SATURDAY, February 1, 2025 Seminar Sessions 

THE Evolving Battle Against Contraband: Tools and Tactics for Sheriffs and Correctional Leaders

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025 | 8:30AM TO 9:30AM | STATE ROOM

This session presents a comprehensive and contemporary overview of advanced contraband detection technologies in correctional facilities. This session will cover critical areas including drug contraband identification, cell phone detection, drone threat mitigation, and the use of portable ferromagnetic detectors. Based on a series of landscape assessment of products and insights from practitioners developed under the Criminal Justice Technology Testing & Evaluation Center findings will showcase a multi-layered approach, integrating scanning technology, physical searches, chemical detection, and facility protocols to prevent contraband entry and reduce associated security risks. We will cover issues related to addressing the adaptive challenges of contraband smuggling methods and highlights the essential role of technology, staff training, and policy frameworks in creating safe, contraband-free correctional environments. The session will cover existing technologies available for contraband detection, challenges to adoption and implementation, lessons learned from use cases, and ethical and legal considerations.

PRESENTERS: Michael Planty, Senior Director of Justice Programs, RTI International, and Neal Parsons, Senior Research Scientist, RTI International

Michael Planty, PhD, serves as Senior Director of RTI’s Justice Program. Dr. Planty has extensive research experience in the areas of victimization, law enforcement, in-custody deaths, officer involved shootings, and the use of technology in the criminal justice system. Before joining RTI in 2017, Dr. Planty served as deputy director at the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics, overseeing multiple national data-collection projects on victimization and law enforcement issues. Currently, he serves as Co-PI for the Criminal Justice Technology Testing and Evaluation Center (https://cjttec.org/) that provides rigorous testing and evaluation of existing or emerging technologies for criminal justice practitioners.

Neal Parsons is a Senior Research Scientist at RTI International, where he specializes in large-scale testing and evaluation of innovative technologies for forensic, public safety, and defense applications. With expertise in facilitating community knowledge transfer and advancing technology transition, Mr. Parsons leads the technology evaluation team for the Criminal Justice Technology Testing and Evaluation Center (https://cjttec.org/). Before joining RTI, Mr. Parsons held senior positions at the ANDE Corporation and the Bode Technology Group, where he led DNA-based disaster victim identification efforts and contributed to the development of forensic technologies for the U.S. Department of Defense.

Siezing Digital Devices for Evidence and Policy Implications

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025 | 8:30AM TO 9:30AM | COMMERCE ROOM

Technology plays an essential role in our lives. From mobile devices such as phones and watches to in-home assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, technological devices are in nearly every aspect of our lives. Although we are utilizing a small number of these evidence containers to gather evidence, there is still much more data waiting to be examined. Proper training and policy updates are crucial to successful prosecution.

This presentation will discuss various Internet of Things (IoT) devices that may contain digital data, how to mitigate any possible officer safety issues, how these devices should be seized and the evidence preserved, and possible policy updates due to the advancement of technology that may be needed for a successful conviction.

PRESENTER: Isaac Strickland, Senior Instructor, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Isaac Strickland has been Instructor in the Law Enforcement Cyber Division (CYD) Technical Investigations Branch since 2016. He is the program coordinator for the Mobile Device Investigations Program (MDIP) and provides instruction in other advance CYD courses. Since his time at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, he has continued to implement new training methods to basic and advance students in mobile forensics. He partners closely with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to bring the most up-to-date training to their field agents.

Isaac started his mobile forensic background at Armstrong State University Police Department, where he was a Lieutenant and an Investigator/Analyst with the Cyber Forensics Division. He helped develop and implement their forensic lab and evidence handling practices and procedures. During his time at ASU Cyber Division, the division was awarded the Georgia Governor’s Public Safety Award in 2013 and the Dr. Curtis E. McClung/ Motorola Award of Excellence in 2014.

Law Enforcement Traffic Safety, Preventing the Preventable

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025 | 8:30AM TO 9:30AM | JUSTICE ROOM

This seminar will cover the latest in law enforcement traffic-related fatalities and injuries, while providing the attendees with detailed information on crash trends, and important facts regarding roadside and vehicle safety.

PRESENTER: Nicholas Breul, Senior Program Manager, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

Nick Breul is currently a Senior Project Manager here at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) and is the former Director of its Officer Safety, Wellness and Research Division, where his team did in-depth analysis of line of duty deaths, especially traffic related causes. Before joining the NLEOMF, Nick was the Director of Security for the Washington National Cathedral. A post he held for two years. Prior to that, he served on the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of Washington, D.C. for 26 years. Nick worked in many capacities during his career on the police department; serving as a Detective, a Patrol Sergeant, Homicide Supervisor and retired as a Lieutenant, managing the department’s Traffic Safety Branch. There he oversaw the Major Crash Investigative Unit, as well as, all of the traffic focused enforcement and public safety education initiatives. Nick is a graduate of Hobart College, where he received a BA in History and still serves in the capacity of Departmental Historian for the Metropolitan Police Department of Washinton, D.C.

