, but reducing the backlog of cases isn’t partisan but common sense.

PRESENTER: Anthony Lamorena, Senior Manager of Federal Affairs, R Street Institute, and Jillian Snider, Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties Policy Director, R Street Institute

Anthony Lamorena is a Senior Manager of Federal Affairs at the R Street Institute where he leads the federal outreach for the Criminal Justice, Women and Families, and Finance, Insurance & Trade programs. Prior to R Street, he worked for the Lt. Governor’s office of Guam, the Guam Legislature, the Hawaii State Legislature, and the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce before moving to Washington, D.C. to work for a startup tech company. At R Street, he works closely with federal lawmakers and their staff to educate and advocate for public safety priorities ranging from policing, pre-trial detention, and re-entry policies.

Jillian E. Snider is a Resident Senior Fellow at the R Street Institute where she produces research and commentary on public policy related to all stages of the criminal justice system with a focus on policing. In addition, Snider is a retired New York Police Department officer and currently serves as an adjunct lecturer at John Jay College, where she teaches in the Department of Law, Police Science, and Criminal Justice Administration. Snider has appeared as a subject matter expert and been published in a variety of national media outlets. Additionally, she has been invited to testify as an expert before the U.S. Congress on several criminal justice issues and regularly presents at academic and large-scale law enforcement conferences. She was recently elected to the Council on Criminal Justice. Snider is currently pursuing a PhD in criminal justice with a concentration in behavioral science from Nova Southeastern University. She has received a master’s degree in criminal justice with dual specializations in police administration and criminology and graduated with distinction from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She also earned a MPA with a concentration in ethical leadership from Marist College and a bachelor’s degree in legal studies from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Duty to Intercede and Root Cause Analysis for Corrections Officers

2:00PM – 3:00PM | Room 301B | Jail Operations

The duty to intercede when observing excessive force or otherwise unethical or illegal member behavior has long been a bedrock component of public safety policy. But how should the duty to intercede be managed in correctional facilities? Is it enough to intercede in an obvious ongoing use of force situation? What if members do not recognize a deficiency because their agency – formally or informally – has normalized practices that deviate from the rule? An organizational culture founded upon the proper application of the Five Organizational Pillars – People, Policy, Training, Supervision and Discipline – and an understanding of proper root cause analysis can identify latent issues lying in wait and improve the safety of both your corrections offficers and incarcerated persons. Using the duty to intercede as a management tool to mitigate risk can also help preserve the integrity of the organization. This course will use contemporary events as examples to encourage leaders to address issues before tragedy strikes.

PRESENTERS: Michael Ranalli, Chief (Ret.) – Market Development Manager, Lexipol

Chief (Ret.) Michael Ranalli is a market development manager for Lexipol, an attorney and a frequent presenter on various legal issues including search and seizure, use of force, legal aspects of interrogations and confessions, wrongful convictions, and civil liability. Mike began his career in 1984 with the Colonie (N.Y.) Police Department and held the ranks of patrol officer, sergeant, detective sergeant and lieutenant. He retired in 2016 after 10 years as chief of the Glenville (N.Y.) Police Department. Mike is a consultant and instructor on police legal issues to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, and has taught officers around New York State for the last 19 years in that capacity. He is also a past president of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, former member of the IACP Professional Standards, Image & Ethics Committee, and the former Chairman of the New York State Police Law Enforcement Accreditation Council. He is a graduate of the 2009 F.B.I.-Mid-Atlantic Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar and is a Certified Force Science Analyst.

IGNITE

2:00PM – 3:00PM | Room 301A | Jail Operations

Seminar Description to Come…

PRESENTER: John Lenkey, Warden, Fayette County Jail, PA, and Angela Patricelli Kern, Deputy Warden of Treatment, Fayette County Jail, PA

John Lenkey is the current Warden of the Fayette County Jail. He has over twenty- three years of correctional experience and thirteen of those have been in multiple Maximum Correctional Facilities holding leadership roles. His career is highlighted by:

1993-1996 U.S. Army, 25th Infantry Division
1996-2000 California University of PA, Bachelor of Science, Secondary Education
2000-2008 State Correctional Institution of Greene, Corrections Officer, Gang Management Unit, Sargeant
2009-2012 State Correctional Institution of Fayette, Internal Security Lieutenant
2013-present Fayette County Jail, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Deputy Warden, Warden

John was appointed to the role of Warden at the same time a brand-new jail was being constructed. This presented a unique opportunity, and he quickly realized culture change was not just necessary, but inevitable. Starting from the ground up, he began to create an environment in which his employees could be their best. John’s commitment and belief in the process made this happen, and he believes it can happen anywhere.

