Officer Safety and Wellness Virtual Conference
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- Non-member - $485
- Member - $230
The Officer Safety and Wellness Virtual Conference is for public safety professionals to learn from experts in the field about resources and best practices when developing comprehensive officer safety and wellness strategies. Virtual registration for the 2024 Officer Safety and Wellness will give you access to three live-streamed general sessions (March 1-3, 2024) and dozens of pre-recorded workshops only available through IACPlearn. All workshops listed in the educational program will be available virtually, unless indicated otherwise, and will be accessible on-demand to view at your leisure. Virtual attendees will learn about building resilience, financial wellness, injury prevention, peer support programs, physical fitness, proper nutrition, sleep deprivation, stress, mindfulness, suicide prevention, and more.
If you encounter any issues, please contact us at:
learn@theiacp.org
800-THE-IACP
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Data gathered from the 2023 survey provides an analysis of the interplay between sources of stress for officers, organizational justice, wellness program availability, and overall employee health. Conclusions reported are designed to support agencies in clearly identifying the drivers of retention, looking across many factors but with a specific focus on how wellness is related to retention.
Presentation Description: Law enforcement is facing a retention crisis, with officers rating staff shortages as the top source of stress among all stressors faced within their lives and careers. The 2023 Critical Issues in Policing Survey, the second such national survey of United States law enforcement conducted by the National Fraternal Order of Police (NFOP), gathers officer experiences and perceptions of current issues impacting law enforcement. Data gathered from the 2023 survey provides an analysis of the interplay between sources of stress for officers, organizational justice, wellness program availability, and overall employee health. Conclusions reported are designed to support agencies in clearly identifying the drivers of retention, looking across many factors but with a specific focus on how wellness is related to retention.
- Upon completion, participants will be able to describe a national perspective of issues currently facing law enforcement, including retention factors and the current state of officer wellness.
- Upon completion, participants will be able to identify key drivers of police employee retention, and will be able to describe how officer wellness is related to retention.
- Upon completion, participants will be able to apply the findings from a national survey of law enforcement officers to their own agencies, identifying potential strategies for recruiting and retaining healthy officers.
Sherri Martin, MA, LPCA
National Director of Wellness Services
Fraternal Order of Police
Sherri Martin serves as the National Director of Wellness Services for the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the largest representative organization of law enforcement officers in the United States, with over 354,000 members. A career police officer, Sherri has extensive experience in crisis negotiation and intervention, serving most of her law enforcement career as a patrol supervisor and lead crisis negotiator. While a member of the Charleston Police Department in South Carolina, where she served the bulk of her career, she achieved the rank of Lieutenant, and was responsible for the development of programs in the areas of officer wellness and crisis intervention within the community. Sherri earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology from the Citadel, where she was chosen by faculty to receive the J. Patrick Leverett Award presented to the most outstanding graduate student in the Psychology program. Additionally, Sherri has experience as a clinical therapist, having worked with clients suffering from PTSD and Clinical Depression during research conducted at Ralph H. Johnston Veterans Affairs Hospital in South Carolina. She is licensed as a Professional Counselor Associate in the State of Connecticut. While pursuing a Postgraduate Certificate in Forensic Psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Sherri led the Fraternal Order of Police National Officer Wellness Committee in a landmark survey of police officers on the subjects of critical stress, stigma, and use of wellness services. Sherri is a member of the National Consortium on Preventing Law Enforcement Suicide, led by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and has served as a contributor on various symposia on officer wellness and police suicide. Along with the FOP National Officer Wellness Committee, Sherri is currently working on the development of a national database of culturally competent mental health providers for law enforcement. In partnership with the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services of the US Department of Justice, the Fraternal Order of Police is also leading development of a nationally standardized curriculum in law enforcement peer support.
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Jacqueline Drew, PhD
Senior Lecturer
Griffith University
Dr Jacqueline M. Drew is a police scholar with the Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University, Australia. Dr Drew has over 20 years of experience in law enforcement, as a practitioner and researcher. She is a psychologist, holding a PhD in organizational psychology. She provides expert advice to law enforcement on organizational systems and personnel practices, including police mental health and suicide, leadership, promotion systems and women and policing. Her work has translated into training of law enforcement personnel across Australia and United States, she works with police agencies to improve operational police practice and strives to make a positive impact on the working lives of police.
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This session explores the growth that can come from difficult times and challenging situations. Presenters will introduce the concept of post-traumatic growth and how finding meaning from experiences can be protective and strengthening for resilience and overall mental health and wellness.
Presentation Description: In life and work, the challenges will keep coming. This session explores the growth that can come from difficult times and challenging situations. Presenters will introduce the concept of post-traumatic growth and how finding meaning from experiences can be protective and strengthening for resilience and overall mental health and wellness.
