By Leischen Stelter
How many professional events do you attend a year? Many police officers choose to attend large events like the International Association of Chiefs of Police annual conference largely because it’s both a one-stop shop for the latest products, packed with diverse educational sessions, and an opportunity to network with officers from around the country.
There’s always some notable sessions too. Last year, FBI Director Comey discussed the agency’s renewed focus and police commanders from Aurora, Sandy Hook and other agencies shared their experience responding to mass casualty events.
While large-scale conferences have a lot to offer, officers shouldn’t overlook smaller, regional events. Often smaller events are more manageable, offer excellent education programming, and have more personal networking events.
One of the best regional events is the Intel & Law Enforcement Training Seminar (INLETS), a five-day training program for investigators and analysts scheduled this year for June 22-26 in Annapolis, Md. This event is led by the FBI, Maryland State Level Fusion Center, and InfraGard and averages 250 attendees representing 100 agencies from 15 states.
Last year’s program was chock-full of amazing speakers from Medal of Honor recipients to the first U.S. presentation about the lone-wolf attacks that occurred in Norway in 2011. There were also FBI presentations on the increase of gang-related human trafficking cases and an in-depth workshop on the digital economy, including information about bitcoins and the deep web.
This year, for the first time, INLETS is offering the Above & Beyond Scholarship, which recognizes deserving investigators and analysts and awards them with free admission and overnight accommodations to the week-long seminar (worth $750).
If you know an outstanding sworn or unsworn officer, please nominate him or her. Nominations will be accepted through April 1 and winning recipients will be notified on April 15.
This year’s event promises more high-quality content. The keynote speaker will be Captain Richard Phillips, whose rescue after Somali pirates hijacked his ship was famously depicted in the Hollywood movie, Captain Phillips. The educational programming is what really makes this event stand out. This year’s agenda will feature presentations and workshops by French National Police about international homegrown Islamic extremists; Las Vegas PD teaching about the southern border and cartels; active shooter workshops; social media for investigations; and much more (check out the full agenda).
Regardless of which events you choose, be sure to attend a national or regional professional development event this year. As an officer, it’s important to be knowledgeable about new technologies and practices as well as network with your fellow officers.
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