Angela Patricelli Kern is in her eighteenth year of corrections, fifth as the Deputy Warden of Treatment at the Fayette County Jail in the beautiful Laurel Highlands of SW Pennsylvania

Angela believes that I.G.N.I.T.E. has lended a deeper purpose and breath to her career, and she’s passionate about its positive impact on every facet of the facilty.

When she isn’t doing jail-things, she enjoys writing, trail running, music and photography.

Beyond the Thin Blue Line – Career Strategies for Law Enforcement Officers

3:15PM – 4:15PM | Room 303B | Officer Wellness

In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, law enforcement officers often find themselves contemplating their career trajectories within or beyond the law enforcement profession. “Beyond the Thin Blue Line: Career Strategies for Law Enforcement Officers” is a comprehensive lecture designed to equip law enforcement professionals with the necessary skills and strategies to transition effectively into new career opportunities, whether within or outside the law enforcement sector.

Colin Whittington, a former deputy sheriff, 2019 Deputy Sheriff of the Year for the entire State of Virginia, Founder and CEO of Recruiting Heroes LLC, and best-selling author of Beyond the Thin Blue Line, shares his expertise developed throughout a career in law enforcement and the recruiting industry. Colin will draw from his own successes and failures during his transition to the private sector as well as hundreds of conversations with local, state, and federal law enforcement officers who have transitioned to the civilian workforce.

Participants will learn the current best practices for resume writing, optimizing their LinkedIn profiles, the power of networking, job interviewing, and career opportunities in the civilian sector. Law enforcement leaders will also learn of the importance and benefit of providing this information to their officers early in their career including the incredible power it can have in recruiting new talent to their agencies who will be impressed with the emphasis these leaders place on supporting their officers both within and after law enforcement.

PRESENTERS: Colin Whittington, Chief Executive Officer, Recruiting Heroes LLC

Colin is a former Deputy Sheriff, the Founder & CEO of Recruiting Heroes, and the Best-Selling author of Beyond the Thin Blue Line. Colin started his law enforcement career as a deputy sheriff with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in northern Virginia. Within his first year on patrol, he received two Life Saving Awards for two separate incidents. In 2019, Colin was named the Virginia Deputy Sheriff of the Year by the Virginia Sheriff’s Association. Colin was then promoted to Sergeant and was charged with running the recruiting, background investigation, and hiring unit for Virginia’s largest, full-service Sheriff’s Office. He supervised a team of recruiters and background investigators. While law enforcement agencies around the nation struggled to attract talent, Colin’s team led the agency to a record-low vacancy rate through innovative and strategic recruiting strategies.

Colin left law enforcement in 2022 and started Recruiting Heroes LLC, an employment agency dedicated to finding amazing careers for America’s Veterans and First Responders. Colin and his teamwork with candidates and companies around the country.

“Serving those who have served us has become my life’s work.”

In the summer of 2024, Colin published his first book, Beyond the Thin Blue Line. This self-help book is written for any police officer, deputy sheriff, correctional officer, federal agent, or service members who are considering transitioning to the private sector. Colin shares some of his own successes and failures during his transition, walks readers through the intricacies of writing a professional resume, gives step-by-step instructions on how to propel one’s career through networking, and much more. Colin also shares success stories of other law enforcement officers who have left the profession and gone on to have incredible careers in the private sector. This book is a must-read for those who have come from a life of service and are looking for an exciting new career.

In his free time, Colin enjoys spending time with his family, playing soccer, and competing in Ironman triathlons.

Vehicle Pursuits & Response to Calls: Risks Hiding in Plain Sight

3:15PM – 4:15PM | Room 302B | Jail Operations

When it comes to law enforcement vehicle pursuits and response to calls, Sheriffs and deputies are caught in a dilemma: They have a duty to apprehend offenders and maintain order, but leaders must also work with their deputies to limit the risk to the public, deputies, and offenders. Case law provides some guidance, but there are still a lot of unanswered questions. Thousands of bystanders and hundreds of deputies and officers have been killed during pursuits and emergency responses. For various reasons, pursuits are on the rise and there is no clear-cut answer as to whether deputies should or should not conduct pursuits. But one thing must be made clear, we cannot keep doing things the way we always have. Improving technology and innovative thinking must combine to help develop guidance for deputies. Sheriffs and command staff must understand the underlying issues to work effectively with their deputies to enhance decision making and mitigate risk.