- Upon completion, participants will be able to understand what happens to your neurological, physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual health when you listen to traumatic stories day after day by exploring the characteristics of post-traumatic growth and vicarious trauma.
- Upon completion, participants will be able to safeguard well-being by examining how meaning-making can be used as a powerful protective factor.
- Upon completion, participants will be able to recognize the characteristics of growth including greater appreciation of life, sense of increased personal strength, and the sense for greater possibilities.
Anthony Maez
Deputy Commander
The Innocent Justice Foundation
Anthony Maez, BS is a recognized national trainer and lecturer in various areas of law enforcement. He has provided extensive training on violent crime investigations, technology used to stalk, internet crimes against children, and human trafficking investigations. Drawing on his vast knowledge, he authored several investigative guides for law enforcement and prosecutors in these critical subjects.
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Beth Medina
CEO/Program Director
The Innocent Justice Foundation
Beth Medina, MFT serves as the CEO/Program Director at The Innocent Justice Foundation where she works in collaboration with the SHIFT and HART teams and provides oversight for the programs. Beth has more than 20 years of experience in non-profit, education and mental health fields. She is an International speaker, trainer and advocate on topics related to trauma recovery and mental health and wellness. She holds a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a B.A. in Political Science/History.
Anthony M. Maez is a Deputy Commander with the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) and former Special Agent in Charge with the Office of New Mexico Attorney General and the Commander of the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) and Human Trafficking Task Forces. Anthony has been in law enforcement in New Mexico for over 34 years. Anthony trains and consults nationally and internationally for the Innocent Justice Foundation, Supporting Heroes in Mental Health Foundational Training (SHIFT). He holds Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University and a Master of Arts in Business and Organizational Security Management from Webster University.
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Improving officer safety and wellness starts with leadership and organizational culture change, as well as encouragement to seek out and receive help. With this focus, law enforcement can improve outcomes in their approaches to responding to those who are having a mental health crisis.
Presentation Description: Suicide is a significant public health problem and eliminating veteran suicide is a top Veterans Affairs (VA) priority. The VA has many initiatives that target veterans who are in high-risk populations, to include law enforcement. Many officers who are military veterans are at higher risk for suicide due to multiple identities and other factors. The VA Suicide Prevention Office has partnered with the VA Police Service to address officer health and wellness. Improving officer safety and wellness starts with leadership and organizational culture change, as well as encouragement to seek out and receive help. With this focus, law enforcement can improve outcomes in their approaches to responding to those who are having a mental health crisis.
- Upon completion, participants will describe what the VA is currently doing to identify suicide prevention as a public health crisis and eliminating suicide among Veterans, many who are in law enforcement positions.
- Upon completion, participants will understand what and how the VA is working to improve outcomes when responding to Veterans having a mental health crisis.
- Upon completion, participants will learn strategies for improving organizational culture to better address officer safety and wellness.
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This presentation will discuss how the expansion of police training related to de-escalation and crisis intervention response has helped to improve officers' skills and communications in the community. Specifically, as administrators of the Peer Support and the Hostage Negotiations Teams, presenters have learned that there are shared skills among these personnel that are crucial to their success.
Presentation Description: This presentation will discuss how the expansion of police training related to de-escalation and crisis intervention response has helped to improve officers' skills and communications in the community. Specifically, as administrators of the Peer Support and the Hostage Negotiations Teams, presenters have learned that there are shared skills among these personnel that are crucial to their success. These skills include empathy, active listening, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. Though not everyone will meet these qualifications, it is essential that these skills are identified and enhanced. Presenters will share examples of techniques that can assist in selecting and training a peer team.
- Upon completion, participants will be able to understand the best practices in research and training related to de-escalation and crisis intervention within your department's peer support program as well as in the community.
- Upon completion, participants will be able to describe the five essential skills needed for an effective peer support team member.
- Upon completion, participants will be able to conduct techniques that can be used when assessing if an individual has the skills needed to be an effective peer support team member.
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This presentation will focus on what a suicidal person thinks and feels, to allow for a peer to emotionally validate them. Most importantly, this presentation will tell attendees how to identify suicidal ideations, intents, and plans and, regardless of your role, how to convey to the suicidal individual that they should be addressing these thoughts. Furthermore, discussing what the suicidal individual should do and what a peer should tell the suicidal individual to do. The presenter will model what to say and how to say it.
Presentation Description: This presentation will focus on what a suicidal person thinks and feels, to allow for a peer to emotionally validate them. Most importantly, this presentation will tell attendees how to identify suicidal ideations, intents, and plans and, regardless of your role, how to convey to the suicidal individual that they should be addressing these thoughts. Furthermore, discussing what the suicidal individual should do and what a peer should tell the suicidal individual to do. The presenter will model what to say and how to say it.
