SUNDAY, February 2, 2025 Seminar Sessions 

Police and the Press: Balancing Operational Challenges of Law Enforcement with Protests, First Amendment Rights

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 | 8:30AM TO 9:30AM | STATE ROOM

In the aftermath of BLM protests during which law enforcement and journalists at those events were often in conflict, the Police Executive Research Forum and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press convened a COPS Office–supported roundtable to discuss police-media relations and interactions, especially at mass protests. This past October the DOJ released its report, entitled Police-Media Interactions During Mass Demonstrations, outlining the results of those discussions as well as other investigations into police-press relations, including recommendations as to how those interactions can be improved. This presentation will provide guidance for both law enforcement agencies and media organizations on actions to take before, during, and after protests and other mass gatherings to help agencies balance those operational challenges while upholding the First Amendment rights of the press. It will also address some of the pertinent settlement terms stemming from costly post-protest litigation.

PRESENTERS: Mickey Osterreicher, General Counsel, National Press Photographers Association

Mickey H. Osterreicher is general counsel to the National Press Photographers Association. He is an award-winning photojournalist with over forty years’ experience in print and broadcast. He was a member of the IACP Public Recording of Police advisory Committee and has provided training on police-press relations to law enforcement and journalists nationwide. He has been a uniformed reserve deputy sheriff with the Erie County Sheriff’s Office since 1976 and was named Reserve Deputy of the Year in 2017. The Society of Professional Journalists honored him in 2015 as a Fellow of the Society, for extraordinary contribution to the profession. In 2021 he was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He was named as the 2024 “Guardian of the Press,” by the LA Press Club for his contributions to press freedom. He received his J.D. cum laude from the University of Buffalo Law School in 1998. He is admitted to practice in NY State and several federal jurisdictions including the U.S. Supreme Court

Addressing the Opioid Epidemic in Corrections and the Community

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 | 8:30AM TO 9:30AM | COMMERCE ROOM

Synthetic opioids have created a dangerous, and unprecedented, burden on communities across the country and Sheriffs have remained on the forefront of the epidemic. Sheriffs’ Offices see the impact opioids have on their residents, the operations of their correctional facilities, the crime and recidivism rate, not to mention the 100k+ overdoses deaths they deal with. This panel will explore various forms of medication assisted treatments, overdose reversal medications and the success of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) programs in the correctional environment. The panel will share the pros and cons of these medications and the potential funding avenues available to support a MAT program.

PRESENTERS: Leo McGuire, Sr. National Acct. Director, Sheriff (ret), Indivior Inc., Jimmy D. Fernandez, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer, Armor Correctional Healthcare, Kashif Siddiqi, Senior Director, Rulo Strategies LLC, and Sheriff Juan Figueroa, Ulster County, NY

Leo McGuire, MBA, retired as Sheriff of NJ’s largest county after a career in law enforcement which included a stint in the US Army Military Police. Leo served on NSA Board of Directors and still serves on the Homeland Security, Government Affairs, Jail Committees, as well as on the NSA Industry Council.

Leo is the Sr. National Account Director for Criminal Justice Systems for Indivior, a global pharmaceutical company working to help change patients’ lives by pioneering life-transforming treatment for substance use disorders and other serious mental illnesses.

Dr. Fernandez leads strategic initiatives across clinical operations and is charged with bringing evidenced based strategies and protocols to the correctional clinical setting to improve the outcome of patient care. Prior to joining Armor, Dr. Fernandez was President for the Texas market and Chief Medical Director at Conviva, a wholly owned Humana subsidiary. In this role he was responsible for the oversight of clinical services and their outcomes throughout the expansion market. He worked extensively with clinical data analytics and predictive modeling in order to guide clinical interventions that are best-in class for the best outcomes. Previously, Dr. Fernandez was Chief Medical Officer for MCCI Group’s Texas market. In this role he managed risk contracts with multiple health plans for a large Medicare Advantage population. He has also worked as a hospitalist in multiple institutions throughout the United States.

Kash joins the Rulo team as a Senior Director to help oversee the training and technical assistance offered to local and regional jails and prisons as part of the Comprehensive Opioid and Stimulant Substance Use Program (COSSUP). Kash has over 10 years of experience working in corrections to implement and expand programming, research, fiscal oversight, and data analytics.