PRESENTER: Michael Ranalli, Chief (Ret.) – Market Development Manager, Lexipol

Addressing Targeted Violence through Multidisciplinary Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Teams (BTAM)

3:15PM – 4:15PM | Room 302A | Public Safety

This presentation will discuss the emerging field of Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM), review best practices, and provide a case review. Threats of targeted violence often occur without penal code violations; thus, the traditional law enforcement approach is often ineffective. This presentation will discuss the value of a establishing a multidisciplinary team of experts that can work alongside law enforcement to mitigate acts of targeted violence, including threats to schools. The presentation will conclude with a debrief of a non-criminal threats case the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office BTAM team mitigated and ultimately dispositioned.

PRESENTER: Cherylynn Lee, Police Psychologist, Santa Barbara Sheriffs Office, and Jeff Cugno, FBI Agent (ret), SOS Global Consulting Inc.

Dr. Lee is a Police Psychologist and a full-time employee of the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office overseeing the Behavioral Sciences Unit (BSU). The BSU houses four mental health co-responder teams, provides Crisis Intervention Training, engages in behavioral threat assessment and management (BTAM), and houses the departments wellness unit and peer support team. Dr. Lee serves on the crisis negotiation response teams for both the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Barbara Police Department and is a member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP).

Dr. Lee is contracted with The Counseling Team International as both the Clinical Operations Director for the Tri-Counties and as a practitioner. She offers individual counseling and emergency response services across the state of California and has led dozens of critical incident stress debriefings for OIS, LODD and natural disasters for local and state agencies. Dr. Lee maintains a private practice in the Santa Ynez Valley where she exclusively works with first responders and specializes in trauma and post-traumatic stress injury.

Dr. Lee is a subject-matter expert with CA Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST), teaches officer wellness in the basic academy and also is a volunteer instructor for the FBI- 40 hour negotiators course Dr. Lee was named one of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) 40 under 40 award recipients for 2023 and is named Crisis Intervention Training International’s (CIT) Behavioral Health Practitioner of the Year for 2024.

Jeffrey R. Cugno is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of SOS Global Consulting, Inc., established to create strategic partnerships with private and public sector stakeholders to manage risks of harm through consultative assistance. Mr. Cugno and his clients collaborate to design and implement holistic initiatives, including foundational and advanced curriculum, to educate and safeguard any given environment.

Mr. Cugno served as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for over two decades. He worked on the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office (FBILA) Cyber Crime Squad and was a Team Leader of the FBILA’s Evidence Response Team (ERT). As an ERT Team Leader, Mr. Cugno led crime scene investigators in the collection of evidence for a variety of investigations, including bank robberies, kidnappings, homicides, Agent-involved shootings, and airplane disasters.

For over 17 years, Mr. Cugno maintained the position of the FBILA’s Primary Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) Coordinator until his retirement in October 2023. In this role, Mr. Cugno assisted with the investigation of repetitive and violent crimes, counterterrorism, and threatening communications. In addition to his primary role as the BAU Coordinator, Mr. Cugno also provided leadership and consultation in the following five specialized areas concurrently: Threat Management Coordinator, Child Abduction Rapid Deployment Team – West Team Leader, Adjunct Faculty Instructor, Crisis Negotiator, and Threat Assessment ReGional Evaluation Team (TARGET) Working Group – Director.

Mr. Cugno was the founder of the TARGET Working Group and served as the Director from 2011- 2023. TARGET was created to develop best practices in the identification, assessment, and management of threats to K-12 schools, college and university campuses, houses of worship, healthcare facilities, and other critical infrastructures. This was accomplished through the identification of subject matter experts, the sharing of information, and the facilitation of training. Subsequently, Mr. Cugno collaborated with local communities to expand TARGET’s education and liaison capabilities into four geographically located threat assessment and threat management teams serving Southern California.