- to articulate how suicidal persons should view their suicidal thoughts, and how you should tell them to view their suicidal thoughts
- to identify 3 immediate and evidenced-based skills that a suicidal person can implement when acute distress spikes
- to identify 3 things you can say to emotionally validate the suicidal person
Stephanie Barone McKenny, PhD
Police Psychologist, Los Angeles, California, Police Department
Dr. Stephanie Barone McKenny is an LAPD police psychologist who provides consultation to several elite units including SWAT, Air Support Division, and undercover agents. She has worked with law enforcement personnel at the international, national, state, county, and local levels. Dr. McKenny is also a Diplomate in Sports Psychology, a Nationally Certified Sports Psychologist, a Certified Trauma Professional, and she is Certified in Integrative Medicine for holistic health (mind-body-spirit).
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Join various public safety leaders in a discussion on the impact of mass violence on officer wellbeing from the perspectives of the 2023 mass shootings in Nashville, Tennessee, and Lewiston, Maine. This session will also cover situational awareness, laying the foundation of the activities on the ground during the unfolding tragedy.
Join various public safety leaders in a discussion on the impact of mass violence on officer wellbeing from the perspectives of the 2023 mass shootings in Nashville, Tennessee, and Lewiston, Maine. This session will also cover situational awareness, laying the foundation of the activities on the ground during the unfolding tragedy.
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Hear from retired U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret Greg Stube as he shares his real-life experiences from the battlefields of Afghanistan, where he nearly lost his life in combat. He will feature keys to leadership and team building, both at work and at home. He will also discuss building resilience when facing adversity and what it takes to stay-the-course and accomplish the mission.
Hear from retired U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret Greg Stube as he shares his real-life experiences from the battlefields of Afghanistan, where he nearly lost his life in combat. He will feature keys to leadership and team building, both at work and at home. He will also discuss building resilience when facing adversity and what it takes to stay-the-course and accomplish the mission.
Greg Stube
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Join IACP and the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department as we kick off the IACP 2024 Officer Safety and Wellness Conference.
Join IACP and the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department as we kick off the IACP 2024 Officer Safety and Wellness Conference. Hear about new and innovative wellness strategies from various agencies. Perspectives will be shared from those who lead these programs, and will feature a 24/7 wellness center, substance misuse program, regional peer support program, family wellness program, and virtual training opportunities.
Ryan Fields-Spack
Associate Director Health and Wellness
FirstNet
Ryan Fields-Spack is a member of the command staff tasked with managing the FirstNet Response Operations Group, a unique team with the FirstNet Program at AT&T specifically chosen for their public safety experience. His primary focus is to advocate for the needs of all public safety agencies and line level personnel as AT&T continues building out FirstNet across the nation.
Ryan Joined AT&T after 10 years with the City of Aurora, Colorado, Fire Department, where he was serving as a captain. He also worked with the department as a fire lieutenant and coordinator for the City of Aurora Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Ryan started as a line level firefighter/paramedic.
He is a graduate of the Naval Post-graduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security with a master’s degree in Securities Studies – Homeland Security and Defense. He focused his thesis on how to manage the human dynamic within a unified command in complex incidents such as an active shooter situation.
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Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel
Chief of Police
Louisville, Kentucky, Metropolitan Police Department
On January 2, 2023, Mayor Craig Greenberg appointed Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel to serve as the Interim Chief of the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD). After conducting a comprehensive nationwide search, the Mayor selected Gwinn-Villaroel to become Louisville’s next permanent police chief on July 20, 2023. During her tenure as Interim Chief, Gwinn-Villaroel created new initiatives including, but not limited to the following: continuous work of implementing police reforms, establishing the Non-Fatal Shooting Squad, implementing the Stop-the-Violence Community Outreach Program, and the expansion of the Louisville Metro Police Activities League.
Prior to serving as Interim Chief, Gwinn-Villaroel was appointed as LMPD’s Deputy Chief in 2021 and was second in command for the police department. She began her law enforcement career with the Atlanta Police Department (APD) in 1997, where she served until joining the LMPD. As an APD officer, Gwinn-Villaroel served as a patrol officer, a field investigation officer, and worked in the following units as a detective: Vice, Narcotics, Gangs and Guns, and Domestic Violence. Upon promotion to Sergeant, she had the opportunity to work in Patrol, the Police Training Academy, and the Personnel/Human Resources Section.
