View Agenda
Explore the schedule of sessions for The 17th Police Recruitment and Retention Summit
Register to Attend ⭐
Tuesday - September 22, 2026
8:00 AM
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Exhibit Hall Open
Location: Grande Ballroom - Exhibit Hall
8:00 AM
8:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Information Desk Open
Location: Grande Ballroom Foyer
8:00 AM
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Networking Breakfast
Location: Grande Ballroom - Exhibit Hall
Start the day with an assortment of fresh juices, freshly brewed coffee and tea, seasonal fruit, warm pastries, farm-fresh eggs, bacon and sausage, and golden breakfast potatoes.
*Menu items are subject to change.
9:00 AM
9:00 AM – 9:10 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
Chairperson
Mike Boward
Sergeant at Fort Collins Police
Chairperson
Mike Crawford
Lieutenant at East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office
9:10 AM
9:10 AM – 10:00 AM
Special Presentation: Retention by Design: Supporting Women in Today’s Police Workforce
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
- Understand the key factors driving attrition among women in law enforcement
- Examine how workplace culture, policies, and leadership impact retention
- Identify gaps in scheduling, career progression, and support systems
- Learn how departments are making changes to improve retention and long-term career sustainability
Celebrating Women in Law Enforcement - Morning Summit
Speaker
Vereen Barton
Assistant Chief, Director of Patrol Service at Maryland-National Capital Park Police
10:00 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
From Recruitment to Leadership: Building Career Pathways for Women in Policing
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
- Explore how departments are creating clear pathways from recruitment through leadership roles
- Understand the role of mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership development in advancing women
- Identify barriers to promotion and career progression
- Learn practical strategies to support long-term career growth and leadership development
Celebrating Women in Law Enforcement - Morning Summit
Speaker
Ali Hill
Lieutenant at San Diego Police Department, Backgrounds & Recruiting
Speaker
Yasmin Brown
Assistant Chief, Director – Special Operations Division at Maryland-National Capital Park Police
10:45 AM
10:45 AM – 11:10 AM
Networking Break
Location: Grande Ballroom - Exhibit Hall
Enjoy snacks and refreshments while mingling with other attendees, included in your registration! Freshly brewed coffee and tea, paired with granola and protein bars to keep you going.
*Menu items are subject to change.
11:10 AM
11:10 AM – 12:10 PM
Roundtable Discussions – Choose Your Own Adventure!
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
- Women and Wellness: Sustaining a Career in Policing
Discuss practical ways to manage stress, burnout, and long-term well-being in a demanding profession.
Moderater: Na'Shayla Nelson, Assistant Chief of Police - Portsmouth Police Department
2. Navigating Leadership in a Command Structure
Share experiences and strategies for leading effectively within hierarchical and traditionally male-dominated environments.
Moderater: Kristen Wright, Sergeant - Thurston County Sheriff's Office
3. Balancing Career and Personal Life
Explore how women in policing are managing schedules, family responsibilities, and career growth.
Moderater: Ali Hill, Lieutenant, San Diego Police Department
4. Women in Specialized Units: Navigating Unique Challenges
Discuss the unique demands, expectations, and opportunities women face in specialized roles such as SWAT, investigations, and task forces.
Moderator: Yasmin Brown, Assistant Chief, Director – Special Operations Division, Maryland-National Capital Park Police
5. Mentorship and Sponsorship That Make a Difference
Exchange ideas on finding mentors, becoming one, and creating meaningful support systems within departments.
Moderator: Vereen Barton, Assistant Division Chief, Director of Patrol Service, Maryland-National Capital Park Police
6. Preparing for Promotion and Career Advancement
Talk through the steps, challenges, and strategies for moving into supervisory and command-level roles.
Moderator: Julie Brown, Lieutenant, Background and Recruitment, Metro Nashville Police Department
7. Building Credibility and Navigating Bias
Explore how women establish credibility, handle bias, and build trust within their teams and departments.
Moderator: Mike Boward, Sergeant, Personnel and Training Unit Fort Collins Police
8. Recruiting and Supporting the Next Generation of Women Officers
Explore how to attract, support, and retain more women entering the profession.