Mr. Cugno was a dedicated FBI Adjunct Faculty Instructor and routinely provided training to domestic and international participants in the following topics: situational awareness, verbal de-escalation, behavioral indicators of targeted violence, crisis/hostage negotiations, interview and interrogation strategies, mass casualty response, cybercrime investigations, evidence collection techniques, counterterrorism, violent crime matters, and threat assessment and threat management principles.

In 2022, Mr. Cugno was selected to be a member of the California Child Abduction Task Force, as well as the Los Angeles County’s Veteran Suicide Review Team. Mr. Cugno holds a Master of Science Degree in Justice, Law, and Society from The American University.

Protect Your Agency with Smart Employee Documentation Practices

3:15PM – 4:15PM | Room 301B | Law Enforcement Tech

In the high-stakes environment of law enforcement and corrections, thorough documentation is critical to ensuring accountability and minimizing liability. Comprehensive documentation can often be the weak link for our profession, leaving agencies and staff vulnerable to audits, investigations, and legal challenges. This session offers concrete strategies and tools that you can bring back to your team to strengthen your record-keeping processes and protect your staff, agency, and the citizens you serve.

Through Lieutenant Dunn’s expert guidance and real-world examples, attendees will explore areas such as policy acknowledgment, field training officer (FTO) evaluations, use-of-force reporting, and other administrative actions. You will leave this session equipped with practical insights for record-keeping improvements that can enhance transparency, safeguard your personnel, and elevate the professionalism of your agency—giving you the confidence that your operations are built on a solid foundation of accountability and preparedness.

PRESENTER: Ethan Dunn, Accreditation Manager, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Jessica Tyler, Former Chief Deputy, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office

Lieutenant Ethan Dunn has cultivated a distinguished career in law enforcement, combining leadership, expertise, and a steadfast commitment to public safety and community engagement. With over 17 years of experience in public safety and law enforcement, Ethan currently serves with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, where he has excelled in numerous roles and now oversees the agency’s Professional Standards Division as Accreditation Manager.

Ethan’s career in public safety began in 2007, when, at the age of 16, he became a junior firefighter. Demonstrating exceptional dedication and leadership, he ascended to the rank of Captain by the age of 20. Transitioning into law enforcement in 2010, Ethan has since developed a diverse skill set, contributing to his agency in Communications, Patrol, Training, and Accreditation.

As the former Field Training Program Administrator, Ethan managed the Field Training Officers (FTOs), ensuring the program adhered to the highest standards. He oversaw trainee assignments, monitored their progress, and worked to maintain operational excellence within the program.

In addition to his law enforcement responsibilities, Ethan serves as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office. In this capacity, he is responsible for developing and implementing emergency preparedness plans, coordinating disaster response actions, and managing recovery efforts during crises. His leadership ensures the agency remains ready to address natural disasters, technological disruptions, and other emergencies effectively and efficiently.

Jessica Tyler is a retired Deputy Chief of Police and she spend the majority of her career at the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office where she rose through the ranks to Chief Deputy. During her twenty-year career, she spent time overseeing all divisions of law enforcement to include patrol, investigations, and professional standards. She also worked on Department of Justice reforms during her time at the Albuquerque Police Department serving as the Major over the Professional Accountability Bureau, which included overseeing recruitment, training, use of force investigations and internal affairs. She also has extensive experience in accreditation. She has served as an accreditation manager, an accreditation program manager for New Mexico Counties, and a Partner Success Manager supporting accreditation programs across the country. She holds a BA in Criminology and Psychology and a MA in Public Administration, both from the University of New Mexico.

Iron Sights & Pistol Mounted Optics (A Comparative Performance Study in Aiming Modalities)

4:30pm-5:30PM | Room 303A | Law Enforcement tech

Discussion of the largest weapons research project in the history of the FBI – red dots vs. iron sights on handguns. Significant findings which will directly benefit decision between the two aiming modalities for law enforcement organizations.

PRESENTERS: Scott Patterson, Director of Research, FBI – Ballistic Research Facility, and Rich McLain, Supervisory Special Agent, FBI – Ballistic Research Facility=

Keys to Better Decision-Making and Team Morale

4:30Pm-5:30PM | Room 303B | leadership

In law enforcement, every interaction—whether with the public, colleagues, or team members—has the potential to shape outcomes, influence morale, and affect the broader community. At the core of these interactions is emotional intelligence (EI), which is a powerful tool for enhancing decision-making, fostering positive team dynamics, and ensuring better outcomes in high-pressure situations.