During her time with APD, Gwinn-Villaroel achieved the rank of Sergeant in 2010. In 2017, she was promoted to Lieutenant, and held positions as a watch commander and commander of the Crime Tactical Analysis Unit. After two years as a lieutenant, she was promoted to the rank of Captain and served as the assistant commander of the Major Crimes Division—overseeing the following units: Homicide, Robbery, Gun Assault, Special Victims, and the Metro Atlanta Crimes Stoppers Unit.
In 2020, she was promoted to the rank of Major and assigned to the Police Training Academy. During her time as the major of the training academy, Gwinn-Villaroel successfully implemented new de-escalation training for new police recruits and implemented the training into the required annual in-service training for veteran officers. She also ensured the development of the curriculum for duty-to-intercede training, emphasizing de-escalation and officer accountability, along with re-implementing crisis intervention training for police recruits.
Chief Gwinn-Villaroel holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Public Safety Administration. She is also affiliated with numerous professional organizations, including the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), Kentucky Women Law Enforcement Network (KWLEN), Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police (KACP), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).
As an ordained pastor, Chief Gwinn-Villaroel is passionate about community engagement and being a servant leader in her capacity as a law enforcement officer, as well as an executive police manager. She is a wife, mother and Founder/Senior Pastor of Unstoppable Praise Ministries. Unequivocally, Chief Gwinn-Villaroel is committed to professional excellence, accountability, and compassion, as exemplified by her professional success. Upon her swearing-in, Gwinn-Villaroel will become the first female African-American permanent police chief in Louisville’s and the state of Kentucky’s history.
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David Rausch
Director
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Director Rausch was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1986 and his Master of Science in Justice Administration in 2001, both from the University of Louisville. He has more than 31 years of law enforcement experience. He was enlisted and served in the United States Army Military Police Corps from 1986 to 1990 where he attained the rank of Sergeant. He served for 25 years in the Knoxville Police Department from 1993 to 2018, his last 7 years as Chief of Police. He served 10 years on the KPD SWAT team. He retired from KPD when he was appointed as the 9th Director for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation by Governor Bill Haslam in 2018.
He is a graduate of several prestigious law enforcement leadership training programs to include; the 105th Administrative Officers Course of the Southern Police institute, the FBI 218th National Academy, the Police Executive Research Forum 40th Senior Management Institute for Police, the FBI 36th National Executive Institute, the United States Army War College Commandant’s National Security Program, and the 27th Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange Delegation to Israel.
Director Rausch has served in leadership roles for numerous community and professional service organizations to include; the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, Leadership Knoxville, the Knoxville Change Center, the Trinity Health Foundation, the Volunteer Ministry Center Knoxville, the Knoxville Metro Drug Coalition, the Mental Health Association of East Tennessee, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, the Memphis/Shelby County Crime Commission, and the University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation Center.
Director Rausch has served as an advisor to legislators on the local, state, and federal level, including the Governor of Tennessee, Congress members, Senators, and Executive Staff members to the past two Presidential administrations. He has helped draft, support, pass and defeat significant legislation at all levels of government that impact the safety of communities. He has testified in front of Congress on preparing for and preventing Domestic Terrorism. He is currently serving as a Commissioner for the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice, where he was appointed by U.S. Attorney General William Barr in January 2020.
He has previously served on the Executive Board of IACP as Midsize Agencies Division Chair, and served three years on the Board of Directors, and three years as Co-Chair of the Forensics Committee. He was elected as the 5th Vice President on the Executive Board in 2020 and currently serves as 3rd Vice President.
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In this session, learn the five elements that every law enforcement family needs to know to counter the effect of the spillover which impacts a couple's communication, connection, and intimacy - essential parts of a healthy relationship.
Presentation Description: Officers cannot just "turn it off" when they arrive home to their families. It can be difficult for officers to not bring the work home, where their experiences can negatively impact their personal lives. On the flip side, home life can spill over and negatively impact an officer at work. The challenges of finding a balance are not new - however, if law enforcement families work on a plan to find a balance and protect their home life, it will help to strengthen family and officer wellbeing. In this session, learn the five elements that every law enforcement family needs to know to counter the effect of the spillover which impacts a couple's communication, connection, and intimacy - essential parts of a healthy relationship.
- Identify elements of classical conditioning that spill over from officer training and potentially negatively impact communication and connection in relationships and at home.
- Detect elements of spillover in connection and communication in a law enforcement relationship, including behavioral conditioning and negative narratives.
- Apply methods to educate officers and supportive partners on the spillover and positive impact of connection and communication, creating the possibility for greater officer safety.
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During this session, attendees will learn how running a family support program can have minimal cost and high impact on your agency.