It’s Not Always Use of Force: How Michigan is “Making the R.I.G.H.T Choice” to Intervene

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025 | 9:45AM TO 10:45AM | STATE ROOM

The duty to intervene goes beyond use of force situations—learn how the Michigan Sheriff’s Association spearheaded a statewide initiative inspiring agencies to empower deputies to intervene, when needed, to prevent colleagues from committing procedural errors up to criminal conduct. This session will provide an overview of the 8-hour “Take Action: Make the R.I.G.H.T. Choice and Intervene” training, developed in partnership with the COPS Office, IACP, and IADLEST. Grounded in active bystandership techniques, the conversation will cover complex issues around leadership, culture, policies and procedures, training and education, community awareness, and accountability measures. Information on how agencies can request the training at no-cost through the CRI-TAC program will also be shared.

PRESENTERS: Daniel Pfannes, Deputy Directory, Michigan Sheriffs’ Association, Ryan Daugirda, Project Manager, IACP

Daniel Pfannes has been involved in Michigan law enforcement for over 42 years. He served his first 25 years at the City of Westland, Michigan’s tenth largest city, and retired as its chief of police. For the subsequent 15 years, he was the undersheriff for three consecutive sheriffs and was twice the acting sheriff for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, which at the time of his original appointment was Michigan’s third largest law enforcement agency. He is currently the deputy director for the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association, an entity that represents the collective interests of Michigan’s 83 elected sheriffs. Pfannes has been an adjunct professor since 2000, during which time he has taught at Madonna University and Schoolcraft College. Pfannes is active in the world of legislation. He has had a long-standing presence on the legislative committees of both the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association (MSA) and the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP). Pfannes was awarded the MSA Presidents’ Award for his involvement in the legislative process, and he was twice awarded the MACP’s Legislative Advocate of the Year award. Pfannes has a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Supervision and Management from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Detroit. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, session #247; the FBI LEEDS program; and the FBI National Executive Institute. He attended PERF’s Senior Management Institute for Police, Northwestern University’s/Eastern Michigan University’s School of Police Staff and Command, and he completed leadership coursework at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Ryan Daugirda joined the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) in 2009 and currently serves as a Project Manager on the Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC). He previously worked on technology focused programs such as the Law Enforcement Cyber Center (LECC), National Crime Statistics Exchange (NCS-X), Response to Transnational Elder Fraud, the IACP Technology Conference, and served on the AAMVA License Plate Standards and License Plate Reader Working Groups. Mr. Daugirda holds a master’s degree in Homeland Security-Geospatial Intelligence and a bachelor’s degree in Crime, Law, & Justice from the Pennsylvania State University.

The Correction Connection – Drones & Criminal Organizations

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025 | 9:45AM TO 10:45AM | COMMERCE ROOM

Drones have emerged as a critical asset for criminal and drug trafficking organizations. These unmanned aerial vehicles are being exploited for various illegal activities, including surveillance, smuggling, and the delivery of prison contraband. Their capacity to operate discreetly and reach isolated areas has made them a powerful tool for criminals. As technology progresses, the threat posed by drones in the hands of these organizations has become increasingly significant. See what the Georgia Department of Corrections has done by implementing enforcement measures to combat this growing menace to their Agency.

PRESENTERS: Greggory Philips, Special Agent, Georgia Department of Corrections, and John Regan, Gang and Rico Prosecutor, Prosecuting Attorneys Council 

Greggory Phillips is a Special Agent with the Georgia Department of Corrections, specifically within the Office of Professional Standards. He is currently assigned to the Organized Crime and Gang Unit, which includes a detachment to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force.

With over 24 years of experience as a law enforcement officer, Phillips has served in various roles. His background includes working as a Deputy Sheriff in detention, patrol, traffic enforcement/DUI, and as a K-9 handler focused on Interstate Crime Enforcement. Transitioning from uniformed service to plainclothes, Phillips excelled as a Sergeant in Investigations, specifically in Narcotics and Homicide, and served as the Assistant Commander of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

As a Special Agent with the Georgia Department of Corrections, Phillips is tasked with identifying inmates in leadership positions who operate criminal street and prison gangs without consequence while incarcerated. He aims to disrupt and dismantle these organizations through innovative investigations, arrests, and prosecutions. He has achieved this by conducting targeted quick strikes and electronic investigations and forming partnerships with local agencies and prosecutors to encompass the entire organization, including associates, family members and business owners who work in concert with the inmates to enhance the organization and gang.

SA Phillips is responsible for bringing forth the largest gang RICO investigation and prosecution in the State of Georgia and the second longest-running wiretap investigation in the nation.

John A. Regan serves as the Gang Resource Prosecutor within the State Prosecution Support Division of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council. In this role, he provides valuable knowledge and expertise to prosecutors, investigators, and law enforcement agencies across the state on gang-related cases. He offers trial support to local District Attorneys’ offices, equipping Georgia prosecutors with the tools necessary to hold the most violent offenders accountable and to safeguard Georgia’s communities.

John is also a key faculty member at the PAC’s Basic Litigation Boot Camp, which serves as a training program for new prosecutors. He has presented at various events, including PAC’s Summer Conference, PAC’s Fundamentals of Prosecution, and the Georgia State Patrol Trooper School. Additionally, he has spoken for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) on the use of social media evidence in gang prosecutions.