This seminar is designed specifically for individuals looking for a better understanding of how to lead with greater effectiveness and to create a cooperative, respectful, and emotionally intelligent environment in every facet of their work. Participants will gain insights into how each interaction is a co-created environment where both parties contribute to the emotional tone and outcome—making EI an essential leadership skill for navigating complex situations.

PRESENTER: Patrick Esser, Founder, Esser Growth Principle

Patrick Esser is the founder of Esser Growth Principles. He has a strong commitment to sharing the transformative power of emotional intelligence and leadership coaching with emerging leaders in the law enforcement community, business executives, and anyone else looking to make a positive change in their life

With over 25 years of dedicated service at a large sheriff’s office in Wisconsin, currently serving as the deputy inspector, Patrick is a seasoned law enforcement professional whose career has been defined by leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to public safety. A graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy (#274) and National Command and Staff College (#002) Patrick has honed his skills in high-level law enforcement training and strategy. He also has a bachelors degree from Marian University in Criminal Justice and a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia.

Patrick’s career trajectory includes serving as the Commander of the Criminal Investigation Division, where his strategic oversight led to the successful resolution of complex criminal cases. His experience also spans several key roles, including Field Training Officer and SWAT Sniper, where his skills and discipline earned him recognition as a trusted leader in both tactical and operational capacities.

An award recipient for his contributions to law enforcement, Patrick is widely respected for his innovative approach to problem-solving, consistently finding new ways to enhance efficiency, safety, and community engagement. As a husband and father of two teenagers, he brings a well-rounded perspective to his professional endeavors, balancing his commitment to public service with his dedication to family.

How to Measure Correctional Programs’ Impact on Recidivism

4:30PM – 5:30PM | Room 302B | leadership

Measuring jail programs effect on reducing recidivism is important because tax dollars are paying for programs and public safety depends on their effectiveness.

But what does it actually mean to be evidence-based? How do we know if a program is actually reducing recidivism or not? What is a ‘fidelity review’ and how is that different than measuring recidivism? Why does how you measure a program matter, and why does measuring programs matter if they are already evidence-based? And finally, how can your jail properly measure jail programs?

There are a lot of ways to measure programs incorrectly. But there are only a few ways to do it right and can be done in-house without hiring a consultant. This seminar will show jail administrators how to properly measure programs’ impact on recidivism, and more. This seminar is designed to offer jails cutting edge approaches to programs evaluations that you would normally pays hundreds of thousands of dollars for a university researcher to do.

The seminar will also explain the difference between an output and and outcome, how to properly do a cost benefit analysis, and how to use the results of a program that is not working to your advantage.

PRESENTER: Sheriff Paul Heroux, Bristol County Sheriff’s Office, Massachusetts

Sheriff Paul Heroux of Bristol County, MA, is a former director of research for the MA DOC, was chief statistician for the Philadelphia jail system, and a mayor for 5 years, and state representative for 5 years. Sheriff Heroux has a master’s in criminology (crime statistics) from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s from the London School of Economics, and a master’s in public administration from Harvard.

The Second Wave: Navigating Post-Incident Pattern-and-Practice Investigations

4:30pm – 5:30pm | Room 302A | legal affairs

If an agency discovers employees engaged in unlawful activity toward inmates, the conduct may lead to a criminal investigation and prosecution, with the employees being convicted and sentenced. Naturally, the agency might breathe a sigh of relief, believing the convictions will bring closure.

Unfortunately, these agencies are often blindsided by the civil pattern-and-practice investigations that follow criminal proceedings. Pattern-and-practice investigations can place a heavy burden on your agency. Agencies often face costly civil liability and continued negative publicity. This presentation breaks down the legal standards underlying the civil liability in play, steps to limit agency exposure, and tips to navigate pattern-and-practice investigations and avoid liability.

PRESENTER: Nicholas Morisani, Partner, Phelps Dunbar, and Candace Gregory, Partner, Phelps Dunbar

A former federal prosecutor and defense counsel, Candace Gregory has managed hundreds of government investigations on behalf of both federal agencies and Fortune 500 companies. She has investigated jail and prison operations and worked with municipalities to handle investigations. She received a commendation from the DOJ Civil Rights Division for her work in these cases.