Presentation Description: Departments across the country are fighting concurrent struggles of recruitment, retention, and officer resilience. Agencies are subsequently paying more in personnel costs than they ever have before and wondering how they can sustain the pay that is needed to recruit and retain the best of the best. Offering family support is a valuable opportunity to impact officers, not only in the moment but for the rest of their lives. During this session, attendees will learn how running a family support program can have minimal cost and high impact on your agency.
- will be able to understand what family support is.
- will be able to understand the impact that offering family support to their department will have on recruiting, retention, and resilience.
- will be able to understand the different options that have been successful previously that they can implement with maximum impact within their own department,
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Data gathered from the 2023 survey provides an analysis of the interplay between sources of stress for officers, organizational justice, wellness program availability, and overall employee health. Conclusions reported are designed to support agencies in clearly identifying the drivers of retention, looking across many factors but with a specific focus on how wellness is related to retention.
Presentation Description: Law enforcement is facing a retention crisis, with officers rating staff shortages as the top source of stress among all stressors faced within their lives and careers. The 2023 Critical Issues in Policing Survey, the second such national survey of United States law enforcement conducted by the National Fraternal Order of Police (NFOP), gathers officer experiences and perceptions of current issues impacting law enforcement. Data gathered from the 2023 survey provides an analysis of the interplay between sources of stress for officers, organizational justice, wellness program availability, and overall employee health. Conclusions reported are designed to support agencies in clearly identifying the drivers of retention, looking across many factors but with a specific focus on how wellness is related to retention.
- Upon completion, participants will be able to describe a national perspective of issues currently facing law enforcement, including retention factors and the current state of officer wellness.
- Upon completion, participants will be able to identify key drivers of police employee retention, and will be able to describe how officer wellness is related to retention.
- Upon completion, participants will be able to apply the findings from a national survey of law enforcement officers to their own agencies, identifying potential strategies for recruiting and retaining healthy officers.
Sherri Martin, MA, LPCA
National Director of Wellness Services
Fraternal Order of Police
Sherri Martin serves as the National Director of Wellness Services for the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the largest representative organization of law enforcement officers in the United States, with over 354,000 members. A career police officer, Sherri has extensive experience in crisis negotiation and intervention, serving most of her law enforcement career as a patrol supervisor and lead crisis negotiator. While a member of the Charleston Police Department in South Carolina, where she served the bulk of her career, she achieved the rank of Lieutenant, and was responsible for the development of programs in the areas of officer wellness and crisis intervention within the community. Sherri earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology from the Citadel, where she was chosen by faculty to receive the J. Patrick Leverett Award presented to the most outstanding graduate student in the Psychology program. Additionally, Sherri has experience as a clinical therapist, having worked with clients suffering from PTSD and Clinical Depression during research conducted at Ralph H. Johnston Veterans Affairs Hospital in South Carolina. She is licensed as a Professional Counselor Associate in the State of Connecticut. While pursuing a Postgraduate Certificate in Forensic Psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Sherri led the Fraternal Order of Police National Officer Wellness Committee in a landmark survey of police officers on the subjects of critical stress, stigma, and use of wellness services. Sherri is a member of the National Consortium on Preventing Law Enforcement Suicide, led by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and has served as a contributor on various symposia on officer wellness and police suicide. Along with the FOP National Officer Wellness Committee, Sherri is currently working on the development of a national database of culturally competent mental health providers for law enforcement. In partnership with the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services of the US Department of Justice, the Fraternal Order of Police is also leading development of a nationally standardized curriculum in law enforcement peer support.
Jacqueline Drew, PhD
Senior Lecturer
Griffith University
Dr Jacqueline M. Drew is a police scholar with the Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University, Australia. Dr Drew has over 20 years of experience in law enforcement, as a practitioner and researcher. She is a psychologist, holding a PhD in organizational psychology. She provides expert advice to law enforcement on organizational systems and personnel practices, including police mental health and suicide, leadership, promotion systems and women and policing. Her work has translated into training of law enforcement personnel across Australia and United States, she works with police agencies to improve operational police practice and strives to make a positive impact on the working lives of police.
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This session explores the growth that can come from difficult times and challenging situations. Presenters will introduce the concept of post-traumatic growth and how finding meaning from experiences can be protective and strengthening for resilience and overall mental health and wellness.
Presentation Description: In life and work, the challenges will keep coming. This session explores the growth that can come from difficult times and challenging situations. Presenters will introduce the concept of post-traumatic growth and how finding meaning from experiences can be protective and strengthening for resilience and overall mental health and wellness.
- Upon completion, participants will be able to understand what happens to your neurological, physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual health when you listen to traumatic stories day after day by exploring the characteristics of post-traumatic growth and vicarious trauma.
- Upon completion, participants will be able to safeguard well-being by examining how meaning-making can be used as a powerful protective factor.
