Dareick  Barr Acting Sergeant, Office of Background Investigations and Credentialing

United States Capitol Police 

Currently, I serve as an acting Sergeant in the Office of Background Investigations and Credentialing. 

My professional journey commenced in 2007, following my graduation from Ohio University with a degree in Sociology and Criminology.  

During the initial fifteen years of my career, I was assigned to our agency’s Capitol Division, where my responsibilities encompassed VIP protection, securing special events, security screening and emergency response. 

Throughout my professional career, I have had the privilege of assisting with five Presidential Inaugurations, 18 State of the Union addresses, the Pope’s visit to Washington, and numerous other significant historical events. 

Four years ago, I was assigned to the recruitment section within our Office of Background Investigations and Credentialing, where I have been instrumental in assisting with coordinating our agency’s recruitment initiatives. We established a goal to ensure that our hiring process is both efficient and effective, while simultaneously evolving to capture the next generation of federal law enforcement professionals. 

Additionally, I have held the position of acting supervisory security specialist, where I was responsible for assisting in leading our badge and credentialing operations.  

Daily, I have the unique opportunity to engage with potential Law Enforcement candidates across the country through various means, including discussion panels, classroom presentations, and career fairs. I am deeply passionate about providing individuals with comprehensive information about the diverse career paths and opportunities that our agency offers. 

Eric Barthel Captain, Director of Training and Development

Minnesota State Patrol

Captain Eric Barthel is the Director of Training for the MN State Patrol. He has 31 years of Law Enforcement Experience with 26 of those years being with the MN State Patrol.  He has been the Captain of the Training Section since 2016. He oversees the agency’s training to include incumbent training as well as the academy for cadets becoming troopers. He also manages the hiring of new troopers from the time of application to their start with the State Patrol Academy. Captain Barthel has been involved in training since becoming a trooper, either as an instructor, staff officer or coordinator. He was a use of force instructor, vehicle contacts instructor, communications instructor and fitness instructor. He was promoted to Sergeant in training in 2008 as the technology coordinator. In 2015 he was promoted to Lieutenant as the academy director, prior to his promotion to Captain. Captain Barthel holds an AA Degree in Law Enforcement and a BA in Public Administration. 

Vereen Barton Assistant Chief, Director of Recruiting, Criminal Investigation, and the Office of Accountability and Oversight  

Maryland-National Capital Park Police 

Dr. Vereen Barton’s life is a true testament to the power of dedication and service.  She has been inspired by her mother and visionaries like Aurora Lola Baldwin, she has been passionate and committed to serving her community for over 30 years.  As an International speaker, emcee, and a trailblazer for women in law enforcement and leadership, Dr. Barton holds a bachelor’s degree in arts administration and a Master’s and Doctorate in Forensic Psychology. Her incredible dedication to service began as a firefighter/EMT for over ten years, and she has been a police officer for 22-plus years. She is currently the Director of Investigative Services, Recruiting, and the Office of Accountability and Oversight with the Maryland-National Capital Park Police’ Prince George’s County Division. Her dedication to training has earned her the highly coveted MPCTC Instructor of the Year award four times and recognition for excellence in training. She has also received a Police Leadership Award and a Chief’s Award for outstanding service. 

Dr. Barton’s commitment to service has also been recognized outside of law enforcement. She received the first Martin Luther King award from the University of Maryland Capital Region Hospital Center’s Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center for her work with survivors of domestic violence. Additionally, she received the Edward DeHavine Brown Community Service Award for training her community in CPR. 

