Vereen Barton, MAFP, MPhil Assistant Division 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. 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 a national 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 21-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. Her dedication to training has earned her the 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 has received the first MLK award from the University of Maryland 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.

Dr. Barton's story inspires all who seek to impact their communities positively. As a proud 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 received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in classic film techniques from the Savannah College of Art and Design. In 2004, he co-founded Epic and has spent the last 17 years growing this dynamic agency into a creative powerhouse. Under Sam's leadership Epic will continue to be a industry leader, expanding its services while deftly reaching into new markets. In 2011 Epic expanded into law enforcement recruiting. This marriage of top flight creative with targeted digital recruiting is a perfect fit for law enforcement as well as a personally rewarding way to work with the men and women of law enforcement.

Mike Boward Sergeant

Fort Collins Police Department

Mike Boward has over 28 years of law enforcement experience, including over 24 years at his current agency in Fort Collins, Colorado.   He is a Sergeant assigned to the Fort Collins Police Personnel and Training Unit.   Previously he served as a Patrol Sergeant and a Training Officer in the Personnel and Training Unit where he coordinated recruiting, police officer hiring and background investigations.  Boward served as a Criminal Investigations Detective for over six years prior and was a Field Training Officer.   Boward has taught numerous courses locally and around the nation, including Recruiting and Hiring Strategies, Robbery Investigations, Auto Theft, and Criminal Interdiction.  He is a Lead Skills instructor in police driving and is the Fort Collins Police Academy supervisor.  Boward earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Andrews University.

Ettice Brickus, MSM, M.S.ED Lieutenant Colonel, Deputy Chief of Patrol, Area 2 Commander

Baltimore Police Department

Lieutenant Colonel Brickus joined the Baltimore Police Department in 2001 and is a proud resident of the City of Baltimore. She currently serves as a Deputy Chief of Patrol. Her most recent command assignment was as the Commanding Officer of the Recruitment and Applicant Investigations Section, as well as the Commanding Officer of the Administrative Duties Division. Previous assignments include Patrol District Commander, Patrol Operations/Vice, Command Investigations, Management Services, Information Services, Records Management, Central Records and Certified Police Instructor. She holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Law Enforcement and Correctional Administration from Baltimore City Community College, a Bachelor and Master of Science degree in Management from The Johns Hopkins University, a Master of Science in Education degree and a Graduate Teaching Certificate from The Johns Hopkins University, and a Criminal Justice Leadership Certificate from University of Maryland University College. She is also an active member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives in Leadership (NOBLE) and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). Lastly, she is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Policing (SMIP), Session 85.

Yasmin Brown Captain, Assistant Chief, Support Operations 

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."

Drew Castonguay Sergeant

Portland Police Department

Sergeant Drew Castonguay grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts and enlisted in the Navy right after high school. While in the Navy, Drew served as a Master at Arms, conducting law enforcement and harbor security operations for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. In 2014, Drew left active duty to start his career with the Portland Police Department. As a patrol officer, Drew became a member of Portland's Crisis Negotiations Team, Honor Guard, and Recruitment and Retention Team. As a patrol officer Drew also worked as a Field Training Officer and as a lead instructor at Maine's Criminal Justice Academy.

Drew now works as a Patrol Sergeant on the overnight shift and is the Supervisor of Portland's Recruitment and Retention Team. As the Supervisor of the Recruitment and Retention Team, Drew coordinates and oversees the department's recruitment and retention efforts and strategies and also manages the assignments and performance of Portland's 8 person team.

Drew earned his Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice in 2017 and his Bachelor's degree in Leadership and Organizational Studies in 2022. 

Marteen Cleary Head of Production

Epic Recruiting

Marteen Cleary received her Bachelor degree in Creative Media and Film from Northern Arizona University. In 2016, she started her career as an intern at Epic Productions, learning the ins and outs of the industry. Fast forward to today, Marteen is Head of Production and Lead Producer making sure the production process runs smoothly from initial client meetings through final video deliverables.

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.

Mike Ford Creative Director

Epic Recruiting

Mike Ford is a graduate of the Art Institute of Phoenix with a degree in Computer Animation, Mike has spent the last 17 years building an amazing portfolio of work. From print to web or tv to mobile, he has the same intense dedication to his craft no matter the delivery method. Throughout Mike’s career he has been recognized with numerous awards, including Emmy®, Telly® and American Advertising Federation Addy® Awards. 

Rachel Frizzell Administrative Coordinator, Recruiter

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office

Rachel Frizzell has been an integral part of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) since July 2018. She began her career as an intern and quickly demonstrated her capabilities, leading to a series of promotions. In January 2019, Rachel was tasked with overseeing the completion of the HCSO 200th Anniversary Commemorative Book, which marked the beginning of her journey into leadership roles.