Moderator: Brisa Daniel, Hiring and Recruitment Coordinator, Surprise Police Department
9. Transitioning into Leadership: First-Time Supervisors
Share experiences and strategies for stepping into leadership roles and managing the shift from peer to supervisor.
Moderator: Taylor L. Walker, Director, Police HR Operations, Chattanooga Police Department
Moderator
Ali Hill
Lieutenant at San Diego Police Department, Backgrounds & Recruiting
Moderator
Brisa Daniel
Hiring and Recruitment Coordinator – Hiring and Background Investigation at Surprise Police Department
Moderator
Vereen Barton
Assistant Chief, Director of Patrol Service at Maryland-National Capital Park Police
Moderator
Yasmin Brown
Assistant Chief, Director – Special Operations Division at Maryland-National Capital Park Police
Moderator
Taylor Walker
Director, Police HR Operations at Chattanooga Police Department
Moderator
Julie Brown
Lieutenant, Background and Recruitment at Metro Nashville Police Department
Moderator
Na'Shayla Nelson
Assistant Chief of Police at Portsmouth Police Department
Moderator
Mike Boward
Sergeant at Fort Collins Police
Moderator
Kristen Wright
Sergeant at Thurston County Sheriff's Office
12:10 PM
12:10 PM – 12:15 PM
Closing Remarks
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
12:15 PM
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch
Location: Grande Ballroom - Exhibit Hall
A crisp salad selection and hot lunch buffet featuring a variety of proteins, seasonal sides, and a sweet dessert to finish — served with freshly brewed iced tea.
*Menu items are subject to change.
1:00 PM
1:00 PM – 2:50 PM
Addressing Mental Health, Burnout, and Retention in Policing to Build a Sustainable Workforce
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
- Understand how stress, burnout, and cumulative trauma impact retention and performance
- Identify where departments are falling short in supporting officer well-being
- Learn practical strategies to build sustainable workloads and support systems
- Explore how leadership decisions directly influence mental health outcomes
Speaker
Bill Brown
Director of Program Development at Prison Yoga Project
Speaker
Julie Brown
Lieutenant, Background and Recruitment at Metro Nashville Police Department
2:50 PM
2:50 PM – 3:10 PM
Networking Break
Location: Grande Ballroom - Exhibit Hall
Coffee and tea alongside chilled sodas, fresh popcorn, chips, and pretzels.
*Menu items are subject to change.
3:10 PM
3:10 PM – 5:00 PM
Designing Mental Health and Wellness Strategies That Actually Work
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
- Learn how to design mental health and wellness initiatives that drive real impact
- Understand the role of leadership, supervisors, and culture in supporting officer well-being
- Explore practical approaches to implementing peer support, resources, and workload adjustments
- Identify ways to measure success and ensure long-term sustainability
Speaker
Na'Shayla Nelson
Assistant Chief of Police at Portsmouth Police Department
Speaker
Kristen Wright
Sergeant at Thurston County Sheriff's Office
5:00 PM
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Networking Cocktail Reception
Location: Grande Ballroom - Exhibit Hall
Unwind with an open bar of beer, wine, and cocktails, plus a variety of passed appetizers – all included in your registration!
*Menu items are subject to change.
Wednesday - September 23, 2026
8:00 AM
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Exhibit Hall Open
Location: Grande Ballroom - Exhibit Hall
8:00 AM
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Information Desk Open
Location: Grande Ballroom Foyer
8:00 AM
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Networking Breakfast
Location: Grande Ballroom - Exhibit Hall
Start the day with an assortment of fresh juices, freshly brewed coffee and tea, seasonal fruit, warm pastries, farm-fresh eggs, bacon and sausage, and golden breakfast potatoes.
*Menu items are subject to change.
9:00 AM
9:00 AM – 9:10 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
Chairperson
Mike Boward
Sergeant at Fort Collins Police
Chairperson
Mike Crawford
Lieutenant at East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office
9:10 AM
9:10 AM – 10:00 AM
The New Reality of Police Recruitment and Retention
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
Gain insight into how departments are adapting their strategies to attract, hire, and retain officers in a rapidly changing environment.