The exceptionally high success of the inaugural Women in Law Enforcement Conference on Monday 26 August 2024 is the work of Dr Barton and her Barton’s Blue Line Training and Consultation which took place in Washington DC bringing together Law Enforcement, State Attorney for Prince George’s County, Chief of Police for Bowie, Sheriff, the newly appointment Mayor of Littlestown Pennsylvania, Police Officers and Staffs from across the world. On the international front Dr. Barton worked with Law enforcement Leaders from the United Kingdom and Scotland to share information on best practices for law enforcement in the area of leadership,  recruitment and retention, use of force and accountability and oversight. Dr. Barton created ICU Shine Inc.(a nonprofit organization) dedicated to giving a voice to individuals who are often overlooked. She has worked for more than 11 years with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, collaborating with other organizations to provide food, clothing, legal assistance, counseling and financial education and support. Dr. Barton’s story inspires all who seek to impact their communities positively. She is a member of IACP, PERF, NOBLE, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated, she embodies their motto, “greater service, greater progress” 

Sam Blonder CEO

Epic Recruiting

Sam Blonder earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in classic film techniques from the Savannah College of Art and Design. In 2004, he co-founded Epic Recruiting and has spent the past 20 years building it into the nation’s leading creative agency focused exclusively on law enforcement recruitment. Under Sam’s leadership, Epic has combined high-level creative strategy with data-driven digital outreach to help public safety agencies attract the next generation of officers. His passion for storytelling, paired with a deep respect for the men and women of law enforcement, drives Epic’s mission to deliver recruitment campaigns that are authentic, effective, and built to last.

Mike Boward Sergeant, Personnel and Training Unit

Fort Collins Police Department

Mike Boward has over 31 years of law enforcement experience, with more than 26 of those years spent at his current agency in Fort Collins, Colorado. He currently serves as a Sergeant in the Fort Collins Police Personnel and Training Unit. Prior to this role, Boward served as a Patrol Sergeant and a Training Officer within the same unit, where he was responsible for coordinating recruiting efforts, police officer hiring, and background investigations.

Before his time in the Personnel and Training Unit, Boward spent over six years as a Criminal Investigations Detective and also served as a Field Training Officer. He has been a speaker and chairperson at numerous national conferences, covering topics such as Recruitment and Retention, Women in Policing, and Mental Health and Wellness.

Boward has also taught a wide variety of courses both locally and nationally, including Recruiting and Hiring Strategies, Robbery Investigations, Auto Theft, and Criminal Interdiction. He is also a member of the Fort Collins Police Academy Staff.

Boward holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Andrews University.

Yasmin Brown Assistant Chief, Patrol Services

Maryland-National Capital Park Police 

Assistant Chief Yasmin Brown has 22 years of law enforcement experience with the Maryland-National Capital Park Police (Prince George's County Division). Prior to her employment with the Park Police, she served as a dispatcher with the Prince George's County Police Department for 4 years. During her tenure, she has served as Patrol Officer, Mounted Officer, Patrol Sergeant, K-9 Unit Supervisor, Field Training Officer, Field Training Program Coordinator, Patrol Lieutenant, Support Operations Lieutenant, Investigative Operations Captain/Assistant Chief and currently Support Operations Captain/Assistant Chief. Her responsibilities include management of the day-to-day operations of the Communications Division, the Records Section, the Technology Section, and the Training Division. She serves as the lead General/Academic instructor, Master EVOC instructor and lead Defensive Tactics instructor for her agency, as well as a guest instructor at the Prince George's County Police Academy. She also serves as an instructor at the Prince George's Community College Municipal Academy. She attended the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command in 2015 and she completed the IACP Leadership in Police Organization in 2017. She is a dynamic leader with a passion for the profession, a passion for leading, and a strong passion for fostering career development for subordinate employees through training and mentoring. She has been instrumental in building and maintaining positive relationships with other agencies and community leaders and coordinating efforts between multiple agencies for positive operational outcomes. "My personal goal is to develop a police force that is known for its professionalism and dedication to its officers and to the community that it serves." 

Katie Carlson Director of Wellness Initiatives

Marion County Sheriff’s Office

Katie Carlson is the Director of Wellness Initiatives at Marion County Sheriff's Office in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is responsible for the implementation, execution, and oversight of the MCSO’s wellness programming. She is tasked with creating a culture of comfort and familiarity with wellness and peer support resources for the 900+ Deputies and staff of the Sheriff's Office. Ms. Carlson also serves as the Coordinator of the MCSO Peer Support Team.  

