View All Events Force in Focus Symposium: From Conflict to Cooperation

Force in Focus Symposium: From Conflict to Cooperation

In a climate where the use of force in law enforcement has evolved into a complex and divisive issue, we recognize the need for a more constructive dialogue. The "Force in Focus Symposium" returns, reinvigorated and committed to fostering meaningful discussions that transcend political divides.

Join us for this three-day summit as we gather experts, practitioners, and thought leaders from across the United States. Together, we will delve into profound reflections, explore innovative transformations, and seek collaborative solutions. Our speakers will provide a candid examination of lessons learned and share strategies for reinventing policies that prioritize transparency and community engagement, all while maintaining the safety and resilience of law enforcement in an era of heightened media scrutiny.

Together, we aim to shift the conversation surrounding the use of force in America from conflict to cooperation, creating a safer and more just society for all.

Conference Agenda:

Monday, May 6th:

Early Registration 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm

Tuesday, May 7th:

Opening Remarks

Use of Force Criminal Liability & Administrative Misconduct

Graham v. Conner: Alive or Dead 

Force Intervention and Officer Wellbeing 

Officer Down: The Weight of the Crown 

Wednesday, May 8th:

The Camera Lens and the Human Eye: Documented performance differences during a Critical Incident 

A Path to Rebuilding, Revitalizing and Integration

Thursday, May 9th:

M2M: American Stories of Cultural Change

Of Force Experts, Expertise: Strategies and tactics of those can hurt you and those who can help 

Changes to Washington’s Use of Force Laws 

An Inside Look at how DOJ Handles Use of Force Investigations and Prosecutions.


Who Should Attend?

Active Sworn Law Enforcement Officers, Prosecutors, and Criminal Justice Professionals In Law Enforcement Offices

Session Type:

In-person conference.

Duration:

3-Days

Cancellation Policy:

  • Full refund available, 60+ days prior to the event.
  • 50% refund available 59-30 days prior to the event.
  • No refunds will be made 29 days prior to the event.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

If you or your organization would like to participate in this event as a sponsor, please see our sponsorship levels here.

Email us at letac@eckberglammers.com

Date & Time

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - Thursday, May 9, 2024
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
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Registration

Select the number of attendees you want to register, and then enter their names in the form field(s) provided. Choose to pay by credit card or pay offline, in which case we will send you an invoice.

Presenters/Speakers

Imran Ali

Attorney, Senior Director of Training, Consulting and Investigation Services
Imran is a distinguished trial lawyer and shareholder at Eckberg Lammers, bringing two decades of legal expertise to his role as the Executive Director of Training, Consulting, and Investigation Services (LETAC). Imran's commitment extends beyond the courtroom, where he has successfully handled intricate cases, including homicide, sexual assault, and human trafficking. With a passion for victim advocacy, Imran has become a prominent figure in the criminal justice profession, training judges, law students, and thousands of law enforcement professionals nationwide. Recognized for his outstanding contributions, he was named Minnesota Attorney of the Year in 2016 and 2020, solidifying his reputation as a legal luminary dedicated to upholding justice with honor and integrity.

Mitch Javidi, Ph.D.

Mitch is an accomplished envisioneer with over three decades of practical Leadership Development experience in a variety of industries. He is a widely recognized leader, who has founded the National Command & Staff College, Institute for Credible Leadership Development and the Criminal Justice Commission for Credible Leadership Development. Furthermore, Mitch has developed MAGNUS OVEA, a general theory of Officers’ Wellness, Resiliency and Leadership which has since become a groundbreaking work in the industry. His expertise and acumen are sought after worldwide and he has been a keynote speaker and presenter at numerous Fortune 500 conferences and associations as well as countless Public Safety organizations such as FBI NAA, HAPCOA, HIDTA, NTOA and WLLE. Additionally, Mitch has delivered educational programs to over 200 agencies across the nation such as NYPD, LAPD, Ogden Police Department, NC State Patrol and Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

William J. Lewinski, Ph.D.

Executive Director, Senior Research & Instructor Force Science
Dr. Lewinski is a leading behavioral scientist whose work has focused on the intensive study of human dynamics involved in high stress, life-threatening encounters. He has a Ph.D. in Police Psychology and is a professor emeritus of Law Enforcement at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he taught for more than 28 years, was an L.E. Program Director and also chair of the Department of Government. Dr. Lewinski’s research has impacted law enforcement officers and agencies worldwide and has revolutionized the way force investigations and training are conducted. He is a popular presenter in the law enforcement industry and has appeared before scores of groups world-wide, ranging internationally from New Scotland Yard, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police to the British House of Commons and House of Lords as well as Obama’s President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. He has presented to local, state, and national departments throughout North America and the United Kingdom including twice by invitation as a keynote speaker to international medical conferences in the U.K.