Speaker
Brisa Daniel
Hiring and Recruitment Coordinator – Hiring and Background Investigation at Surprise Police Department
Speaker
Eric Perez
Detective, Lead Recruiter at Fort Lauderdale Police Department
Speaker
Michael Carroll
Chief of Police at San José State University Police Department
10:00 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Attracting and Engaging Recruits to Cross the Finish Line
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
- Craft a compelling story that successfully attracts the recruits you're looking for
- Streamline the candidate journey and build a stronger recruiting pipeline using modern technology
- Apply targeted digital marketing strategies and performance data to reach the right candidates, keep them engaged throughout the recruitment journey, and drive them to take action
Speaker
Austin Beck
Sergeant at City of Arvada
Speaker
Alex Johnston
CCO/Co-Founder at Epic Productions, LLC
Speaker
Mike Ford
Creative Director at Epic Productions, LLC
Speaker
Jeff Link
Director of Marketing at Epic Productions, LLC
10:45 AM
10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Networking Break
Location: Grande Ballroom - Exhibit Hall
Freshly brewed coffee and tea, paired with granola and protein bars to keep you going.
*Menu items are subject to change.
11:15 AM
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Turning Culture into a Retention Strategy
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
- Understand how organizational culture directly impacts recruitment and retention outcomes
- Identify the leadership behaviors and workplace dynamics that influence officer satisfaction and longevity
- Learn how departments are creating environments that support engagement, performance, and retention
- Explore practical ways to strengthen culture without relying solely on compensation or incentives
Speaker
Doug Shoemaker
Public Safety Executive Advisor at PowerDMS by NEOGOV
Speaker
Shayla Collins
Human Resources Manager at City of Bakersfield/Bakersfield Police Department
Speaker
Mike Boward
Sergeant at Fort Collins Police
12:00 PM
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch
Location: Grande Ballroom - Exhibit Hall
A crisp salad selection and hot lunch buffet featuring a variety of proteins, seasonal sides, and a sweet dessert to finish — served with freshly brewed iced tea.
*Menu items are subject to change.
1:00 PM
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
Modernizing the Hiring Process to Compete for Talent
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
- Identify opportunities to streamline each stage of the recruitment and hiring process, including application management, communication tools and other touch points
- Learn how departments are improving speed without compromising standards and modernizing the record-keeping process
- Explore practical approaches to creating a more efficient and competitive hiring experience
Speaker
Dareick Barr
Office of Background Investigations and Credentialing at United States Capitol Police
Speaker
Sean Cassidy
President at PoliceApp
Speaker
Taylor Walker
Director, Police HR Operations at Chattanooga Police Department
1:45 PM
1:45 PM – 2:30 PM
The Missing Middle: From Reactive to Proactive Recruiting
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
- Identify where reactive recruiting creates avoidable work
- Create meaningful next steps for promising candidates who aren't yet ready to apply
- Apply proactive recruiting strategies that improve applicant quality
Speaker
Joel Henry
Co-Founder and CEO at CivicHire Solutions
Speaker
Kylie Kaiser
Co-Founder and COO at CivicHire Solutions
Speaker
Mike Crawford
Lieutenant at East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office
2:30 PM
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Tools and Tech
Presented by RespondCapture
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
Leading service providers will showcase their offerings in a quick-pitch setting. Evaluate the latest and greatest tech tools to bring back to your organization.
Speaker
Ryan Lewis
CEO at RespondCapture
2:45 PM
2:45 PM – 3:10 PM
Networking Break
Location: Grande Ballroom - Exhibit Hall
3:10 PM
3:10 PM – 4:00 PM
Using Mentorship to Improve Retention and Career Growth
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
- Understand how mentorship impacts retention, engagement, and long-term career development
- Learn how departments are structuring mentorship programs beyond initial onboarding
- Identify the key elements of successful mentor-mentee relationships
- Explore practical ways to build or strengthen mentorship programs that support officer growth and longevity
Speaker
Jason Tsui
Sergeant at San Diego Police Department – Backgrounds and Recruiting Unit
Speaker
Ali Hill
Lieutenant at San Diego Police Department, Backgrounds & Recruiting
4:00 PM
4:00 PM – 4:50 PM
AI for Public Safety: Recruiting Smarter, Hiring Faster, Leading Better
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
Explore how AI and automations are beginning to reshape recruiting, staffing, and daily police operations. Discuss what these changes mean for workforce strategy and how departments can prepare for a more efficient, technology-enabled future.