John earned his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University and graduated from the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University. With over twenty-three years of prosecution experience, he has served at PAC and has held various positions within the Macon Judicial Circuit as an Assistant District Attorney, where he handled complex criminal cases, including murders and gang prosecutions in the Major Crimes Unit

The Future of Suspect Development: Best Practices for the Collection of Eyewitness Evidence

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025 | 9:45AM TO 10:45AM | JUSTICE ROOM

Eyewitnesses are prone to error. When they make mistakes, the actual perpetrator is more likely to go free. Because eyewitness misidentification is so pervasive, social scientists have spent the last 40 years studying which police practices can be improved to increase the reliability of identification evidence. Based on this scholarship, the American Psychology-Law Society commissioned a panel of eyewitness scholars to review the extant literature and make evidence-based recommendations about the practices that officers should use for conducting better identification procedures. One of these recommendations is a call for evidence-based suspicion. Specifically, eyewitness experts argue that there should be evidence-based grounds to suspect that an individual is guilty of the specific crime being investigated before including that individual in an identification procedure. Because there are many possible examples of what could qualify as evidence-based suspicion for the purposes of justifying the placement of an individual in a lineup identification procedure, we will discuss what does and does not constitute as sufficient. We will also discuss the role that facial recognition technology plays in suspect development and outline the potential benefits and limitations to its use in the eyewitness lineup context. Because eyewitness expert witnesses can now testify about how the suspect was developed, seminar attendees will leave better equipped to avoid common pitfalls that could harm the reliability of eyewitness evidence in the courtroom.

PRESENTERS: Dr. Jacqueline Katzman, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and Dr. Margaret Kovera, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Jacqueline Katzman is a tenure-track assistant professor of Psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York (CUNY). Dr. Katzman’s research focuses on biases in the legal system, with a specific focus on racial disparities in mistaken identifications. Dr. Katzman’s work has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the American Psychology-Law Society, the American Academy of Forensic Psychology, and CUNY. Her research has been published in Law & Human Behavior and Behavioral Sciences & the Law.

Dr. Katzman has received several awards for her research, including 1st place in the American Psychology-Law Society Dissertation Award Competition. She received her PhD from CUNY’s Graduate Center and her BA from Cornell University.

Margaret Bull Kovera is a Presidential Scholar and Professor in the Psychology Department. She is an internationally recognized expert on eyewitness identification and legal decision making. For over twenty-five years, she has had continuous funding (over $2.8 million) from federal agencies, including the National Science Foundation and the Bureau of Justice Assistance, for her research on eyewitness identification, jury decision-making, and scientific evidence.  Her research on these topics has been published in Law and Human Behavior, Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of Applied Research on Memory and Cognition, and Psychology, Public Policy, and Law. Her book, The psychology of juries (published by the American Psychological Association), received the American Psychology-Law Society Book Award.

Kovera is a Past-President of the American Psychology-Law Society and former Editor-in-Chief of Law and Human Behavior, the premier outlet for scholarship in psychology and law. She is the recipient of the Saleem Shah Award for Early Career Achievement in Psychology and Law (APLS and the American Academy of Forensic Psychology), the Outstanding Teacher and Mentor in Psychology and Law Award (APLS), Distinguished Teaching Award (John Jay College), Outstanding Scholarly Mentor Award (John Jay College), the Distinguished Service Award (SPSSI), and Outstanding Book in Psychology and Law (APLS). She regularly serves as an expert witness in cases involving eyewitness identification.

Reducing and Preventing In-Custody Deaths: Promising practices, programs, and policies

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025 | 11:00AM TO 12:00PM | STATE ROOM

As short-term confinement facilities, jails across the nation experience a constant and rapid churn of individuals under their supervision. Often, and increasingly so, these individuals have significant mental health, substance use, or medical-related needs, often co-occurring. These populations present significant challenges to jail operations, especially regarding the prevention of in-custody deaths. This session presents the results from a recent federally funded study that conducted a national scan of the scientific literature coupled within in-depth interviews with jail and corrections practitioners from across the country. We first present an overview of the current state of the problem, describing the prevalence and risk factors associated with suicide, intoxication-related deaths, and medical illness. Next, we discuss the challenges associated with serving this population. From the review of the literature coupled with insights from practitioners, we then introduce promising policies, practices and programs that can reduce or prevent suicide, overdoses, and improve medical care.
A common theme centered around supporting and managing the population impacted by their behavioral health. Innovative practices included the implementation of comprehensive screenings during intake for co-occurring disorders, detox protocols and medications for opioid use disorder, and integrating behavioral health staff into the jail health contract. In responding to mental health crisis and preventing suicides, we will present on changes to observation protocols, the use of technology and overcoming facilities design barriers to prevent and intervene, and the use of peers.

PRESENTERS: Michael Planty, Senior Director of Justice Programs, RTI International, Melissia Larson, Program Manager, RTI International, and Michael Ukauka, Corrections Lieutenant, City of Las Vegas, Nevada

Michael Planty, PhD, serves as Senior Director of RTI’s Justice Program. Dr. Planty has extensive research experience in the areas of victimization, law enforcement, in-custody deaths, officer involved shootings, and the use of technology in the criminal justice system. Before joining RTI in 2017, Dr. Planty served as deputy director at the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics, overseeing multiple national data-collection projects on victimization and law enforcement issues. Currently, he serves as Co-PI for the Criminal Justice Technology Testing and Evaluation Center (https://cjttec.org/) that provides rigorous testing and evaluation of existing or emerging technologies for criminal justice practitioners.