By December 2019, she was promoted to Public Information Officer, and in October 2022, she took on the role of Administrative Coordinator. Currently, Rachel functions more as an executive officer for the Chief of Staff, assisting with various special projects across the agency; previously, she oversaw the HR Recruiting Unit at HCSO. Her exceptional work in the HR Recruiting Unit was featured in Sheriff and Deputy magazine, where she co-authored an article with her Chief of Staff.

During her time in HR Recruiting, Rachel spearheaded numerous initiatives, including developing in-house software to track recruits and applicants throughout the hiring process. She created standardized, data-driven recruitment reports, enhanced the branding and advertising strategies for HCSO Recruitment, streamlined the agency-wide exit interview process, and meticulously planned and executed both employee and recruitment events.

Rachel holds a B.A. in Communications and a B.A. in French Literature and Language from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She also studied at ESCE International Business School in Paris, France, and is an alumna of Kappa Delta Sorority.

Marvin (Ben) Haiman Former Chief of Staff

Metropolitan Police Department

Visiting fellow,

Rutgers University

Mr. Marvin Haiman is a Visiting Fellow and Research Scholar with Rutger’s University as he completes his PhD from Staffordshire University in Stoke-on-Trent, UK.  He also leads the Public Safety Innovation Group, which provides a variety of consultancy to police agencies domestically and internationally related to topics ranging from law enforcement practice, policy, recruitment, training, curriculum design, labor relations, and many forms of technology.  He served as the Chief of Staff for the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington DC between 2021 and 2024. In this capacity, Mr. Haiman oversaw daily operations of the Executive Office of the Chief of Police and was responsible for broad agency management and implementing strategic agency objectives.

Mr. Haiman was responsible for several organizational units including the Office of Communications, Office of General Counsel, Office of the Chief Equity and People Officer, and the Professional Development Bureau. Mr. Haiman served as the Executive Director of the Professional Development Bureau between 2017 – 2021, leading the Recruiting Division, Metropolitan Police Academy Division, Human Resource Management Division, Disciplinary Review Division, Testing and Assessment Division, Equal Employment Opportunity Division, Office of Communications, and the Strategic Engagement Office (Volunteer Services).

Prior to being named Executive Director, between 2015-2017, Mr. Haiman served in a variety of capacities, including developing the agency’s Office of Volunteer Coordination, serving as Chief of Staff for the Technical Services Division tasked with a broad range of IT operations, and Chief of Staff for the Strategic Services Bureau supporting and leading the administration of police recruitment, training, policy, and volunteer service matters for the Department.

Prior to returning to the Metropolitan Police Department, Mr. Haiman served as Director for the Homeland Security Advisory Council for the United States Department of Homeland Security, establishing several key task forces for the Secretary (e.g., Foreign Fighters, Integrity & Use of Force). Prior to his Federal service, Mr. Haiman led the Recruiting Division for the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington DC among various other positions. Mr. Haiman was responsible for restructuring the sworn hiring process, decreasing the amount of time it took to process candidates while increasing the quality of those officers hired.

Haiman graduated from The Johns Hopkins University with a master’s degree in management through the Police Executive Leadership Program and has his undergraduate degree in mathematics from the University of Iowa and received designation as a Certified Public Management Program through George Washington University, as well as certification in Strategic Project Management. Mr. Haiman is also a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security’s Executive Leadership Program. Mr. Haiman received recognition by the International Association of Chiefs of Police in 2020 as a 40 under 40 recipient and the prestigious Gary P. Hayes Award by the Police Executive Research Forum. Mr. Haiman also graduated from the Metropolitan Police Academy and serves as a reserve police officer with the Metropolitan Police Department. Mr. Haiman resides with his family in Washington, DC.

Shannon Hedges Recruitment and Hiring Coordinator

Iowa Department of Public Safety

Shannon Hedges began working for the Iowa Department of Public Safety in May 2021.  In her role as the Recruitment and Hiring Coordinator, she is responsible for the oversight and development of the Department’s strategic recruitment plan for sworn officer positions.  Additionally, Shannon coordinates the application process for the Iowa DPS Basic and Certified academies, providing direction and support to applicants throughout the hiring process.  Prior to working for Iowa DPS, Shannon spent 15 years working in Human Resources and Recruitment for a variety of private sector industries including technology, property management, and manufacturing.

 Shannon holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies from the University of Northern Iowa and is in the process of obtaining a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grandview University.

Patrick Johnson Recruiting Officer

Portland Police Bureau

Officer Patrick Johnson was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University and went on to receive an MBA from Seattle Pacific University. Before becoming a police officer, Patrick worked as a business analyst for the Boeing Company in Seattle, Washington.