Speaker
Ash Jacques
Founder & CEO at GovSource
Speaker
Eric Perez
Detective, Lead Recruiter at Fort Lauderdale Police Department
4:50 PM
4:50 PM – 5:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
Chairperson
Mike Boward
Sergeant at Fort Collins Police
Chairperson
Mike Crawford
Lieutenant at East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office
5:00 PM
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Networking Cocktail Reception
Location: Grande Ballroom - Exhibit Hall
Unwind with an open bar of beer, wine, and cocktails, plus a variety of passed appetizers – all included in your registration!
*Menu items are subject to change.
Thursday - September 24, 2026
8:00 AM
8:00 AM – 11:05 AM
Exhibit Hall Open
Location: Grande Ballroom - Exhibit Hall
8:00 AM
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Information Desk Open
Location: Grande Ballroom Foyer
8:00 AM
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Networking Breakfast
Location: Grande Ballroom - Exhibit Hall
Start the day with an assortment of fresh juices, freshly brewed coffee and tea, seasonal fruit, warm pastries, farm-fresh eggs, bacon and sausage, and golden breakfast potatoes.
*Menu items are subject to change.
9:00 AM
9:00 AM – 9:10 AM
Opening Remarks
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
Chairperson
Mike Boward
Sergeant at Fort Collins Police
Chairperson
Mike Crawford
Lieutenant at East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office
9:10 AM
9:10 AM – 10:00 AM
Rethinking Police Staffing and Doing More with Less
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
- Explore how departments are adapting staffing models to address ongoing shortages
- Understand the role of civilian positions and alternative response models
- Learn how agencies are reallocating workload to reduce pressure on sworn officers
- Identify practical approaches to maintaining service levels with limited resources
Speaker
Dareick Barr
Office of Background Investigations and Credentialing at United States Capitol Police
Speaker
Taylor Walker
Director, Police HR Operations at Chattanooga Police Department
10:00 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Both Sides of the Bars: 7 Keys to Intentional Collaboration Between Communities and Law Enforcement
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
-
Learn seven practical principles — from shared humanity to accountability — for building trust between communities and law enforcement
-
Explore how transparency, active listening, and consistent follow-through turn adversarial dynamics into genuine partnership
-
Identify ways to move past "us vs. them" thinking toward shared goals and sustained, authentic engagement
Speaker
Antonio Barnes
Motivational Speaker, Peer Support Specialist, Counselor, Author at The Antonio Barnes Project
10:45 AM
10:45 AM – 11:05 AM
Networking Break
Location: Grande Ballroom - Exhibit Hall
Coffee and tea with a build-your-own grab-and-go lunch: fresh sandwiches and wraps, chips, and a cookie. Enjoy it here or take it with you!
*Menu items are subject to change.
11:05 AM
11:05 AM – 11:55 AM
Zero Dollar Fixes, Zero Dollar Wins: Building the Culture Your Agency Wants Without Spending a Dime
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
- Identify the key factors, drawn from hundreds of stay and exit interviews across multiple agencies, that drive sworn and professional employees to join, stay, or leave
- Apply simple, no-cost tools and immediate individual actions that build a wellness-based, humble servant culture within a team
- Cultivate an environment of appreciation and job satisfaction that strengthens recruitment, retention, morale, and overall work product
Speaker
Jamie Rothschild
Lieutenant at Surprise Police Department
11:55 AM
11:55 AM – 12:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Location: Grande Ballroom - General Session
Chairperson
Mike Boward
Sergeant at Fort Collins Police
Chairperson
Mike Crawford
Lieutenant at East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office
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