Melissia Larson is a research public health analyst in RTI’s Justice Practice Area. Ms. Larson has 24 years of experience in innovative program design and management for public safety and community partnerships. Her career has been spent working directly with law enforcement and jails; she worked directly in a sheriff’s office for 16 years and for 6 years supported law enforcement agencies and jails across North Carolina to implement programming supporting individuals impacted by their substance use. Her leadership in projects in jails has included work impacting vulnerable populations in the topical areas of mental health diversion, behavioral health programming, the use of peer support, and the installation of naloxone vending machines in the jail setting, and public health related education on jail tablets for inmate education.

Melissia’s project work within RTI includes providing subject matter expertise to law enforcement on diversion and deflection strategies, harm reduction, and law enforcement/community partnerships. Her project contributions include the Reducing and Preventing Deaths in Custody research, providing technical assistance within the Comprehensive Opioid and Stimulant Use Program, the use of virtual reality for law enforcement de-escalation training, the evaluation of Brazilian Jui Jitsu-inspired training for law enforcement, evaluating community violence and intervention programming, and identifying community engagement strategies to improve fatal and non-fatal case closure rates.

Trends in Elder Financial Exploitation and Tools for You to Combat It

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025 | 11:00AM TO 12:00PM | COMMERCE ROOM

This panel discussion will feature federal law enforcement and regulatory experts discussing the latest types of scams and theft affecting older Americans, and people of all ages, across the US. This will include the latest elder financial exploitation trends, and the role of money mules in such crimes. Federal agencies will include Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Panelists will also present federal resources that can assist sheriffs and their investigators across the country in combatting elder financial exploitation and other types of crime. Resources include HSI’s law enforcement task forces, FinCEN’s financial investigation tools and training programs, and the CFPB’s fraud education tools and programs to combat elder financial exploitation. These tools can be used to combat all types of crime, from drugs to human trafficking, as well as elder financial exploitation.

PRESENTERS: Laura Richardson, Bank Secrecy Act Expert, Office of Older Americans, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Lisa Schifferle, Senior Policy Analyst, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Steve Gurdak, Group Manager, Washington Baltimore HIDTA’s Northern Virginia Financial Initiative (NVFI)

Laura Richardson is a national expert in the Bank Secrecy Act and uses of SARs for fraud prevention and prosecution. Currently, Ms. Richardson is a Bank Secrecy Act consultant to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.  During 12 years at the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), she led teams of analysts, and worked with regulators and law enforcement, to maximize the use of BSA and SAR data for threat prevention, with a focus on elder financial exploitation. She also served in management and analytical roles in investment research and management consulting organizations in the private sector.  She holds a B.S. from Tufts University and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan. 

Lisa Weintraub Schifferle is a Senior Policy Analyst in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Office for Older Americans. She leads the Managing Someone Else’s Money financial caregiving program as well as the Money Smart for Older Adults scam awareness program. She also supports the Office’s work to combat elder financial exploitation through network collaboration and age-friendly banking.  Before joining the CFPB, Ms. Schifferle worked at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), providing training and litigating cases related to scams, identity theft, and cybersecurity. She also served as Staff Attorney and Supervising Attorney at the Maryland Legal Aid Bureau.  Ms. Schifferle received her B.A. summa cum laude from Yale College and her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Steve Gurdak is the group manager for the Washington Baltimore HIDTA’s Northern Virginia Financial Initiative (NVFI). The initiative serves as a model SAR Review Team.  Steve has been referred to as “the Godfather of SAR Review Teams” from his role there. He is also George Mason University (GMU) faculty emeritus. Steve has over 30 years of law enforcement experience with an impressive list of awards and commendations.  Steve has testified in Federal Court as an expert witness in money laundering.  Steve regularly trains new detectives and agents in investigative skills. He has written a numerous articles, done webinars, and various presentations on financial investigation literacy.

LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY to Expand and Streamline the Application Process

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025 | 11:00AM TO 12:00PM | JUSTICE ROOM

As law enforcement agencies face increased demand for efficiency and reaching additional prospective candidates, adopting innovative technologies in the recruitment and application process is more critical than ever. This session helps agencies decrease their application process timeline, expand prospective candidate pools, and simplify complex hiring processes. This session will explore how leveraging modern tools such as AI, automated systems, and integrated digital investigation platforms can simplify the recruitment process, attract a diverse pool of candidates, and reduce administrative burden. Attendees will gain insights into how technology can improve the speed, accuracy, and fairness of the application process, ensuring agencies can meet their staffing needs while maintaining high standards. This is presented from a research and industry expertise.

The session will feature case studies, practical examples, and a step-by-step guide on implementing these technologies successfully, allowing attendees to take actionable insights back to their agencies. Additionally, the course will provide perspective of how technology can be leveraged to retain top talent.