Previously, Kash was the Director of Fiscal Operations at the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office in Massachusetts. He comes to Rulo with an MS in Criminal Justice and is in the process of completing his MBA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

After active duty with the Marines for four years, Sheriff Juan Figueroa served 18 years with the Marine Corps Reserve. During that time, as Chief Warrant Officer, he held primary responsibilities in aviation logistics support, budget, training, deployment, and base facilities abroad. In the early 1990s he was in charge of deploying over 150 Marines and support requirements during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Juan became a trooper with the New York State Police in 1988, patrolling roads in Ulster County. During his 25-year term with the State Police, he assumed key leadership roles initially as a Police Academy Instructor and Field Training Officer, then as an Investigator with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation for 19 years. Juan worked on several cases involving drug cartels. Investigations during his term resulted in the seizure of over $60 million in cash, 400+ kilos of drugs, and the arrest of key figures in the drug trade. Juan also was part of investigations relating to economic crime, corruption, racketeering, extortion, and identity and vehicle theft. After many years of public service, he remains bound by an unwavering sense of duty and deep commitment to the community.

Securing the Legacy: Succession, Culture, and Innovation

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 | 8:30AM TO 9:30AM | JUSTICE ROOM

Have you experienced a change in leadership, staffing shortages, or evolving organizational priorities? This workshop provides invaluable insights from seasoned sheriffs who have successfully navigated these challenges. Join the Jails and Justice Support Center (JJSC) as we delve into the experiences of two retired sheriffs and a current sheriff. Learn how they:

• Transitioned to New Leadership:  Hear how the retired and current Sheriff of one jurisdiction navigated the transition from one to another.
• Steered Organizational Culture: Discover strategies for establishing and maintaining a positive and productive work environment during leadership transitions.
• Prepared the Next Generation of Leaders: Gain practical tips on developing and mentoring future leaders within your organization.
• Adapted to Evolving Needs: Learn how panelists identify and address emerging challenges and opportunities in the correctional field.

PRESENTERS: Sheriff Kalvin Barrett, Dane County, WI, Sheriff Dave Mahoney (ret.), Dane County, WI, and Sheriff Justin Smith (ret.), Larimer County, CO

Recruitment, Social Media, Policing and AI

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 | 11:00AM TO 12:00PM | STATE ROOM

Innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing social media strategies for policing, from recruitment to retention. AI is transforming training, policy, investigations, authoring, images, public information sharing, and many other categories of social media related to policing. The rapid advances in AI are presenting both opportunities and challenges for policing. This interactive presentation is designed to increase awareness of the challenges faced by policing due to AI and how AI is being successfully used by peace officers today and looks ahead to the future. It’s important for law enforcement agencies to stay up-to-date with the latest AI developments to remain effective in their mission as peace officers.

PRESENTERS: Michael Parker, USDOJ ICITAP Contractor (Amentum), USDOJ ICITAP Contractor (Amentum), and David Snodgrass, USDOJ ICITAP Contractor (Amentum), USDOJ ICITAP Contractor (Amentum)

Mike Parker is a dynamic presenter who has shared innovative information over 20 times at NSA Conferences during his decades of NSA membership. He works nationally and internationally as a USDOJ ICITAP HQ (International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program) Strategic Communications Advisor and Contractor (Amentum). He also serves as the elected Chair of the IMPACT (International Managers of Police Academy and College Training) Section of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). He retired in 2017 as Commander of Personnel and Training with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office (LASO) after working 18 different aissgnments. His 32 years with the LASO included creating and implementing the internal and external communications, news media, and social media strategy, as well as the Recruitment and Retention strategy, for the second largest policing agency in the United States. Mike Parker has published over 100 articles on policing and presented at over 100 conferences to policing and government officials from thousands of U.S. agencies and 60 countries. He received the Community Preparedness Heroes Award from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Community Preparedness and Resilience Champions of Change Award from the White House.

David W. Snodgrass is a former Police Lieutenant and Acting Chief of Police with over 20 years of law enforcement experience, including five years working overseas with the United Nations, the European Union (EULEX), and the U.S. Department of Justice’s International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP). Currently, he serves as a Senior Curriculum Development Specialist with ICITAP, working as an Amentum contractor in Washington D.C. David is a certified law enforcement instructor with expertise in training at all levels, having conducted specialized instruction in various countries on topics such as AI, counterterrorism, and ethics.