As a certified yoga and mindfulness instructor, she provides yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, and other resiliency training for all incoming MCSO Deputies and Detention Deputies. She teaches the same resiliency-building skills at the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Academy and the Indiana State Police Training Academy.  

Before assuming her current role, Ms. Carlson served as the Public Information Officer for eight and a half years, overseeing all media relations for the MCSO. 

Mike Crawford, BSCJ, MA Lieutenant, Recruitment and Training Division

East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office

Lt. Mike Crawford, BSCJ, MA, currently serves as the Recruiter for the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office.  He began his career with the Sheriff’s Office at the Parish Prison in 1998 and has worked in various units including D.A.R.E., Public Information Officer, Training, and as the Purchasing Director, where he oversaw all assets, public bids, and procurements and was awarded “Supervisor of the Year- Civil Division”.  Under the tenure of Sheriff Sid Gautreaux, III, Crawford also served as the Chief of Operations, where he supervised, Criminal Records, Computer Operations, Uniform and Equipment, Construction Services, Fleet Operations, and Radio Services. 

Lt. Crawford attended Southern University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master of Arts in Homeland Security (Security Studies) from the Naval Postgraduate Schools’, “Center for Homeland Defense and Security”. Prior to working for the Sheriff’s Office, Lt. Crawford served (6) six years in the United States Marine Corps and was awarded “Marine of the Year” in 1999.  He is certified as a FBI Crisis Negotiator, Louisiana P.O.S.T. Instructor, and a Southern Law Enforcement Foundation - Peer Support Member.

While maintaining a busy regime, Crawford is the Lead Diversity Instructor for the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement Chief’s Academy, a consultant to many Public Safety agencies on the subject of “Diversity and Inclusion”, and is a public speaker.  He has attended countless professional schools, with his most recent achievement being a Cohort Graduate of the Baton Rouge Business Report’s, Leadership Academy-2023 Spring Cohort.  

Having served as the Honor Guard Commander for many years, Crawford has assisted several fallen families throughout his career.   With a fervent desire to help others, Crawford acts a liaison with several non-profit organizations that assist citizens and their families in East Baton Rouge Parish.  He does this all while being the Musical Director at his church, a published author, (“9-1-1…What’s Your Diversity?”), a husband, and the proud father of two beautiful adult daughters.

Brisa Daniel Hiring and Recruitment Coordinator

Surprise Police Department

With nearly 14 years of experience in the field, Brisa Daniel has established herself as a knowledgeable and dedicated professional, recognized for her expertise in identifying and recruiting talent.

Throughout her career, Brisa has worked in various capacities within the recruitment and human resources sectors. Her extensive background has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the hiring process, employee relations, and organizational development. Brisa's commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture and her ability to connect with candidates have made her a valued asset in every organization she has been a part of.

Brisa has contributed to the development and implementation of initiatives that promote employee engagement and retention. Her collaborative approach and strong communication skills have allowed her to build lasting relationships with both candidates and colleagues alike.

Brisa continues to be a leader in the recruitment industry, leveraging her extensive knowledge and passion for helping others find their ideal career paths.  As she moves forward in her career, Brisa remains focused on making meaningful impacts in the lives of individuals and organizations alike, ensuring her contributions resonate.

Tiatte Day Former Prince George’s County Police Major

Jim Dudley Retired Deputy Chief of Patrol and Investigations, Lecturer, and Author

James (Jim) Dudley is a retired Deputy Chief with the San Francisco Police Department, serving in all bureaus of the department and all ranks from Patrol Officer to Deputy Chief.  He is in his 13th year as a member of the Criminal Justice Studies faculty at San Francisco State University.  He holds a BA from SF State and a Masters Degree in Criminology from UC Irvine,.  He is a graduate of the 192nd class of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia and PERF SMIP Program at Harvard.  Jim is in his 7th year as host of the Policing Matters podcast and YouTube channel for Lexipol/Police1. He co-authored "Recruitment and Retention of Gen Z Law Enforcement Officers" with Dr. Janay Gasparini and serves as a consultant on Police Practices.