Presenters have prior experience leading large law enforcement agency recruiting practices and streamlining systems. In Washington D.C., Mr. Haiman reduced the application process time from 18 months to 3 months and works nationally to promote best practices in applicant hiring. Their experience ranges from small rural agencies to the largest municipal departments, working with sheriff agencies and state agencies as well.

PRESENTERS: Marvin Haiman, Executive Director, Center for Public Safety and Justice, and Oscar Odom, First Deputy Sheriff Commissioner (Ret), New York City Sheriff’s Office

Mr. Marvin “Ben” Haiman is the Executive Director of the Center for Public Safety and Justice at the University of Virginia.  He is a Visiting Fellow and Research Scholar with Rutger’s University.  He consults with police agencies domestically and internationally related to topics ranging from law enforcement practice, policy, recruitment, training, curriculum design, labor relations, and many forms of technology.  He served as the Chief of Staff for the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington DC between 2021 and 2024.  

Mr. Haiman was responsible for several organizational units including the Office of Communications, Office of General Counsel, Office of the Chief Equity and People Officer, and the Professional Development Bureau. Mr. Haiman served as the Executive Director of the Professional Development Bureau between 2017 – 2021, leading the recruiting, training, human resources, testing and assessment, EEO, and strategic engagement.  Mr. Haiman held multiple positions related to technology, policy and personnel services between 2015 and 2017. 

Prior to returning to the Metropolitan Police Department, Mr. Haiman served as Director for the Homeland Security Advisory Council for the United States Department of Homeland Security, establishing several key task forces for the Secretary (e.g., Foreign Fighters, Integrity & Use of Force). Prior to his Federal service, Mr. Haiman led the Recruiting Division for the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington DC among various other positions.  

Haiman graduated from The Johns Hopkins University with a master’s degree in management through the Police Executive Leadership Program and has his undergraduate degree in mathematics from the University of Iowa and received designation as a Certified Public Management Program through George Washington University, as well as certification in Strategic Project Management. Mr. Haiman is also a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security’s Executive Leadership Program. Mr. Haiman received recognition by the International Association of Chiefs of Police in 2020 as a 40 under 40 recipient and the prestigious Gary P. Hayes Award by the Police Executive Research Forum. Mr. Haiman also graduated from the Metropolitan Police Academy and serves as a reserve police officer with the Metropolitan Police Department. Mr. Haiman resides with his family in Washington, DC.

Dr. Oscar Odom III currently serves as an Associate Professor of Public Safety. Previously, he served as the Vice President of Security for the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. Dr. Odom has served as a Commissioner on the New York City Districting Commission of New York City. Dr. Odom is the former First Deputy Sheriff Commissioner and Four (4) Star Chief of the New York City Sheriff’s Office. Also, a Retired New York City Police Detective (20 years). Dr. Odom has served New York City Mayor’s David Dinkins, Rudy Giuliani, and Michael Bloomberg. Dr. Odom has held several assignments in the New York City Police Department, Patrol Officer, Police Academy Instructor, Intelligence Division, Career Criminal Investigation Unit and Juvenile Crime Squad (Fugitive Enforcement Division). Also, serve as a news commentator on policing, emergency management, criminal justice, and terrorism issues. Additionally, Dr. Odom has an academic career that has expanded over twenty years and has served has as a professor in graduate and undergraduate colleges in criminal justice, law, and emergency & disaster management. Dr. Odom is a member of the Oxford Roundtable in the United Kingdom and a Fulbright Scholar Criminology Peer Reviewer. 
 
Dr. Odom is a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), New York State Chiefs of Police Association, and American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS).? 
 
Dr. Odom earned his B.S. degree in Correction Administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Juris Doctor degree from the City University of New York School of Law, where he served as Associate Editor of the Law Review, and earned his Doctorate of Education degree? with a Specialization in Educational Leadership and Management  

How a Sheriff’s Detention Facility is Transforming Lives and Helping to Make Flagler County one of the Safest Communities in America

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025 | 1:00PM TO 2:00PM | STATE ROOM

By utilizing empirically validated best practice programs, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility is transforming lives as tax-taking lawbreakers become taxpaying law-abiding and productive citizens. A 50% reduction in crime and the status of Flagler County as one of the safest communities in America are helped made possible by the model programs and specific services offered to inmates at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility. Community and business partnerships are central to this success. This seminar will discuss how the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office selects, implements, and evaluates several life changing programs which effectively address the underlying causes of recidivism and provide everyone re-entering the community with the foundation, tools, and opportunities to never again return to incarceration. Best practices and lessons learned will be shared which might benefit other Sheriff’s Offices.

PRESENTERS: Sheriff Rick Staly, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, and Chief Daniel Engert, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Rick Staly was elected Sheriff on November 8, 2016, and was sworn-in as Flagler County’s 18th Sheriff on January 3, 2017 and was overwhelmingly re-elected in 2020.  As Sheriff, he leads a work force of more than 350 employees with a budget over $44 million dollars. 