David has a wide range of technical skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Camtasia, and audio/video production. He manages ICITAP’s cloud-based curriculum lending library, develops training plans through online job task analyses, and conducts training needs assessments. His extensive international experience includes serving as Senior Advisor to the Kosovo Academy of Public Safety and supervising over 300 officers in EULEX. In the U.S., he has held various leadership roles, including Acting Chief of Police in Arizona and Lieutenant in Patrol and Administration Divisions.

Desiging a New Public Safety Facility

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 | 11:00AM TO 12:00PM | COMMERCE ROOM

To review the process of designing of a public safety facility from concepts to cost analysis of a project. Attendees will learn the process of designing a facility…reviewing concerns about zoning, parking, locker rooms and cost factors that will impact a project. Attendess will review the importance of operational reviews now and in the future in order to design a facility that will accommodate future needs.

PRESENTERS: Sheriff Michael Mastronardy, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey, and Larry Hlavacek, Director of Public Safety Facility, HDR

Train-wrecked: Legal Liability in Training, Hiring, and Supervision

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 | 11:00AM TO 12:00PM | JUSTICE ROOM

Law enforcement administrators must stay on track when it comes to the training, hiring, and supervision of their deputies and officers. Knowledge of legal obstacles is one of the most powerful tools which can empower executives, trainers, and supervisors to avoid going off the rails in the legal arena. This seminar will discuss professional responsibility in the context these distinct yet related fields of liability.

PRESENTERS: Samuel Lochridge, Branch Chief, Supervisory Attorney-Advisor Instructor, Office of Chief Counsel, Legal Training Division, and Mary Mara, Attorney-Advisor Instructor, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Samuel A. Lochridge serves as a Branch Chief with the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), in Glynco, Georgia. Mr. Lochridge serves as the chief of the Field Legal Branch, where he is responsible for supporting the delivery of legal training at FLETC training sites in Artesia, New Mexico and Charleston, South Carolina. Additionally, his responsibilities include serving as an instructor, subject-matter expert, and course developer in various areas of law. He represents FLETC, speaking at national and international law enforcement conferences, and acts as a mentor to newly hired attorneys.

Mr. Lochridge’s legal career began with his admission to the State Bar of Georgia in October of 2014. He has since held a diverse range of positions in the public sector, including serving as an Assistant District Attorney in the Paulding Judicial Circuit and as an Assistant Solicitor at the Fulton County Solicitor’s Office. Prior to his legal career, Mr. Lochridge served for over 10 years in law enforcement as a deputy sheriff, police officer, state officer, and member of command staff. Through his law enforcement career, Mr. Lochridge attained professional certifications as basic and intermediate peace officer, probation officer, general instructor, and use of force instructor.

Mr. Lochridge holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Reinhardt University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Mary Mara serves as a Senior Legal Instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), providing basic and advanced instruction on a wide variety of legal topics including Officer Liability, Constitutional Law, Fourth Amendment, Fifth and Sixth Amendment, Federal Criminal Law, Federal Court Procedures, and Courtroom testimony. She also serves as a subject matter expert at FLETC regarding Legal Aspects Governing the Use of Force and Officer Liability. She travels extensively, providing training to state and local officers in FLETC’s well-regarded Use of Force Instructor Training Program. Before joining FLETC in 2018, she practiced law in the Detroit area for 27 years. She served as an Assistant Prosecutor in Oakland County, Michigan for 11 years, trying more than 100 capital felony cases with a special emphasis on the investigation and prosecution of child sexual predators. She then served as Chief of Civil Litigation for Oakland County for 16 years. In this role, she acted as police legal advisor for the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, defending Sheriff Deputies, the Sheriff’s Office, and the County in civil rights claims filed in Federal District Court in Detroit. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University, a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law, and a Master of Laws in Homeland and National Security from Western Michigan University.

A Four-Way Win: The Experience of the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 | 3:00PM TO 4:00PM | STATE ROOM

In 2019, Dr. Marc Howard – founder and Director of the Prisons & Justice Initiative at Georgetown University – launched a program known as the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice. The Project aimed to facilitate discussion groups between incarcerated individuals and members of the community that could improve carceral programming and enhance the public’s understanding of the correctional system.