Mike Ford Creative Director

Epic Recruiting

Mike Ford has spent the past 25 years working across just about every medium, from websites and digital campaigns to social, print, and video. Over the years, he’s become known in the law enforcement community for helping departments create websites that actually connect, and for building out brands that work for campaigns across platforms. As Creative Director at Epic Recruiting, Mike brings that same mindset to every project, focusing on thoughtful design, clear messaging, and staying true to each department’s voice. He’s been fortunate to have his work recognized with awards like the Emmy, Telly, and Addy, but what matters most to him is creating work that feels honest, useful, and effective. At Epic, where everything is done in-house, he’s proud to be part of a team that values collaboration, consistency, and results.

Marvin "Ben" Haiman Executive Director

University of Virginia Center for Public Safety and Justice

Mr. Marvin "Ben" Haiman is the Executive Director of the Center for Public Safety and Justice at the University of Virginia and a Visiting Fellow at Rutgers University. A respected leader in public safety, Mr. Haiman consults nationally and internationally on law enforcement policy, recruitment, training, and technology. Previously, he served as Chief of Staff for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington, D.C., overseeing key units, including Communications, General Counsel, Equity and People, and Professional Development. He led the MPD's Professional Development Bureau from 2017 to 2021, where he advanced recruiting, training, testing, and HR operations, following several roles related to technology and policy. 

Mr. Haiman’s extensive background also includes directing the Homeland Security Advisory Council at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, where he developed critical task forces on national security issues. He holds a master’s degree in management from Johns Hopkins University, bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Iowa, along with additional certifications in strategic management and public administration. He is a graduate of the Metropolitan Police Academy in Washington DC.  Recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police as a 40 Under 40 honoree, Mr. Haiman has also earned the prestigious Gary P. Hayes Award from the Police Executive Research Forum. He resides in Washington, D.C., with his family and serves as a reserve officer with the MPD. 

Jesse Holt Detective, Background Investigations Unit

Metropolitan Nashville Police Department

Jesse Holt has 14 years of policing experience, having spent his career with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (“MNPD”) in Tennessee. Within the MNPD Background and Recruitment Division, he currently serves in an administrative capacity. Jesse began his career as a patrol officer before going on to serve as a flex officer, general detective, death and homicide detective, child sexual abuse detective, child death detective, and police applicant background detective. All told, he has served in a detective capacity for over a decade in the city of Nashville. Additionally, as a contract employee for a private company, he regularly trains public safety organizations across the nation how to conduct background investigations utilizing a software program. Jesse has a B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration and is currently enrolled in a Human Resources M.S. program. 

Dr. Tracie Keesee Associate Professor of Public Safety and Justice

University of Virginia

Co-founder, Center for Policing Equity

Dr. Tracie L. Keesee is a retired 25-year veteran of the Denver Police Department and former Deputy Commissioner of the New York Police Department. Dr. Keesee works to improve equity within law enforcement agencies and the vulnerable communities they serve. To do this, she works closely with communities to ensure their voices are centered in the co-production and redesigning of public safety systems. She also uses data-driven and evidence-based interventions to help law enforcement agencies receive the resources needed to create more equitable outcomes and reduce harm.

Dr. Keesee served as Project Director of the Department of Justice-funded National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice and is the Co-Founder of the Center for Policing Equity (CPE). This research center provides decision-makers with data, stories, and relationships to facilitate bold, innovative, and lasting change. Dr. Keesee took a sabbatical from CPE in 2016 to serve the New York Police Department in several roles; first, as the Deputy Commissioner of Training for Commissioner William J. Bratton, directing the implementation of transformative initiatives, including restructuring the recruitment curriculum.