Christine Brenner

Senior Law Enforcement Consultant
Christine Brenner is currently a police executive with approximately 20 years of Delaware law enforcement experience. She began her career in collegiate policing with the University of Delaware Police Department, where she was certified as Victim's Advocate and as an International Women's Self-defense instructor through RAD. Systems (Rape Aggression Defense). She also served as a Victim's Services Officer and Student Liaison for the agency. In 2007, Christine became a founding member of the Middletown Police Department, a newly created local agency serving the growing population of Middletown Delaware. She is currently a Senior Lieutenant within the department. While advancing through the ranks, she has had the opportunity to serve in or supervise each unit within the department, to include: Patrol, Detectives, Traffic Services, Community Services, Internal Affairs and Administration. Through her direct contributions, the agency has been named to be a model agency for several protocols for records management, body worn cameras, supervisor training, background investigators training, hiring processes, officer field training, and recruitment. In 2006, she became the Delaware State Director of Women's Self Defense and continues to work with Domestic Violence victims and Sexual Assault survivors. She teaches in the Delaware State Academies and conducts in-service training for police investigation and police response for Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Victim Services. She conducts personal safety programs within the community, senior centers and high schools to further her commitment to the prevention and protection of those that she serves and is committed to implementing best practices and researching new and innovative approaches to law enforcement functions and community interactions. Christine holds certifications in Use of Force (FLETC), Realistic De-escalation (Force Science), Force Review Certification (Force Science), Fair and Impartial Policing (FIP), Active Bystanders for Law Enforcement (ABLE­Georgetown Law), and RAD. Systems (Basic, Advanced and Seniors). She holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Labor Relations and Contract Negotiations from the University of Delaware and an undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware in Criminal Justice, Sociology and Political Science.

Lee Vague

Director of Special Projects
Lee has over three decades experience in public safety, leadership and instruction. His passion is building culture, leading organizations through challenges and creating positive change. Before joining Eckberg Lammers, Lee was the public safety director and police chief for the City of Woodbury, MN. Prior to that, he worked 18 years as a police officer and patrol sergeant. Throughout his career, Lee has taught classes and developed curriculum for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and has consulted and instructed on numerous topics including coaching, emerging leadership, implicit bias and management and supervision.

Dr. Shawn Moore

Distinguished LETAC Faculty
Dr. Shawn Moore is a former Police Officer for Brooklyn Center Police Department. He has 20 years of professional experience in the field of Cultural Competency, Conflict Resolution, and Community Engagement. This has included, working as a community liaison in the Moundsview School District, a community and cultural coordinator for North St. Paul School District, Coordinating the Scholars Program at Century College, and Director of community engagement and service learning at Bethel University, and Metro State University. He has taught in this field as an adjunct professor, senior Mall of America training officer, and community-training liaison. Shawn is currently a Volunteer State Mediator for Hennepin County. Throughout all of his work experience he has been tasked with the responsibility to teach and conduct cross-cultural, conflict resolution, and community engagement workshops and trainings. He also gained experience from his time living abroad which included living in Guam for 4 years. Also, Shawn spent significant time in Japan, Korea, China, the Philippines, Australia, and South Africa.

Kevin Davis

Retired Detective
Kevin R. Davis is a retired Detective from the City of Akron Police Department and a veteran of 41 years in law enforcement. His previous experience includes: Corrections; Patrol; Street Narcotics Detective; SWAT Operator, Lead Instructor, Team Leader; Training Bureau Instructor for Basic and In-Service Training - Use of Force, Suspect Control, Firearms; former Adjunct Instructor for the Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy; Kevin has been a court certified expert witness for twenty years, and is the author of Use of Force Investigations: A Manual for Law Enforcement. Mr. Davis owns and operates KD Training & Consulting. www.kd-forcetraining.com Kevin Davis is the recipient of the Ohio AG's 2018 Distinguished Training Award, and was inducted into the National Law Enforcement Officer's Hall of Fame as the 2019 Trainer of the Year.