Dr. Howard sought out innovative sheriffs to partner with in this program, and found two willing leaders in Sheriff Chris Swanson of Genesee County, Michigan and Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian of Middlesex County, Massachusetts. To date, both sheriffs have hosted dozens of these conversations that are breaking down barriers inside their facilities and building new bridges to the community.

The Frederick Douglass Project for Justice is now operating in 14 states and the District of Columbia, with more facilities preparing to launch discussions in the coming year. The program’s value was captured recently in NSA’s October/November issue of Sheriff & Deputy.

During this presentation, Dr. Howard will share the tenets, structure, and growth of the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice since its inception. He will also cover how Frederick Douglass facilitators guide these conversations in close partnership with facility officials, and the benefits the program can have on community relationships, inmate welfare and more.
Sheriffs Koutoujian & Swanson will speak to how this program can be a four-way win for sheriffs with benefits operationally, programmatically, politically, and personally. They will share their experiences of external participants entering these discussions with low expectations based on the portrayal of correctional facilities by the media and advocacy groups, and then leaving transformed by the experiences – becoming vocal partners and even partners for sheriff’s offices and correctional innovation.

From an improved facility climate to a deeper appreciation for the work of corrections professionals, sheriffs can experience tangible benefits from the inclusion of Frederick Douglass Project discussions within their correctional programmatic offerings.

PRESENTERS: Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian, Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, MA, Sheriff Christoper R. Swanson, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, MI, and Dr. Marc Howard, Professor, Georgetown University; Founder and President, Frederick Douglass Project for Justice

As a prosecutor, legislator, professor, and law enforcement leader, Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian has worked on the leading issues in public safety and public health throughout his career.

His work has earned him local and national recognition, including being named the national Sheriff of the Year for 2023 by the Major County Sheriffs of America.

Sheriff Koutoujian holds a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, a law degree from the New England School of Law, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bridgewater State University. He maintains his academic involvement by continuing to teach criminal justice and leadership courses at several New England area institutions.

While a state representative, he oversaw Massachusetts’ healthcare priorities as Chairman of the Committee on Health Care. He advocated for families and frontline workers on issues of mental health, school nutrition, nursing, opioid and tobacco use, suicide awareness, domestic violence prevention, pandemic response, crime profiteering, rape by fraud, and more. He also created and led the state’s first Commission on Oxycontin and Other Drug Abuse as well as the Commission to End Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities just as these issues were beginning to emerge as crises in public health. His relationships with medical professionals, advocates, and those with lived experience helped drive legislation that made Massachusetts a national leader in healthcare and inspired the philosophy of service he brought to the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office.

As sheriff, his use of specialty units has reimagined the correctional landscape. By targeting treatment towards unique populations such as young adults and military veterans, these programs have directly and substantially reduced recidivism in their participants. These results have been published in academic journals, featured by national news outlets, and labeled as best practices by multiple presidential administrations.

More importantly, Sheriff Koutoujian’s commitment to data-driven research has made these programs and their results replicable across the country. In light of his commitment to the profession, Sheriff Koutoujian was elected by his statewide and national peers to serve as both the President of Major County Sheriffs of America and the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association.

Sheriff Koutoujian proudly works with several national organizations on issues essential to public health and safety. He serves on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s First Responder Network Authority, the Executive Committee for the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center, and the Advisory Board for the States United Democracy Center.

He is also an active member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and serves on the Executive Board of Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime and Incarceration.

Sheriff Koutoujian has also earned honors as one of the nation’s most prominent Armenian-American officials, including the U.S. Ellis Island Medal of Honor as well as the Mkhitar Gosh Medal and Medal of Gratitude from the Armenian government.

While the Sheriff still lives in his hometown of Waltham, he enjoys traveling to his wife Elizabeth’s hometown in Madrid, Spain with their three children: Peter, Cristian, and Isabel.

Sheriff Swanson is a career police officer with experience spanning nearly three decades. He has served in a variety of positions, including corrections, patrol, narcotics, criminal investigation, death investigation, human trafficking investigation, and command operations.

As Sheriff, Christopher oversees the 5th largest Sheriff’s Office in the State of Michigan. His career has led him to witness some of the most heinous crimes and acts of violence one can imagine.

