Learning from the Past: Using Body-Worn Cameras to Improve Organizational Response to Critical Events

John Markovic joined the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in October 2016 and assumed oversight of the Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program (BWCPIP). He has managed the multi-million-dollar competitive grant project, as well as the associated delivery of training and technical assistance (TTA) to over five hundred law enforcement agencies. John also led the development of BJA’s Small, Rural, and Tribal Body-Worn Camera Microgrant (SRT BWC), which provides a streamlined application process and targeted TTA to agencies that had historically struggled to access federal funding compared to their larger, better-resourced, and more grant counterpart. John’s portfolio at BJA also includes support for violence reduction initiatives and overseeing the Crime Analyst in Resident Program which helps smaller agencies jumpstart sustainable crime analysis capacities.

John holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Retired Assistant Chief Beatrice Girmala served the Los Angeles Police Department and the greater city of Los Angeles community for 37 years, working primarily in operations with the field officers who protect and serve daily. Beatrice worked all three entities within the rank of Assistant Chief, those being the Office of Special Operations, the Office of Support Services, and the Office of Operations. She treasured the opportunities to learn, work with, and lead a diverse and truly committed workforce.
She is a lifelong resident of Los Angeles who enjoys the energy which defines this City, and feels that being an intimate part of its geography made her a true stakeholder in change.
Beatrice was a member of the scholastic honor society Alpha Lambda Delta. At UCLA, Assistant Chief Girmala studied political science, public administration, and public law, graduating with honors, Magna Cum Laude, and a Bachelors of Arts degree in the discipline of Political Science.

Geoffrey Smith is a Senior Advisor at CNA with 26 years of experience in law enforcement/fire policies, operations, and oversight. Prior to joining CNA, he served as the Public Safety Director of the City of Sturgis, overseeing both police and fire operations. He has demonstrated expertise in all areas of municipal law enforcement, including administrative management, strategic planning, investigation, budgeting, union policies, and community policing. Mr. Smith has worked with numerous police agencies around the country on subjects including policy and procedure best practices, BWC deployment, federal partner collaboration, officer retention, and recruitment. Smith has worked on numerous Bureau of Justice Assistance programs, including the BWC implementation program, Smart Policing Initiative (SPI), VALOR Officer Safety and Wellness Initiative, and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. Smith has presented on numerous public safety topics at state, national, and international policing conferences, including the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, the Michigan Municipal League, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Sheriff Martinez has served the residents of San Diego County and the Sheriff's Department since 1985. Sheriff Martinez worked her way through the ranks and as Undersheriff managed the day-to-day operations of the department. She was elected Sheriff in 2022.

Sheriff Martinez is responsible for providing law enforcement services to 4,200 square miles of unincorporated San Diego County, nine contract cities, 18 Indian Reservations, seven jails, and security for the court houses. She oversees the department's $1.2 billion budget and more than 4,700 authorized employees.

Sheriff Martinez has Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration. She holds several POST Certificates including a basic, advanced, supervisory and management POST and is a graduat of the California POST Command College. Sheriff Martinez attended the National Sheriff's Institute and is a member of several professional organizations. Sheriff Martinez is a San Diego native and committed to public safety.