Subsequently, she served as the first-ever Deputy Commissioner of Equity and Inclusion for Commissioner O'Neill, where she was responsible for the overall organizational development and implementation of NYPD's Equity and Inclusion strategic framework. During this time, she also advised the Police Commissioner on implementing accountability systems that monitor training, recruitment, employee opportunities, and complaints to help increase the organization's ability to attract and retain an inclusive and diverse workforce. Dr. Keesee returned to CPE in 2018 as the president until accepting a full-time associate professor position with the University of Virginia School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

In 2021, Dr. Keesee was appointed by the U.N. Human Rights Council President to serve as a member of an expert mechanism tasked with advancing racial justice and equity for Africans and people of African descent in the context of law enforcement around the world.

Dr. Keesee holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Metropolitan State College-Denver, academic certifications in Public Policy and Public Administration and a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado at Denver, a Ph.D. in Intercultural Communications from the University of Denver, and a Diversity and Inclusion Certification from Cornell University. She is also a graduate of the 203rd Session of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia. Dr Keesee has published numerous articles across various collected anthologies and peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Malika Knox Former Prince George’s County Police Corporal

Kimberly Maki Recruitment and Retention Officer

Washington State Patrol

Kimberly Maki has been with Washington State Patrol as the agency Recruitment & Retention Officer for 2 ½ years. The majority of her work with WSP is to develop strategies, partnerships, marketing products, and advertising campaigns that increase applications for both sworn and civilian positions while also retaining current personnel. In previous roles she managed and directed national service programs for AmeriCorps/VISTA and managed workforce development programs for a Washington state agency focused on health related services for senior populations. She has a particular focus and interest in reaching out to potential applicants who are underrepresented in the law enforcement workforce. When not working, she enjoys baking (and trying every cookie recipe ever written), playing pickleball, road-tripping with her girlfriend, and hosting dinners for her family. 

Anton Maltby Deputy, Recruiter, and Academy Instructor

Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Anton Maltby has served with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office for the past 24 years, where he has worked in every area command in the County as a patrol deputy. In 2008 Deputy Maltby was selected to join CSI as a crime scene detective and in 2011, was selected to be a Drill Instructor for Academy Cadet Class 31, where he mentored and oversaw the instruction given to the cadets. After the cadet class graduation in 2012, Deputy Maltby and another peer were tasked with revamping an aging hiring program at their department. Over the past 12 years, Deputy Maltby, along with his partners, accomplished the following:  streamlined the hiring process by creating a highly efficient in-house database and background system; cut down the length of the hiring process by months without compromising standards; and created programs like the Hiring Workshop, PT with a Recruiter, Agency Open Houses and Show Cases. Deputy Maltby has spoken with thousands of potential applicants, helped several hundred people through the hiring process and seated 13 cadet classes. He has dedicated himself to making sure his agency and community recruit some of the finest law enforcement officers in the Southwest.

Tanya Meisenholder Ph.D.

NYU Policing Project | Former Deputy Commissioner (NYPD) 

Dr. Tanya Meisenholder serves as the Director of Gender Equity for the NYU Policing Project, where she leads the groundbreaking 30x30 Initiative to advance women in policing. With nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience, primarily with the New York City Police Department (NYPD), Tanya has held prominent leadership roles, including Deputy Commissioner of Equity and Inclusion, Assistant Commissioner of Strategic Initiatives, and Chief of Staff to the First Deputy Commissioner. Her work has been pivotal in driving organizational change, fostering transparency, collaboration, and accountability in the co-production of public safety. 

Tanya is a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum's Senior Management Institute for Police and is certified as a Modern Chief Diversity Officer and in Equal Employment Opportunity investigations through Cornell University. She also serves on the Advisory Board of the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the University at Albany. Tanya earned her Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from the State University of New York at Albany. 

Todd Mickelsen President and Chief Executive Officer

Converus

Todd Mickelsen is the founder, president and CEO of Converus Inc., makers of EyeDetect, the world’s first credibility assessment solution to measure deception in the eyes. He has 35 years of high-tech senior management experience in business development, sales, and product management at start-ups and established software companies such as Microsoft.  Todd is a Science & Technology member of the American Polygraph Association and holds a B.S. in marketing from Brigham Young University. 