Sheriff Swanson attended Mott Community College and holds a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Public Administration, both from the University of Michigan. In 2018 Sheriff Swanson was instrumental in the creation of the Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team (G.H.O.S.T.). In less than three years of work, G.H.O.S.T. has arrested hundreds of individuals on charges ranging from human trafficking to criminal sexual conduct. G.H.O.S.T. has received national attention for its efforts to combat human trafficking while also ensuring victims are given a voice.

On September 8, 2020, Sheriff Swanson turned another vision into reality with the creation of Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally through Education (I.G.N.I.T.E.). Today, inmates in the Genesee County Jail go to school two hours a day, five days a week. I.G.N.I.T.E. has assisted many returning citizens find full-time employment upon release. In addition, hundreds of thousands of hours of coursework have been completed. Math skills have improved 1.5 grades and reading comprehension increased 2.5 grades. I.G.N.I.T.E. is committed to making better people, not better inmates. Since September 2021 the I.G.N.I.T.E. model has been instituted in Jail’s across America. Researchers from Harvard University, Brown University, and the University of Michigan concluded an 18-month study validating the positive effects of I.G.N.I.T.E. in communities.

Also in 2020, during a time of volatile protest across the Nation in response to the killing of George Floyd, Sheriff Swanson brought protesters and officers in Flint, Michigan together. Those actions led to a viral message of hope for the nation and world. “Sheriff Swanson showed the kind of leadership, courage, and integrity that makes exemplary law enforcement leaders,”

stated the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum. “They said march with us, so he did”, David Muir – Anchor ABC World News.

Marc M. Howard is one of the country’s leading voices and advocates for restoring humanity to the American criminal punishment system. He is a Professor of Government and Law and the Director of the Prisons and Justice Initiative (PJI) at Georgetown University, which he founded in 2016. Under Howard’s leadership, PJI provides educational opportunities for incarcerated people, hosts reentry programs for returning citizens, and seeks to free the wrongfully convicted. Howard is also the Founder and President of the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice, a non-profit organization that allows members of free society to connect with people in prisons in order to discover firsthand our common humanity and advocate for systemic change.

Howard’s scholarly research addresses the deep challenges of contemporary democracy and the tragedy of criminal justice and prisons in America. The author of three books and dozens of academic articles, his work has received numerous awards. His most recent book is Unusually Cruel: Prisons, Punishment, and the Real American Exceptionalism.

Howard is also a prize-winning teacher whose “Prisons and Punishment” course has become one of the most popular courses at Georgetown. The students in his “Making an Exoneree” course — co-taught with his childhood friend, Marty Tankleff, who was himself wrongfully imprisoned for almost 18 years — re-investigate likely wrongful conviction cases and create documentaries that suggest innocence and advocate for exonerations. Their project has already contributed to the exonerations and releases of Valentino Dixon, Eric Riddick, Keith Washington, Arlando “Tray” Jones III, Kenneth Bond, Muti Ajamu-Osagboro, and Terrel Barros, with more to come.

The Power of Psychological Safety: Building Teams That Thrive Sheriff’s Office

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 | 3:00PM TO 4:00PM | COMMERCE ROOM

This workshop delves into the essential elements of creating psychologically safe environments where deputies and professional staff feel valued, understood, and empowered to perform at their best. This session also addresses the critical factors influencing morale, retention, and recruitment by fostering a culture of connectivity, leadership, peak performance, and well-being. Participants will explore strategies to enhance team cohesion and job satisfaction, which are vital for maintaining a committed and high-performing workforce, ultimately strengthening the overall effectiveness and longevity of the organization. All participants will receive a signed copy of Dr. Javidi’s best-selling book “MAGNUS OVEA.”

PRESENTERS: Dr. Mitch Javidi, CEO & President, National Command & Staff College

Mitch is a peak performance and human behaviorist with over 30 years of practical and hands-on experience in diverse industries, including Academia, Military, Law Enforcement, Government, Pharma, and Technology. He is the developer of “MAGNUS OVEA,” a general theory of officers’ wellness, resilience, and leadership. In addition, he has founded the MAGNUSWorx Peak Performance and Wellness APP, National Command & Staff College, the Institute for Credible Leadership Development, and the Criminal Justice Commission for Credible Leadership Development.