Before joining Phelps, Candace was most recently the Director of the Public Integrity Division and Statewide Coordinator for officer-involved shootings for the Attorney General of Mississippi. Prior to that, she was the first hybrid Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) for the Southern District of Mississippi, responsible for litigating both civil and criminal civil rights cases.

A 2009 graduate of the University of Maryland School of Law, Candace began her legal career as an attorney advisor for the Social Security Administration. Early in her career, she also worked as a public defender for Hinds County, Mississippi, and in private practice in the areas of criminal law, family law, personal injury and workers’ compensation.

Candace is actively involved in several professional organizations, including the Mississippi and Maryland bar associations, as well as the Federal Bar Association, where she serves as treasurer. She is also a member of the Charles L. Clark Chapter of the American Inns of Court and served as a United States Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panelist for the Southern District of Mississippi in 2022.

Nick Morisani manages civil rights litigation and investigations involving jail and prison operations and has extensive experience helping facilities resolve investigations. He brings a unique blend of experience in labor and employment and civil rights issues to understand officials’ operational needs. He guides state prison management and local detention facility operators through federal inquiries and high-profile cases challenging confinement conditions and security operations.

From 2015 through 2020, Nick was part of the Phelps team that successfully defended the State of Mississippi from a facility-wide class action challenging nearly every aspect of confinement at East Mississippi Correctional Facility. Prior to joining Phelps, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable Sul Ozerden, U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi and in private practice. He earned his law degree from Mississippi College School of Law in 2009.

Nick is a leader in various professional organizations, including the Alabama, Mississippi and American bar associations. He has served in several leadership positions in the Mississippi chapter of the Federal Bar Association, including a recent term as its president. He is also active with the National Italian-American Bar Association and serves as co-editor of the Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association publication The Quarterly.

Clients and peers routinely recognize Nick’s work in litigation and employment law, supporting his ranking in The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers annual lists.

Beyond the Buzz: Building a Responsible and Effective UAS Program in Law Enforcement

4:30pm – 5:30pm | Room 301B | future of law enforcement

Drones have become a buzzworthy tool in law enforcement, but building a successful UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) program requires more than simply adopting the latest technology. It’s essential to understand drones’ capabilities, limitations, and how they can best serve your agency and community. Additionally, privacy concerns and Fourth Amendment considerations are increasingly critical in public safety drone operations. Addressing public trust, civil liberties, and privacy rights is vital to ensure your program gains community support and avoids legal or ethical pitfalls. This session will provide law enforcement leaders with practical guidance and real-world examples to navigate these challenges. Learn how to balance technological innovation with responsible, transparent implementation to establish or expand a UAS program that meets both operational needs and community expectations.

PRESENTER: Don Redmond, VP DFR, Police Captain (ret.), BRINC

Don Redmond, a retired Chula Vista Police Captain with over 25 years of distinguished law enforcement experience, currently serves as Vice President of Drone as First Responder (DFR) at BRINC Drones. In this role, Don is dedicated to advancing UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) technologies to empower public safety agencies worldwide, helping them save lives and integrate drones effectively into their communities.

Throughout his law enforcement career, Don held a variety of key assignments, including SWAT Team Leader, Patrol Watch Commander, Community Policing, Professional Standards, Jail Commander, Dispatch Manager, and UAS Manager. As a Police Captain, he oversaw Support Operations, which included the Emergency Police Communications Center, City Jail, Technology, and UAS Operations. Don played a pivotal role in managing the Chula Vista Police Department’s innovative UAS program, including the groundbreaking Drone as First Responder (DFR) initiative, earning him recognition as a leader in the UAS community.

Don holds a Master of Arts in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from San Diego State University. He is a graduate of the California P.O.S.T. Command College (Class 64) and the FBI National Academy (Class 263). A respected thought leader, Don has been published in Police1 Magazine and FBINAA Magazine and contributed to the California P.O.S.T. De-Escalation Strategies and Techniques publication.

Don’s wealth of experience and passion for innovation make him a sought-after speaker and advocate for integrating advanced technologies into public safety operations.