Michael Molson Officer

Greensboro Police Department

Shandra J. Mutchie Recruitment/Training Coordinator

Utah Department of Corrections

Shandra is the Recruitment Coordinator for the Utah Department of Corrections. She came to the UDC from Capitol Hill, and with her help and strategies, they were able to gain a full staff, ending mandatory overtime. During her time at the UDC, she has helped to improve public perception of the UDC, created an internship program, shifted company culture in a positive direction, and helped unify the divide between certified and civilian staff. 

She holds a master's degree in leadership, spent 10 years in EMS, trained as a funeral director, and dispatched for police, fire, and medical in Utah. She is also a professional cosplayer, and has been featured at conventions and events around the world.

Tanya Nelson PhD, Assistant Chief of Police

Portsmouth Police Department 

Assistant Chief Na’Shayla Nelson is a military veteran who has dedicated her life to public service. In 2007, Dr. Nelson began her law enforcement career. 

She is a graduate of the University of Richmond’s 47th Session PELS (Professional Executive Leadership School), North Carolina State University’s 90th Session of AOMP (Administrative Officers Management Program), FBI-LEEDA Trilogy, FBI LEEDA e-Trilogy, and New Chief/Deputy Chief School (VACP). She is also a general instructor, adjunct professor, and certified emotional intelligence coach and holds numerous certifications. 

Assistant Chief Nelson holds a Bachelor of Science from Upper Iowa University and two master’s degrees. She holds a Master of Public Policy and Administration with a concentration in Disaster Management from American Military University and a Master of Philosophy from Walden University. Assistant Chief Nelson has a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University. 

Dr. Na’Shayla Nelson is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, Continental Societies Inc., The National Society of Leadership and Success, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Virginia Association of Police Chiefs, the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, and other professional organizations. 

Nicholas Perez Police Officer, Social Media Unit

Miami Police Department

Nick is an 18-year veteran of the Miami Police Department. During his career he has been a part of several units such as PST/crime suppression, FTO, Tactical Robbery, and Training Instructor. Most recently, he was involved as one of the innovators and creators of the very first social media unit for his agency.  
 
During his tenure in the social media unit, he has produced content that has been viewed over 325 million times. Whether it be through VLOGS, PSAs, or PODCASTS his approach to social media has always been out of the box and non-traditional. He has been recognized and awarded for his efforts as a trailblazer in the social media law enforcement industry. 
 
Nick has also taken his love for the craft to the private sector and has collaborated with law enforcement agencies around the nation in efforts to boost recruitment and community engagement. Nick’s YouTube Channel (Nick Off Duty) boasts over 190,000 subscribers, where he produces the video series “Police Cars” and “Police Vlogs” which have garnished millions of views. Nick is also the CEO of Police Jobs App, a company specializing in groundbreaking technology revolutionizing the police recruiting arena! 

Umset Ramos Major, Community Relations Section

Miami Police Department

Major Umset Ramos is a 22-year veteran of the Miami Police Department. He has demonstrated innovation at each stage of his leadership career. Major Ramos helped create the department's Social Media Unit and managed an elite team of officers during the implementation of one of the first police agency YouTube vlogs; started an award-winning Community Block Meeting Initiative, in which officers provide information and build community relationships and created the agency's first mentoring program for juveniles who commit low-level misdemeanors. Major Ramos is currently in charge of the department's Community Relations Section and Police Athletic League, which services more than 1000 children annually in more than seven different team sports and educational programs. Major Ramos has held positions as the Training Director of the Miami Police Academy, commander of the Hostage Negotiation Team, Internal Affairs supervisor, and Executive Officer to the Chief of Police. Major Ramos was part of IACP's 40 under 40 in 2020 and holds a Doctorate in Education in Leadership and Management and a Masters in both Criminal Justice and Public Administration.  