He has trained at the Joint Special Operations Command “JSOC” and the US Army Special Operations Command “USASOC.” He was awarded the honorary member of the United States Army Special Operations Command in 1999, honorary Sheriff by the National Sheriffs’ Association in 2016, and honorary Police Commander by the Santa Fe ISD Police Department (2019). He also received the “Spirit Award” from the National Tactical Officers’ Association. NTOA presents this prestigious award to an individual whose work saves lives (2019).

He served as a tenured professor at NC State University for 16 years before taking an early retirement, but he continues serving as an adjunct professor without pay (by choice) at NC State and Illinois State Universities. He is a member of the “Academy of Outstanding Teachers and Scholars” at NC State University and the Distinguished 2004 Alumni of the University of Oklahoma.

He is a published scholar with over 918+ conference presentations worldwide, including indications for Fortune 500 companies as well as top Public Safety organizations, including the US Secret Service, US Joint Special Operations Command, NATO, FBI NAA, Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association (HAPCOA), HIDTA, National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA), California Police Chiefs Associations, National Sheriffs Association (NSA), Women Leadership in Law Enforcement (WLLE), California Chief of Police Association (CATO), and many other national and state associations. He has also provided educational programs for NYPD, LAPD, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, Ogden Police Department, NC State Patrol, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Walnut Creek Police Department, and 200+ other agencies nationwide.

His most recent co-authored article on Including Officers’ Wellness was published in the Police Chief Magazine. In addition, two of his coauthored papers have been published by the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin ~ “Human Factors: Police Leaders Improving Safety While Developing Meaningful Public Trust” and “Unbundling Beliefs and Values.” His select books include “GREAT to MAGNUS,” “The Book of 10 Rings,” “Deliberate Leadership: Achieving Success Through Personal Styles,” “Handbook of Research on Effective Communication, Leadership, and Conflict Resolution,” and “Moral Compass for the Law Enforcement Professionals.”

Dr. Javidi was the recipient of the prestigious “Person of the Year” award by the National Society of Accountants ~ Senator William Victor “Bill” Roth, Jr. “Roth IRA” received the award in the following year.

Retention, Recidivism, and Behaviors

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 | 3:00PM TO 4:00PM | JUSTICE ROOM

After a year of tracking progress, presentation details how Grayson County, TX, lowered recidivism, improved inmate behaviors, and contributed to officer wellbeing through programing within the detention center.

Presentation covers evidence-based methods to reduce recidivism through examination of collaborative case study between Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, Solutions of North Texas, and the National Sheriff’s Association.

Statistics show altercations from 6/1/2022 to 9/30/2022 compared to 6/1/2023 to 9/30/2023 in housing units with one or more program participants have decreased by 57% (from 21 to 9) and the facility wide impact is a reduction of 34% (44 to 29). Grievances have decreased by 297% from 266 in June to July 2023, to 67 from June to July 2024. Engagement of 2 weeks or more included 155 participants with 56 graduations from July 2023 to July 2024. Only one participant has returned with new charges.

Presentations covers the instructional steps to implement a variety of programs with a focus aimed at recovery, re-entry, delivery within the jail, and following participants into the community where proven reintegration process are implemented. Case study will explore the positive effect on staff wellness, inmate behaviors, education, participant career goals, positive interaction between staff and inmate, while lowering recidivism.
Presentation invites attendees to participate in interactive discussion about procedures, obstacles, staff mindsets, and outcomes.
Findings are further supported with published research in collaboration with Harvard, Brown, University of Michigan, and the National Sheriff’s Association.

PRESENTERS: Scott Wisenbaker, Founder & Executive Director, Solutions of North Texas, Sarah Bigham, Captain, Jail Administrator, Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, and Captain Jeff Davis, Solutions of North Texas

Scott Wisenbaker is a Speaker, Author, and Founding Executive Director of Solutions of North Texas. (SONTX) Clean and sober since 1995, Scott has worked in the addiction field since 1997. In 2006 he saw the need for a unique approach to fighting addiction on a community level and a robust Re-Entry program to reintegrate men and women recovering from addiction back into the community and founded Solutions of North Texas. SONTX is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), licensed as a Chemical Dependency Treatment Center by the State of Texas, and Partnered with The National Sheriff’s Association to provide nationwide addiction and reintegration programming. As of 2020 SONTX has provided direction and/or directly worked with over 14,000 individuals.