Leading Boomers to Zoomers: Understanding Generational Differences and the Impact Those Differences Can Have on Recruitment, Retention, and Building a Harmonious Workplace Culture That Promotes Safety, Wellness, and Resiliency

4:30pm – 5:30pm | Room 301A | officer wellness

Correctional leaders, managers, and supervisors need to recognize and understand the impact that leadership style and organizational culture have on recruitment, retention, and building a healthy workplace culture that promotes safety, wellness, and resiliency. Nationally, correctional agencies are struggling to recruit and retain correctional officers and staff. Studies often reflect that correctional officers and staff leave the corrections profession due to ineffective leadership or being exposed to a toxic workplace culture. Participants will learn to better understand and respect the various generational differences and learn ways to employ proven leadership strategies that promote a harmonious workplace environment that fosters respect, trust, inclusiveness, and opportunity.

PRESENTER: Monroe Hudson, CorWellness Program Lead / Commissioner of Delaware Department of Corrections (ret.), IIR / BJA CorWellness Program, and Rachel Davis, CorWellness SME /Assistant County Executive, IIR / Officer of the Wayne County Executive, Warren C. Evans

Commissioner Monroe B. Hudson Jr. (retired) is a senior research associate with the Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR) in the Law Enforcement Safety and Wellness group. Currently, Commissioner Hudson serves as the project lead for the Correctional Officer and Staff Safety and Wellness Program. In this role, he is responsible for developing a Corrections Officer and Staff Safety and Wellness Center (the Center) on behalf of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance. As the program lead, he is responsible for the delivery of resources to the field, receiving and responding to requests for assistance, and serving as an informational clearinghouse to improve correctional officer and staff safety and wellness.

The Center develops and offers training and technical assistance to improve institutional and community corrections officer (CO) and staff safety and wellness and builds upon the knowledge base of what works to continually improve the safety and wellness of COs and staff. The Center serves as a repository of corrections policies, protocols, training, and innovations and will identify, prioritize, develop, and deliver training that will work to improve CO and staff safety, wellness, resilience, and retention. The Center also works with corrections (institutional and community) to test new strategies, policies, and protocols.

Prior to joining IIR in July 2023, Commissioner Hudson was nominated by Governor John M. Carney and confirmed by the Delaware State Senate to serve as the tenth commissioner of the Delaware Department of Correction. He oversaw the Bureau of Prisons; Bureau of Community Corrections; Bureau of Administrative Services; and Bureau of Healthcare, Substance Abuse, and Mental Health Services. The department was the second largest agency within the executive branch, with over 2,600 employees and an annual budget of nearly $400 million. In addition, the department supervised approximately 5,000 inmates and approximately 10,000 probationers.

Commissioner Hudson began his law enforcement career in 1986. He worked as a correctional officer for the Delaware Department of Correction before joining the Delaware State Police. Commissioner Hudson served 31 years with the Delaware State Police, retiring at the rank of lieutenant colonel, and serving as the deputy superintendent. In 2019, he returned to the Department of Correction when he was appointed deputy commissioner and later commissioner, before retiring in 2023.

Commissioner Hudson also serves as an adjunct instructor in the Administration of Justice/Homeland Security Graduate Program at Wilmington University, Wilmington, Delaware. He currently teaches crisis leadership and criminal justice ethics. As an adjunct instructor, he is experienced in both traditional, face-to-face classroom instruction and online instruction.

Commissioner Hudson earned both his master’s degree in administration of justice/homeland security and bachelor’s degree in human resources management from Wilmington University. Among his other credentials, he is a graduate of the 219th Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy, the FBI Leadership in Counter Terrorism program, and the FBI National Executive Institute.

Captain Rachael Davis began her law enforcement career in 2002 with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, holding various deputy and supervisory roles across jail divisions, dispatch, the mounted unit, internal affairs, the electronic monitoring unit, and court services. She has extensive experience in security and administrative leadership, including leading the Sheriff’s Office transition of multiple jail operations to a new justice center while serving as captain.

In October 2024, Captain Davis accepted a new role as one of three assistant county executives to the elected Wayne County executive. In this current role, she acts as a liaison between the county executive’s office and select department directors, and continues to assist in areas of public safety, juvenile detention, communications, and community engagement.

A certified law enforcement instructor and field training officer, she has been recognized with numerous awards for her dedication and excellence. Some of these accolades include the Wayne County Executive Office Meritorious Achievement Award, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Citation of Valor, the Police Officer Association of Michigan Police Officer of the Year Award, and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Highest Life Saving Award.

Captain Davis received a bachelor’s degree in individualized studies from Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan. She is grateful for the support of her family, friends, and mentors throughout her career