- Upon completion, participants will be able to recognize the characteristics of growth including greater appreciation of life, sense of increased personal strength, and the sense for greater possibilities.
Anthony Maez
Deputy Commander
The Innocent Justice Foundation
Anthony Maez, BS is a recognized national trainer and lecturer in various areas of law enforcement. He has provided extensive training on violent crime investigations, technology used to stalk, internet crimes against children, and human trafficking investigations. Drawing on his vast knowledge, he authored several investigative guides for law enforcement and prosecutors in these critical subjects.Beth Medina
CEO/Program Director
The Innocent Justice Foundation
Beth Medina, MFT serves as the CEO/Program Director at The Innocent Justice Foundation where she works in collaboration with the SHIFT and HART teams and provides oversight for the programs. Beth has more than 20 years of experience in non-profit, education and mental health fields. She is an International speaker, trainer and advocate on topics related to trauma recovery and mental health and wellness. She holds a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a B.A. in Political Science/History.
Anthony M. Maez is a Deputy Commander with the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) and former Special Agent in Charge with the Office of New Mexico Attorney General and the Commander of the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) and Human Trafficking Task Forces. Anthony has been in law enforcement in New Mexico for over 34 years. Anthony trains and consults nationally and internationally for the Innocent Justice Foundation, Supporting Heroes in Mental Health Foundational Training (SHIFT). He holds Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University and a Master of Arts in Business and Organizational Security Management from Webster University. -
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Improving officer safety and wellness starts with leadership and organizational culture change, as well as encouragement to seek out and receive help. With this focus, law enforcement can improve outcomes in their approaches to responding to those who are having a mental health crisis.
Presentation Description: Suicide is a significant public health problem and eliminating veteran suicide is a top Veterans Affairs (VA) priority. The VA has many initiatives that target veterans who are in high-risk populations, to include law enforcement. Many officers who are military veterans are at higher risk for suicide due to multiple identities and other factors. The VA Suicide Prevention Office has partnered with the VA Police Service to address officer health and wellness. Improving officer safety and wellness starts with leadership and organizational culture change, as well as encouragement to seek out and receive help. With this focus, law enforcement can improve outcomes in their approaches to responding to those who are having a mental health crisis.
- Upon completion, participants will describe what the VA is currently doing to identify suicide prevention as a public health crisis and eliminating suicide among Veterans, many who are in law enforcement positions.
- Upon completion, participants will understand what and how the VA is working to improve outcomes when responding to Veterans having a mental health crisis.
- Upon completion, participants will learn strategies for improving organizational culture to better address officer safety and wellness.
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This presentation will discuss how the expansion of police training related to de-escalation and crisis intervention response has helped to improve officers' skills and communications in the community. Specifically, as administrators of the Peer Support and the Hostage Negotiations Teams, presenters have learned that there are shared skills among these personnel that are crucial to their success.
Presentation Description: This presentation will discuss how the expansion of police training related to de-escalation and crisis intervention response has helped to improve officers' skills and communications in the community. Specifically, as administrators of the Peer Support and the Hostage Negotiations Teams, presenters have learned that there are shared skills among these personnel that are crucial to their success. These skills include empathy, active listening, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. Though not everyone will meet these qualifications, it is essential that these skills are identified and enhanced. Presenters will share examples of techniques that can assist in selecting and training a peer team.
- Upon completion, participants will be able to understand the best practices in research and training related to de-escalation and crisis intervention within your department's peer support program as well as in the community.
- Upon completion, participants will be able to describe the five essential skills needed for an effective peer support team member.
- Upon completion, participants will be able to conduct techniques that can be used when assessing if an individual has the skills needed to be an effective peer support team member.
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This presentation will focus on what a suicidal person thinks and feels, to allow for a peer to emotionally validate them. Most importantly, this presentation will tell attendees how to identify suicidal ideations, intents, and plans and, regardless of your role, how to convey to the suicidal individual that they should be addressing these thoughts. Furthermore, discussing what the suicidal individual should do and what a peer should tell the suicidal individual to do. The presenter will model what to say and how to say it.
Presentation Description: This presentation will focus on what a suicidal person thinks and feels, to allow for a peer to emotionally validate them. Most importantly, this presentation will tell attendees how to identify suicidal ideations, intents, and plans and, regardless of your role, how to convey to the suicidal individual that they should be addressing these thoughts. Furthermore, discussing what the suicidal individual should do and what a peer should tell the suicidal individual to do. The presenter will model what to say and how to say it.