Captain Jeff Davis is a U.S. Army Veteran, serving in Desert Storm/Shield, and has 27 years of law enforcement experience. Captain Jeff Davis currently oversees the Special Operations Division, which encompasses the Drug Enforcement, Criminal Interdiction, K-9, Warrants, and Civil Units. Captain Davis is the Commander for Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and the Crisis and Hostage Negotiation Team. Captain Davis is the NARCAN Program Coordinator and a member of the Denton County Felony Drug Court Team.

Captain Davis was awarded the Denton Police Officer of the Year in 2001. He received the National VFW Narcotics Officer of the Year in 2003 and the FBI Golden Eagle Award in 2003.

Beyond the Badge: Leveraging AI and Peer Support for Officer Wellness in Times of Crisis

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 | 4:15PM TO 5:15PM | STATE ROOM

In this seminar, we will delve into the innovative officer wellness initiatives developed by the Waukesha Police Department in response to the traumatic events surrounding the 2021 Waukesha Christmas parade incident. After a devastating attack where an SUV was driven into the annual parade, resulting in six deaths and over 60 injuries, the department recognized the importance of supporting their officers’ mental wellness. This session will highlight how Waukesha Police implemented a comprehensive wellness strategy, integrating peer support with cutting-edge AI technology to monitor and enhance the mental health of their personnel.

PRESENTERS: Daniel Thompson, Chief of Police, Waukesha Police Department, and Robert Stanberry, Chief of Police (ret.), Keel

Chief Daniel Thompson, the current Chief of Police for the City of Waukesha, Wisconsin, has dedicated his career to law enforcement since 1991, beginning with the Milwaukee Police Department. His exceptional skills and unwavering commitment have propelled him through various roles, establishing him as a distinguished leader in the field.

Early in his career, Chief Thompson excelled in patrol duties, earning selection for specialized assignments with the Gang Squad and Metro Drug Unit. His dedication to combating drug trafficking led to his promotion to Detective in 1999. For five years, he served with distinction in the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), a federally funded task force targeting drug trafficking organizations.

Chief Thompson’s expertise expanded as he joined the Milwaukee Hazardous Devices Unit (Bomb Squad), a role demanding 24/7 commitment. His investigative prowess saw him transition to the Homicide Unit, where he spent five years as a Task Force Agent with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, countering both international and domestic terrorist threats.

With each promotion, Chief Thompson continued to excel. As a Lieutenant, he assumed leadership roles in the Intelligence Fusion Division and directed the Southeastern Wisconsin Threat Analysis Center (STAC). Elevated to Captain, he orchestrated the Fusion Division’s strategic use of technology and fostered partnerships with state, federal, and local agencies and the private sector.

In 2019, Chief Thompson ascended to the role of Inspector of Police, overseeing operations in the City of Milwaukee during the critical 4:00 pm to 8:00 am timeframe. His leadership shone brightest when he managed and led the team for the 2020 Democratic National Convention.

On May 4th, 2020, Chief Thompson stepped into the role of Chief of Police for the City of Waukesha, facing unprecedented challenges with the onset of COVID-19 and civil unrest. A year later, he demonstrated exceptional leadership during the Christmas Parade Attack on November 21, 2021, guiding his team and community through the aftermath with resilience and determination.

Beyond his operational success, Chief Thompson’s commitment to professional development is evident in his certification as a public manager (Wisconsin Command College Class Six) and as a certified professional manager. He holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership and administration, reflecting his dedication to continuous learning. Chief Thompson has been honored to participate in speaking engagements nationwide, addressing topics such as leading through crisis, building resilient teams, and fostering growth after tragedy for first responders.

Chief Daniel Thompson’s legacy is one of tireless service, unwavering leadership, and a steadfast commitment to the safety and well-being of both his team and the community he serves.

Chief Bob Stanberry is a prominent leader in advancing technology and mental wellness initiatives within the criminal justice, government, and public safety sectors. With a career spanning over 20 years in law enforcement—including positions as a police officer, SWAT officer, detective, and Chief of Police—he has applied his in-depth field experience to transform public safety operations and support first responder wellness.

His strategic insight, backed by a B.A. from Michigan State University, has driven impactful investments and improved agency performance at both local and state levels.