Marlon Marrache

CEO Blu Consulting, Inc.
Marlon Marrache is a distinguished law enforcement professional with a rich and extensive career in the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). With a commendable 25-year tenure, Marlon has served as both an active Police Lieutenant and a retired Police Sergeant, showcasing his commitment and dedication to upholding the principles of justice and public safety. Educationally, Marlon holds a Juris Doctorate, a testament to his academic prowess and a solid foundation for his contributions to the legal aspects of law enforcement. Throughout his illustrious career, he has emerged as a leading authority in Police Administrative Discipline and Misconduct, particularly excelling in the intricate realm of Use of Force Investigations. Marlon's expertise extends over 13 years in the specialized field of Police Misconduct Investigation, adjudication, and examination. His pivotal roles within the Internal Affairs division have included serving as an Associate Advocate, where he conducted Board of Rights Hearings, and in the Officer Representation Section, where he defended fellow police officers. These experiences have provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the nuances involved in handling disciplinary matters within law enforcement. A key aspect of Marlon's professional profile is his demonstrated mastery of Internal Affairs Disciplinary matters, with a pronounced emphasis on the Peace Officer Bill of Rights Act (POBR). His keen insights and proficiency in navigating the legal intricacies of police conduct have set him apart as a reliable and trusted authority in the field. In addition, Marlon Marrache is recognized as a Subject Matter Expert in Administrative Police Misconduct and Categorical Use of Force Investigations, particularly in Officer Involved Shootings (OIS). Leveraging his wealth of experience, he provides expert testimony in Internal Affairs investigations, offering fair, reasonable, and impartial recommendations on the "adjudication" and "penalty" of completed investigations. His commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and justice within law enforcement, coupled with his unparalleled expertise, solidifies Marlon Marrache's reputation as a distinguished figure in the field of Police Administrative Discipline and Misconduct.

Arik and Megan Matson

Airk and Megan Matson
In 2020, Police Officer Arik Matson was shot in the head while responding to a call of a suspicious person. Against all odds, this dynamic presentation will discuss Matson's recovery and the challenges he and his wife faced during his rehabilitation.

Darrel Lowe

Redmond Police Chief
Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe is a 32-year law enforcement veteran. Starting his career in Santa Monica, CA, he has been the Chief in Redmond since 2019. Darrell holds a master's degree in Emergency Services Administration from California State University Long Beach and a bachelor's degree in Sociology from California State University Northridge. He is an Alumnus of The Center for Creative Leadership's Leadership Development Program, the University of Southern California's Delinquency Control Institute, and the Safer Communities Institute program. He attended the 249th Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy and the 81st Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar Cohort. He holds an Executive Leadership certification from the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University. He possesses numerous California Peace Officer's Standards and Training certifications and is a California POST Master Instructor. Darrell has served on various community boards and committees. He is the president-elect of WASPC Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and past President of the King County Chiefs and Sheriff Association. He is a contributing author to the Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) guidebook entitled How to Increase Cultural Understanding. Police Perspectives: Building Trust in a Diverse Nation, no. 1. Washington, DC: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. And Author of Contemporary Issues In Policing – Law Enforcement & Security, Cognella 2019. He is a Sneakerhead, wine, and Invicta watch collector.

James Tacchini

Sergeant San Francisco Police Department
James Tacchini is a Sergeant in the San Francisco Police Department and has been with the SFPD for 17 years. He recently completed a full-time assignment as an investigator on the Officer-Involved shooting team where he investigated several high profile OIS incidents and use of force incidents. James is currently back on patrol working as a street supervisor. Aside from being one of the department's Use of Force experts, James is a team leader on the SFPD's Hostage/Crisis Negotiation Team. Annually the HCNT team responds to over 100 callouts with a high success rate of peaceful resolutions. Education does not stop in the classroom, and what you learn you will be able to take back to your agency and pass on to affect real and beneficial change.

Thomas Wheeler

Attorney
Tom Wheeler is a partner at Bose McKinney & Evans and has spent almost 40 years representing law enforcement agencies and officers throughout the United States in administrative and litigation matters. Tom’s prior federal service includes working as the acting Assistant attorney General for Civil Rights at the United States Department of Justice, where he oversaw the appellate, criminal, disability rights, education, employment, federal coordination and compliance, housing and civil enforcement, immigrant and employee rights, policy and strategy, special litigation and voting sections. Tom also served as a senior advisor to the White House Federal Commission on School Safety. Tom also served as general counsel for the National Sheriffs’ Association, where he provided legal advice to the more than 3,300 elected sheriffs and their offices throughout the United States. He is a frequent author and lector on policing issues.

Hosts

Sponsors

LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING ACADEMY & CONSULTING
This course is offered and conducted by Eckberg Lammers’ Law Enforcement Training Academy & Consulting team of experienced trainers and consultants. Information provided in these trainings does not constitute or contain legal advice, nor do they establish and attorney-client relationship.

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