Sheriff Staly began his law enforcement career in 1975 as a police officer in Oviedo (FL) and later in Altamonte Springs (FL). He served for 23 years at the Orange County Florida Sheriff’s Office (FL), being promoted through the ranks to Undersheriff, or second-in-command, of the fourth largest sheriff’s office in Florida and the thirteenth largest sheriff’s office in the nation where he commanded a force of 2,000 employees and a budget of $120 million dollars. 

After retiring from Orange County in 2001, he remained a sworn reserve Deputy Sheriff with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office while working in the private security industry as a Senior Vice President with an international company responsible for all security operations world-wide.  In 2008, he started his own security company based in Palm Coast, FL. After growing the company to 128 employees with annual revenue of $3.5 million dollars, he sold the company to a national security firm in 2012. Sheriff Staly later joined the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office where he served as the Undersheriff from 2013 through 2014 before retiring.  The community later recruited him to run for Sheriff. 

Sheriff Staly holds a Master’s degree in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Rollins College. Sheriff Staly is a graduate of the 177th Session of the FBI National Academy, the Southern Police Institute’s 79th Administrative Officer’s Course and is trained in Homeland Security. Sheriff Staly also graduated from the 112th Session of the National Sheriff’s Institute, the 79th Session of the FBI L.E.E.D.S. program and the National Sheriff’s Institute Jail Administration course. 

During Sheriff Staly’s more than 45 years of public safety service, he has received numerous awards, commendations and medals, including the Medal of Valor, OCSO’s Purple Heart Medal and Florida Governor’s Medal of Heroism after being shot three times while saving the life of a fellow deputy sheriff.  In 2019, he was selected as 1 of 5 finalists for the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award. 

Sheriff Staly serves as the Immediate Past Chair for the Commission on Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation and is Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Directors of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, is Immediate Past President of the Florida Deputy Sheriff’s Association and is Chair of the Board of Directors for the Florida Sheriff’s Association. He is an active member of the Volusia-Flagler Police Chiefs Association, the B.P.O.E. Elks of Palm Coast, Bunnell Lodge 200 F.&A.M., and the Flagler County Gun and Archery Club. He is a life member of the National Rifle Association. Sheriff Staly has been awarded life memberships in the National Sheriff’s Association, International Association Chiefs of Police, Southern Police Institute Alumni Association and the Florida Police Chiefs Association. In 2015, President Obama awarded Sheriff Staly the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. 

 Sheriff Staly and his wife, Debbie, are members of Flagler Beach United Methodist Church and live in Bunnell. Sheriff Staly has two grown daughters, Lauren and Diana, and three grandchildren, Aiden, Lexi and Adalynn. 

Daniel Engert began his career with the Niagara County (NY) Sheriff’s Office in 1990. He is a US DOJ PREA auditor, an AJA Certified Jail Manager, and an NCCHC Certified Correctional Health Professional He served on the Board of Directors for the American Jail Association and is currently a Commissioner on the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission. He served the New York State Sheriff’s Association Accreditation Program as an auditor and is a graduate and member of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association. In 2019, he received a Gold Key Award from the Western New York Chemical Dependency Consortium for his efforts to address addiction and mental health issues. He has provided testimony to the NYS Legislature and US Congress as a subject matter expert on jail issues and under his leadership, both the Niagara County (NY) Correctional Facility and the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility (FL) have achieved correctional healthcare accreditation with the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare. He currently serves as Chief of the Court and Detention Division with the Flagler County (FL) Sheriff’s Office.  

Doing more with less in 2025: How partnerships and information sharing can serve as a force multiplier

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025 | 1:00PM TO 2:00PM | COMMERCE ROOM

The FBI’s CJIS Division offers services to law enforcement agencies to enhance investigations and operations. CJIS has partnered closely with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies to serve as a national hub for sharing critical data provided by, and for the benefit of, the criminal justice community. This data can be easily leveraged to identify subjects, discover information, and locate persons and property. The tactics that will be discussed have a proven track record leading to arrests and convictions and enhancing officer safety. The following cooperative programs will be covered: the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), the Next Generation Identification (NGI) System, the National Data Exchange (N-DEx), the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, Officer Safety Awareness Training (OSAT), and the Law Enforcement Enterprise Portal (LEEP).

PRESENTERS: Nicky Megna, Designated Federal Officer, FBI CJIS Division

Mr. Nicky J. Megna serves as the Unit Chief of the FBI CJIS Division’s Law Enforcement Engagement Unit (LEEU). Mr. Megna supervises the division’s liaison activities and communications with the law enforcement community that promote the effective use of CJIS-managed systems and programs that promote officer and public safety. In addition, Mr. Megna has served as the DFO for the FBI CJIS APB since June 2019, when he was appointed by the FBI Director to serve as the management official responsible for coordinating all APB activities. The APB is chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, and reviews appropriate strategy, policy, technical, and operational issues to provide recommendations to the FBI Director on CJIS Services. Mr. Megna also serves as an advisor to the FBI and law enforcement community.

Prior to this assignment, he served as the Unit Chief of the Programs Research and Standards Unit where he was responsible for advancing the adoption of biometric and identity management solutions within the FBI and the criminal justice community. His research, development, evaluation, and standards efforts have included the Electronic Biometric Transmission Specification, Universal Latent Workstation Software, fingerprint image compression, biometric algorithms, and the FBI’s Iris and facial recognition pilots.