A dedicated advocate for first responder wellness, Chief Stanberry now serves as a key leader at Keel Mind, where he focuses on mental wellness and performance for law enforcement and public safety professionals. Through Keel Mind, he is working to integrate mental health resources, peer support programs, and AI-driven platforms to enhance officer resilience and well-being, ensuring first responders have access to essential support systems.

Stanberry’s contributions extend into the broader first responder community, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He supported the First Responders Children’s Foundation by securing 12,946 hotel room nights and meal stipends for frontline workers, awarding $15 million in financial assistance to those affected by the pandemic, and facilitating the distribution of over a million FDA-certified masks. Through partnerships with private organizations, he helped supply hand sanitizers, toys, and other essential items to first responders and their families. His efforts reflect a longstanding commitment to the well-being of first responders and their families.

An active member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, Chief Stanberry continues to influence the field through his vision for resilient, technology-enabled public safety networks that prioritize both operational excellence and mental wellness.

How to Build Correctional Health RFPs to Reduce Lawsuits and Improve Outcomes

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 | 4:15PM TO 5:15PM | COMMERCE ROOM

Many sheriff departments outsource jail health care to health care vendor. However, not being health care experts, many administrators don’t know precisely how to craft their RFP and the resulting contract, potentially leading to poor patient outcomes because key elements were missed. This session will highlight an innovative new open-source RFP template and accompanying toolkit to help agencies build outcomes-based RFPs and contracts to increase safety and reduce lawsuits.

PRESENTERS: Marc Stern, MD, MPH, Medical Advisor, NSA

Dr. Stern serves as NSA’s Medical Advisor. He is a general internist with 25 years’ experience as a correctional physician in a variety of settings including as a jail medical director, a regional medical director for a state DOC, a regional medical director for a for-profit correctional health care provider, and as assistant secretary/medical director for a state DOC. He has provided consultation and assistance on correctional health care to a variety of organizations and agencies including DHS, USDOJ, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Bureau of Justice Assistance, National Institute of Corrections, California Attorney General, Human Rights Watch, Federal courts, and the Namibian Correctional Service, and currently serves as medical advisor to the American Jail Association, and the Washington State Sheriffs and Police Chiefs Association and as lead court-appointed monitor in a class action law suit against the Arizona DOC regarding health care and solitary confinement. Dr. Stern also conducts research and teaches at the University of Washington School of Public Health, serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Correctional Medicine, and is past chair of the education committees of the American College of Correctional Physicians and the Academic Consortium on Criminal Justice Health.

Lessons Learned in the Implementation of Medications for Opioid Use Disorders

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 | 4:15PM TO 5:15PM | JUSTICE ROOM

The opioid epidemic continues to pose an extraordinary challenge to all aspects of our society. This is most evident in the correctional setting, where a disproportionately high percentage of the population has opioid use disorder (OUD).
The Department of Justice (DOJ) in April 2022 announced the inclusion of OUD as a chronic disease in an amended section of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This change protects incarcerated patients with (OUD) from discrimination and increases their access to appropriate medical treatment through a MAT/MOUD program. In December 2022, the Office of the President signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2023, which includes significant legislation to address the worsening overdose crisis. The passage and signing of the bill and its Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act provision, removes federal barriers to medications for OUD, reduces stigma, and increases access to life-saving treatment that prevents overdoses and supports recovery.

PRESENTERS: Dr. Kaveh Ofogh, President & CEO, Mediko Inc

MEDIKO was founded over 28 years ago and is the oldest and largest company in the Commonwealth of Virginia, that provides comprehensive healthcare services to correctional facilities in five states. Dr. Ofogh has a passion for the unique challenges and issues facing correctional medical departments and has committed 100% of his clinical practice to correctional medicine.

Dr. Ofogh has published numerous articles and has delivered management and clinical presentations at multiple regional, state, and national levels, providing insight and solutions to correctional staff to improve medical services, address specific issues and/or for improving patient care and reducing liabilities. Through direct experience in multiple correctional settings, Dr. Ofogh has developed a keen sense for developing strategies that successfully integrate security concerns while addressing medical needs.

This will be the 20th consecutive year he has presented at the Virginia Association of Regional Jails Conference, which makes him the longest-tenured speaker in the conference’s history.