Bob Rossi, Ed.D Leadership and Curriculum Administrator

Phoenix Regional Police Academy

Bob Rossi. Ed.D., was recently the Leadership and Curriculum Administrator at the Phoenix Police Academy. He came to the Academy after almost 40 years in higher education. During the past tens years Bob has applied his four decades of teaching and leadership expertise to the field of law enforcement. He recently retired from Phx. PD to pursue other options and expand his consulting business.

While working with PPD, Bob had significantly increased the academic performance of recruits while building capacity for the training staff. In 2022, his redesign of the Academy model increased the number of officers trained by 75% over the previous year’s number.

Bob has developed and presented curriculum for Certified Police Instructors and Field Training Officers who want to master easy and effective ways of sharing their knowledge with fellow officers. He has redesigned the promotional processes to focus on leadership competencies.

Serving as a consultant, thousands of Certified Police Instructors and Field Training Officers from nearly every agency in Arizona have attended Bob’s course with tremendous success. Many participants credit the course with dramatically influencing their teaching style.

His presentation of “The Ultimate Academy” for the Global Consortium of Law Enforcement Training Executive Conference grabbed the attention of academy leaders who have tapped into Bob as they redesign their academies for the new generation of recruits.

Bob is also an adjunct professor at Northern Arizona University teaching graduate courses in Criminal Justice.

A native New Yorker, he has lived in the metropolitan Phoenix area since 1969. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Education and a master’s degree in Counseling from Arizona State University. He received his Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2002.

Bob’s is passionate about working with leaders and instructors in a coaching and mentorship role. His goal is to develop leadership capacity for the future of law enforcement to better serve our communities

Jamie Rothschild Wellness Programs Acting Lieutenant

Surprise Police Department 

Jamie started his career in 1997 with the Phoenix Police Department and served in a variety of positions to include Patrol, Patrol Administration, and Community Relations before being selected to create the department’s first Employee Assistance Unit in 2004. After promoting, he had the honor of leading patrol squads, a Community Action Team, was a Public Information Officer for Silent Witness in the Public Affairs Bureau and transferred to the Chief’s Office to oversee gathering retention information and hosting employee interviews to address staffing issues and created the department’s mentoring program. He retired as a sergeant after more than 25 years with the Phoenix Police Department for a position with the Surprise Police Department where he has led the Community Relations and Public Information team and now oversees the department’s first Employee Wellness Unit.          

Jared Smith Senior Officer, Training and Personnel

Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department

Senior Officer Jared Smith is the Recruiter for the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department in Rockford, Illinois, a 300-man agency. SO Smith has worked for Winnebago County for 19 years, with the last 4 of those years in the Training and Personnel Division. SO Smith is responsible for recruitment and hiring in both the Patrol and Corrections bureau. He also teaches new recruits in various coursework and delivers in service training to the department. SO Smith holds an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Rock Valley College, and has served on two subject matter expert panels through the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. Holding various instructor certifications from organizations such as the Police Training Institute, FLETC, Force Science, Rangemaster, LSU/NCBRT, PERF, and others, he has a passion for training the next generation of American Law Enforcement. 

Wendy Van Besien Executive and Leadership Coach

Nikki Woodrow Sergeant, Pre-Employment and Recruiting

Wichita Police Department

Sergeant Nikki Woodrow has served with the Wichita Police Department for 23 years. She has received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, a Master’s degree in Leadership, and currently working towards a Doctor of Education in Higher Education and Leadership. Nikki worked 12 years as a patrol officer, then became a detective and served in the Gang and Felony Assault Unit for 2 years before being promoted to the rank of Sergeant. As a sergeant, Nikki has worked in a variety of sections including patrol, Special Community Actions, Community Policing, Public Information Unit, and currently working pre-employment and recruiting for the Law enforcement training center in Wichita. Nikki is the recipient of a Midwest American Red Cross Law Enforcement Hero of the Year award, the International Association of Chiefs of Police top 40 under 40 leadership award, and through her department has been awarded the Bronze Wreath of Merit, Distinguished Service, and a Civic Achievement bar. Her other full-time job is being a mom to her 7 year old son and 4 year old German Shephard/ Mastiff.