Patrick is a 16-year veteran with the Portland Police Bureau. Appointed in 2008, he spent a majority of his career working as a patrol officer in North Precinct and Central Precinct. He is a currently a Field Training Officer and has also been a detached member of PPB’s Rapid Response Team.

Patrick is currently assigned as a recruiter in the Personnel Division, where he assists with marketing efforts, representing the Bureau at events and other recruitment duties.

Zachary Kamaka Officer, Recruiter

Maui Police Department

Ryan Lewis CEO

Respond Capture

Patrick Loftus Lieutenant, Office of Communications

Metropolitan Police Department

Patrick has 15 years of experience with the Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department. He is currently a Lieutenant in the Office of Communications and leads marketing and international relations.  The in-house marketing team creates all content and runs recruiting ad campaigns without the assistance of any outside marketing firms.  

In addition to marketing, Patrick is also responsible for international relations. DC is home to over 170 embassies, consulates, and ambassadors residences.  Most foreign police departments have a liaison officer in DC.  Patrick works closely with liaison officers, and other government officials, to develop and maintain relationships, host international delegations, and assist with investigations.

Todd Mickelsen CEO

Converus

Todd Mickelsen has 30+ years of high-tech senior management experience in business development, sales and product management at start-ups and established software giants, including Microsoft. During his 9-year stretch as the CEO at Converus, Todd has led the transition of EyeDetect from a university science project to a fully productized and professional tool used by more than 600 public safety entities, government agencies and companies worldwide for pre-employment screening and investigations. Todd holds a B.S. in marketing and business from Brigham Young University.

Mike Murphy Sergeant, Community Relations, Backgrounds, Recruiting

Akron Police Department

Shandra J. Mutchie Recruitment 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.

Brad Nadeau Public Information Officer

Portland Police Department

Brad Nadeau has been the Public Information Officer for the police department in Portland, Maine since January of 2023. He came to the department with 28 years of communications experience. A Caribou, Maine native and a 1994 graduate of the University of Maine, Nadeau spent the previous 28 years as the Director of Athletic Communications at Middlebury College in Vermont.

Nadeau joined the department with extensive knowledge and experience in media relations and website/social media management. He has attended the FBI-LEEDA PIO Course, taken part in two-day Social Media Strategies Virtual Summit and has attended a Mastering Media Relations Class.

Nadeau has greatly improved the Department’s image, developing and nourishing relationships with local and regional media outlets. He has also improved the department’s messaging, branding and overall communication efforts. Nadeau was also a primary contact for the Department’s recent recruiting efforts with Epic.v

Marvin Tevaga Officer, Recruiter

Maui Police Department

Nick Vellis Retired, Captain

University of Florida Police Department

Nick Vellis is a retired University of Florida Police Department Captain. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Leo University. He began his career with the Deland Florida Police Department in 1976 and joined the University of Florida Police Department in 1979. He has worked and been a supervisor in a variety of areas, including Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Property and Evidence, Crime Scene, Public Information, and Crime Prevention/Community Services. He retired from law enforcement in 2005.

He worked in technology sales, providing crime analysis software to law enforcement agencies nationwide and internationally. He worked for the Office of Personal Management conducting Federal security clearance investigations. He accepted a contract position managing asset forfeiture for the Drug Enforcement Administration, a role that ultimately included managing asset forfeiture for multiple offices. Since 2021, he has worked with the University of Florida Police Department, conducting background investigations and refining related policies and procedures.

Mr. Vellis is the author of five thriller/suspense and mystery novels. He enjoys both reading and writing short stories, historical fiction, mysteries, and thrillers. He is an avid traveler, having visited thirty-eight states and twelve countries. He collects and restores classic pocket knives, is an Advanced Open Water scuba diver, and is an undercover model railroad geek.

Previous Certifications: International Association for Identification certified Crime Scene Analyst, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, U.S. Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), Florida Attorney General Crime Prevention Practitioner, U.S. Department of Justice Security Clearance Background, U.S. Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture certification, CJSTC General Instructor

Kristen Wright-Van Meter Former Recruiting Sergeant

Arizona Department of Public Safety

14 years in law enforcement, prior Savannah Chatham Metro PD (6 years with 3.5 years as narcotics detective), 6 years AZ DPS (3 years Phoenix graves, 2 years Drill instructor at State Trooper Academy, promoted in September of 2020 directly into the Recruiting Unit.) Currently a certified officer in the state of Washington.  Arizona POST certified Physical Fitness Instructor, ISSA certified personal trainer, certified nutritionist, and OCB (organization of competitive bodybuilding) figure competitor.