Mr. Megna was assigned as a Unit Chief within the 1.2-billion-dollar Next Generation Identification (NGI) project from 2010-2014. He served as the transition manager for the NGI Advanced Fingerprint Identification Technology implementation. He also led an array of NGI trade studies, pilots, prototypes, and transitions to include the FBI’s Repository of Individuals of Special Concern, face recognition, and iris Search capabilities.

Mr. Megna served as a functional expert during the operational testing and deployment of the FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) in the late 1990s, and has worked closely with federal, state, local, and tribal criminal justice agencies to implement CJIS Division systems to include the IAFIS and National Crime Information Center. He served as the FBI’s lead supporting the development and implementation of Department of Defense Automated Biometric Identification System in the early 2000s.

Mr. Megna entered on duty with the FBI in July 1996 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Fairmont State University with a minor in psychology and emphasis in law enforcement.

Organizational Wellness

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025 | 1:00PM TO 2:00PM | JUSTICE ROOM

The presentation discusses strategies for law enforcement leaders to create positive mechanisms of support, resilience, and wellness for their officers from recruitment to retirement. It highlights effective strategies for supervisors and managers to be the primary care provider for their people – not just being concerned with how the officer did the job, but more importantly, how the job may be affecting the officer and ways to connect with and support them. It discusses the concepts and implementation of an Early Identification and Intervention System – recognized by CALEA as a best practice since 2002 – based on traumas experienced by the officer which then triggers an agency proactive response. The presentation also discusses one of the most effective treatments to recover and heal from work traumas EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) – which has been endorsed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Further information is provided on creating or improving the effectiveness of peer support teams – as well as elements of a wellness program.

PRESENTERS: Captain (ret) Dan Willis, La Mesa Police / National Command and Staff College / FirstResponderWellness.com

Captain Willis (ret) served with the La Mesa Police Department near San Diego for 30 years as a crimes of violence, child molest, sexual assault and homicide detective; SWAT Commander; and Coordinator of his agency’s Wellness Unit and Peer Support Team. He is the author of the nationally award–winning emotional survival and wellness guidebook, Bulletproof Spirit: The First Responders Essential Resource for Protecting and Healing Mind and Heart” – which has sold over 35,000 copies (Now required reading at the FBI National Academy) and Police Resilience (2022).

Captain Willis is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (241) where he studied emotional survival and wellness. He has presented over 480 times in 40 states and in five other countries to 12,000 peace officers regarding trauma recovery, wellness, resilience – and agency wellness programs. He is an instructor with the National command College and is associated with the International Academy of Public Safety. 

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations – Removal Mission Overview & Partnership

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025 | 2:15PM TO 3:15PM | STATE ROOM

This seminar will discuss ICE collaborations and cooperation with state and local law enforcement partners. Focusing on the abilities of Enforcment and Removal Operations to perform both criminal and administrative enforcement actions and how that enhances partnerships. Also, how the intelligence driven targeting of ERO will benefit the local jurisdiction’s ability to understand what is happening in the immigrant populations in their communities, specifically paying attention to the gang and terrorist threats.

PRESENTERS: Jamison Matuszewski, Assistant Director Enforcement, ICE/ERO, and Evan Corey Katz, Assistant Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Jamison R. Matuszewski is the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Assistant Director (AD) for Enforcement. He is responsible for all ERO enforcement programs and initiatives, to include the Criminal Apprehension Program, the National Fugitive Operations Program, ERO Training, the 287(g) Program, the Law Enforcement Support Center, the Pacific Enforcement Response Center, and the National Criminal Analysis and Targeting Center. As the AD for Enforcement, Mr. Matuszewski leads over 500 employees including four Deputy Assistant Directors.

Prior to this position, he served as the Field Office Director (FOD) in San Diego, California. Mr. Matuszewski’s federal law enforcement tenure spans more than 25 years. He began his career as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent with former Immigration and Naturalization Service and stationed in Chula Vista, California in 1997. In 2006, Mr. Matuszewski transferred to ICE ERO as a Deportation Officer in the Florence Detention Center in Florence, Arizona.

In 2008, Mr. Matuszewski was promoted to a Detention and Deportation Officer in ERO headquarters where he initiated reform in processing for ERO as well as its reporting.

In 2012, Mr. Matuszewski was promoted to the Unit Chief of the Criminal Apprehension Program and established an at-large mission, and expanded the program to include an international presence with the addition of Criminal History Information Sharing initiative.

In 2014, Mr. Matuszewski was promoted to the Deputy Field Office Director in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2016, he took on the role of ERO liaison to the DHS Human Smuggling Cell located in CBP’s National Targeting Center. There he led the deployment of a biometric data sharing program throughout the country of Mexico.

In 2018, he was selected as the Deputy Field Office Director in San Diego, California with oversight of all enforcement units to include: Fugitive Operations, Task Force, Training, Special Response Team, Alternatives to Detention, Intelligence, and Mission Support. Mr. Matuszewski served as acting FOD for the New Orleans Field Office from January through April 2022, with oversight of about 342 federal employees located in 21 sub-offices and 20 detention locations in five states. Most recently from September 2023 to January 2024, he served as the interim FOD in Denver for six months overseeing ERO operations in Colorado and Wyoming.