- to articulate how suicidal persons should view their suicidal thoughts, and how you should tell them to view their suicidal thoughts
- to identify 3 immediate and evidenced-based skills that a suicidal person can implement when acute distress spikes
- to identify 3 things you can say to emotionally validate the suicidal person
Stephanie Barone McKenny, PhD
Police Psychologist, Los Angeles, California, Police Department
Dr. Stephanie Barone McKenny is an LAPD police psychologist who provides consultation to several elite units including SWAT, Air Support Division, and undercover agents. She has worked with law enforcement personnel at the international, national, state, county, and local levels. Dr. McKenny is also a Diplomate in Sports Psychology, a Nationally Certified Sports Psychologist, a Certified Trauma Professional, and she is Certified in Integrative Medicine for holistic health (mind-body-spirit).
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Join various public safety leaders in a discussion on the impact of mass violence on officer wellbeing from the perspectives of the 2023 mass shootings in Nashville, Tennessee, and Lewiston, Maine. This session will also cover situational awareness, laying the foundation of the activities on the ground during the unfolding tragedy.
Join various public safety leaders in a discussion on the impact of mass violence on officer wellbeing from the perspectives of the 2023 mass shootings in Nashville, Tennessee, and Lewiston, Maine. This session will also cover situational awareness, laying the foundation of the activities on the ground during the unfolding tragedy.
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Hear from retired U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret Greg Stube as he shares his real-life experiences from the battlefields of Afghanistan, where he nearly lost his life in combat. He will feature keys to leadership and team building, both at work and at home. He will also discuss building resilience when facing adversity and what it takes to stay-the-course and accomplish the mission.
Hear from retired U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret Greg Stube as he shares his real-life experiences from the battlefields of Afghanistan, where he nearly lost his life in combat. He will feature keys to leadership and team building, both at work and at home. He will also discuss building resilience when facing adversity and what it takes to stay-the-course and accomplish the mission.
Greg Stube
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Join IACP and the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department as we kick off the IACP 2024 Officer Safety and Wellness Conference.
Join IACP and the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department as we kick off the IACP 2024 Officer Safety and Wellness Conference. Hear about new and innovative wellness strategies from various agencies. Perspectives will be shared from those who lead these programs, and will feature a 24/7 wellness center, substance misuse program, regional peer support program, family wellness program, and virtual training opportunities.
Ryan Fields-Spack
Associate Director Health and Wellness
FirstNet
Ryan Fields-Spack is a member of the command staff tasked with managing the FirstNet Response Operations Group, a unique team with the FirstNet Program at AT&T specifically chosen for their public safety experience. His primary focus is to advocate for the needs of all public safety agencies and line level personnel as AT&T continues building out FirstNet across the nation.
Ryan Joined AT&T after 10 years with the City of Aurora, Colorado, Fire Department, where he was serving as a captain. He also worked with the department as a fire lieutenant and coordinator for the City of Aurora Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Ryan started as a line level firefighter/paramedic.
He is a graduate of the Naval Post-graduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security with a master’s degree in Securities Studies – Homeland Security and Defense. He focused his thesis on how to manage the human dynamic within a unified command in complex incidents such as an active shooter situation.
Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel
Chief of Police
Louisville, Kentucky, Metropolitan Police Department
On January 2, 2023, Mayor Craig Greenberg appointed Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel to serve as the Interim Chief of the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD). After conducting a comprehensive nationwide search, the Mayor selected Gwinn-Villaroel to become Louisville’s next permanent police chief on July 20, 2023. During her tenure as Interim Chief, Gwinn-Villaroel created new initiatives including, but not limited to the following: continuous work of implementing police reforms, establishing the Non-Fatal Shooting Squad, implementing the Stop-the-Violence Community Outreach Program, and the expansion of the Louisville Metro Police Activities League.
Prior to serving as Interim Chief, Gwinn-Villaroel was appointed as LMPD’s Deputy Chief in 2021 and was second in command for the police department. She began her law enforcement career with the Atlanta Police Department (APD) in 1997, where she served until joining the LMPD. As an APD officer, Gwinn-Villaroel served as a patrol officer, a field investigation officer, and worked in the following units as a detective: Vice, Narcotics, Gangs and Guns, and Domestic Violence. Upon promotion to Sergeant, she had the opportunity to work in Patrol, the Police Training Academy, and the Personnel/Human Resources Section.
During her time with APD, Gwinn-Villaroel achieved the rank of Sergeant in 2010. In 2017, she was promoted to Lieutenant, and held positions as a watch commander and commander of the Crime Tactical Analysis Unit. After two years as a lieutenant, she was promoted to the rank of Captain and served as the assistant commander of the Major Crimes Division—overseeing the following units: Homicide, Robbery, Gun Assault, Special Victims, and the Metro Atlanta Crimes Stoppers Unit.