Mr. Matuszewski is a member of the Senior Executive Service and holds a Master of Science in Management from Johns Hopkins University.

Evan Corey Katz is the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Assistant Director for the Removal Division. In this capacity, he is responsible for the complex coordination and engagement efforts to remove noncitizens from the United States. He is responsible for a budget of over $300 million and leading an organization of over 180 employees located in three states, the District of Columbia, and 31 countries worldwide.

Serving for over 25 years in federal law enforcement, Mr. Katz has held numerous positions, including Deputy Assistant Director for International Operations, Deputy Assistant Director for Removal Management Division, Unit Chief, Travel Document Unit, Chief of Staff for ERO’s Deputy Director and Detention and Deportation Officer for the National Fugitive Operations Program.

During his years of service in the field, Mr. Katz was an Immigration Enforcement Agent and Deportation Officer, and he began his career in 1997 as a Detention Enforcement Officer with the former U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Stonehill College in North Easton, MA graduating with honors, and is a member of the Senior Executive Service.

Using Crash Data to Direct Traffic Enforcement Efforts and Strengthen Grant Proposals: A New York example using County Crash Dashboards

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025 | 2:15PM TO 3:15PM | COMMERCE ROOM

The county crash dashboards are a user-friendly, comprehensive platform that allows agencies to interact with their local crash data. Learn how to use the dashboards to analyze crashes and determine prevalent locations, day of week, time of day, and contributing factors to efficiently and easily create a data driven roadmap to crash reduction, provide targeted educational outreach, and improve deployment of resources to address local traffic safety issues.

PRESENTERS: Benjamin Engwer, Crash Analyst, New York State Sheriffs’ Association, and Anthony D’Agostino, Law Enforcement Liaison, New York State Sheriffs’ Association

Ben began his career working with law enforcement in 2017 when was hired as a Senior Budgeting Analyst with the New York State Police Financial Administration office. During his time in that position, he often worked with the New York State Police Traffic Unit on Commercial Vehicle and Highway Safety grants. In 2023, Ben accepted a position with the New York State Sheriffs’ Association as a Crash Analyst Liaison assigned to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee where he continues to work with Traffic Safety grants, as well as creating and managing the New York State County Crash Dashboards.

Anthony is a Law Enforcement Liaison (LEL) for the New York State Sheriffs’ Association. He is assigned to New York State’s Highway Safety Office – the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC). Anthony worked for the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office for 25 years before retiring in 2015 to accept the LEL position.

Having seen the results of dangerous driving first-hand Anthony welcomed his role in highway safety eagerly with the hope of helping make a difference. He remembers the notifications he made to families of crash victims and wants to see less of those visits occur. One way Anthony helps law enforcement agencies is by making crash data readily available to them in an easy-to-use format. This enhances their grant proposals and allows them to utilize their resources in a targeted way.

Understanding the Intersections of Online Enticement, CSAM, and Child Sex Trafficking

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025 | 2:15PM TO 3:15PM | JUSTICE ROOM

Often child exploitation can be masked by other crimes and the lines between them can be blurry, but the complex trauma for the survivors is clear. This training will provide a deeper understanding of the impact of CSAM imagery produced and/or distributed in sextortion, online enticement, and the intersection of child sex trafficking.

PRESENTERS: Maurice Edwards, Supervisor, Child Sex Trafficking Team, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and Tiffany Henderson, Program Manager, Child Sex Trafficking Team, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

Maurice Edwards has been with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) since 2022. Currently, he is a Supervisor on the Child Sex Trafficking Team within the Analytical Services Division. His role involves providing daily supervision of the Child Sex Trafficking Team Support Specialist and overseeing their functions. He also maintains regular contact with law enforcement, NCMEC partners, potential partners, technology companies/ESPs, community outreach/direct service providers, and, at times, victims, survivors, and reporting individuals on sensitive issues requiring courtesy, discretion, and sound judgment.

Mr. Edwards started his career in 2006 with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. From 2010 to 2021, his responsibilities included investigating missing juveniles and human trafficking cases. He also served as a Task Force Officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Innocent Images Task Force. He was the Chairman of the Seminole County Human Trafficking Task Force from 2015 to 2021. In April 2022, Mr. Edwards retired from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in Seminole County, Florida.

Mr. Edwards has received numerous awards throughout his career, including two different Florida Governors Human Trafficking awards and, most recently, the 2023 nomination & Induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame for the Distinguished Service Award.

Tiffany Henderson has been with the NCMEC since 2015 and is currently the Program Manager of the Child Sex Trafficking Team. She is responsible for the daily operational oversight and management of 18 analysts and three supervisors. This team of analysts is dedicated to supporting local/state/federal law enforcement agencies who are working to identify and recover child victims of trafficking, as well as to identify and prosecute individuals involved in trafficking children. Ms. Henderson has previous law enforcement experience working five years in various positions at the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in Portland, Oregon, as well as a Criminal Research Specialist for the Joint Tactical and Strategic Analytical Command Center for the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington DC. She has provided extensive technical assistance to law enforcement across the United States and participated in various law enforcement special operations.