In 2020, she was promoted to the rank of Major and assigned to the Police Training Academy. During her time as the major of the training academy, Gwinn-Villaroel successfully implemented new de-escalation training for new police recruits and implemented the training into the required annual in-service training for veteran officers. She also ensured the development of the curriculum for duty-to-intercede training, emphasizing de-escalation and officer accountability, along with re-implementing crisis intervention training for police recruits.
Chief Gwinn-Villaroel holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Public Safety Administration. She is also affiliated with numerous professional organizations, including the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), Kentucky Women Law Enforcement Network (KWLEN), Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police (KACP), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).
As an ordained pastor, Chief Gwinn-Villaroel is passionate about community engagement and being a servant leader in her capacity as a law enforcement officer, as well as an executive police manager. She is a wife, mother and Founder/Senior Pastor of Unstoppable Praise Ministries. Unequivocally, Chief Gwinn-Villaroel is committed to professional excellence, accountability, and compassion, as exemplified by her professional success. Upon her swearing-in, Gwinn-Villaroel will become the first female African-American permanent police chief in Louisville’s and the state of Kentucky’s history.
David Rausch
Director
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Director Rausch was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1986 and his Master of Science in Justice Administration in 2001, both from the University of Louisville. He has more than 31 years of law enforcement experience. He was enlisted and served in the United States Army Military Police Corps from 1986 to 1990 where he attained the rank of Sergeant. He served for 25 years in the Knoxville Police Department from 1993 to 2018, his last 7 years as Chief of Police. He served 10 years on the KPD SWAT team. He retired from KPD when he was appointed as the 9th Director for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation by Governor Bill Haslam in 2018.
He is a graduate of several prestigious law enforcement leadership training programs to include; the 105th Administrative Officers Course of the Southern Police institute, the FBI 218th National Academy, the Police Executive Research Forum 40th Senior Management Institute for Police, the FBI 36th National Executive Institute, the United States Army War College Commandant’s National Security Program, and the 27th Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange Delegation to Israel.
Director Rausch has served in leadership roles for numerous community and professional service organizations to include; the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, Leadership Knoxville, the Knoxville Change Center, the Trinity Health Foundation, the Volunteer Ministry Center Knoxville, the Knoxville Metro Drug Coalition, the Mental Health Association of East Tennessee, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, the Memphis/Shelby County Crime Commission, and the University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation Center.
Director Rausch has served as an advisor to legislators on the local, state, and federal level, including the Governor of Tennessee, Congress members, Senators, and Executive Staff members to the past two Presidential administrations. He has helped draft, support, pass and defeat significant legislation at all levels of government that impact the safety of communities. He has testified in front of Congress on preparing for and preventing Domestic Terrorism. He is currently serving as a Commissioner for the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice, where he was appointed by U.S. Attorney General William Barr in January 2020.
He has previously served on the Executive Board of IACP as Midsize Agencies Division Chair, and served three years on the Board of Directors, and three years as Co-Chair of the Forensics Committee. He was elected as the 5th Vice President on the Executive Board in 2020 and currently serves as 3rd Vice President.
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In this session, learn the five elements that every law enforcement family needs to know to counter the effect of the spillover which impacts a couple's communication, connection, and intimacy - essential parts of a healthy relationship.
Presentation Description: Officers cannot just "turn it off" when they arrive home to their families. It can be difficult for officers to not bring the work home, where their experiences can negatively impact their personal lives. On the flip side, home life can spill over and negatively impact an officer at work. The challenges of finding a balance are not new - however, if law enforcement families work on a plan to find a balance and protect their home life, it will help to strengthen family and officer wellbeing. In this session, learn the five elements that every law enforcement family needs to know to counter the effect of the spillover which impacts a couple's communication, connection, and intimacy - essential parts of a healthy relationship.
- Identify elements of classical conditioning that spill over from officer training and potentially negatively impact communication and connection in relationships and at home.
- Detect elements of spillover in connection and communication in a law enforcement relationship, including behavioral conditioning and negative narratives.
- Apply methods to educate officers and supportive partners on the spillover and positive impact of connection and communication, creating the possibility for greater officer safety.
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During this session, attendees will learn how running a family support program can have minimal cost and high impact on your agency.
Presentation Description: Departments across the country are fighting concurrent struggles of recruitment, retention, and officer resilience. Agencies are subsequently paying more in personnel costs than they ever have before and wondering how they can sustain the pay that is needed to recruit and retain the best of the best. Offering family support is a valuable opportunity to impact officers, not only in the moment but for the rest of their lives. During this session, attendees will learn how running a family support program can have minimal cost and high impact on your agency.
- will be able to understand what family support is.
- will be able to understand the impact that offering family support to their department will have on recruiting, retention, and resilience.
- will be able to understand the different options that have been successful previously that they can implement with maximum impact within their own department,