2025 ILACP Conference Speakers
Keynote Speaker: Lt. Brian Murphy
Sponsored by Safe Haven Defense
Lt. Brian Murphy's “The Sikh Temple Massacre & Lessons Learned” presentation helps kick off our line up of incredible speakers at the ILACP 2025 training conference. Lt. Brian Murphy will walk you through a “normal day at work on a Sunday as a supervisor.” When nothing is planned to go wrong, everything does. Murphy was called to the Sikh Temple where there were reports of shots fired. Upon his arrival, he immediately observed a gunman who shot at Murphy from a distance and instantly disabled his weapon. The gunman circled back and shot Murphy a total of 15 times before being neutralized by another officer. Murphy walks you through the scene and back story of the shooter with signs to pay attention to in white supremacy. Murphy discusses lessons learned and always plan for the unthinkable.
Training will cover:
- History of the White Supremacist Movement
- Department lead up to active shooter events
- Complete de-brief of the shooting including response from multiple agencies and disciplines
- Mindset to survive deadly force encounters
- PTSD and effects of family
- Preparation for deadly force encounters
Plenary Presentation:
Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Targeted Violence Prevention
Speakers: Megan Alderden, PhD, Mark Concordia, CTM, James Marley, PhD, Gabriela Peña, MPH, Stevan Weine, MD
Intentional, violent act against a pre-identified target (also known as targeted violence) do not come out of the blue but are preceded by behaviors and communications by the persons of concern which are often evident to the people around them. These persons of concern may even already be involved with various services and agencies, but traditional approaches often do not access or properly assess this information. Fortunately, there is a best practice methodology widely used in Illinois which enables public safety and other practitioners to gather and work with this information to prevent violent attacks before they occur. The best practice is called Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management, and it is being used in Illinois schools, higher education, health care facilities, Veterans Administrations, business, and in communities, through what is called, Community Support Teams (CSTs).
This session introduces attendees to Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) principles and procedures that can be used to identify and intervene with individuals who display concerning behaviors and are on the pathway to violence. It also introduces the Community Safety Team (CST) model, a community-based targeted violence prevention approach being implemented in Illinois that integrates elements of BTAM. The session will include information on why Community Support Teams (CSTs) are an important part of a comprehensive prevention and intervention approach to targeted violence, who participates on those teams, what those teams do, and how those teams carry out their work. It will specifically describe the key roles of law enforcement leadership, direct participation, and indirect support. The course will integrate interactive case studies involving completed targeted violence incidents and lessons learned from Illinois communities and other states.
•What is Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management: Introducing BTAMT basics and principles
•What is a Community Support Team: Explaining why it's needed and how it works
•What are lessons from the field: Updates on achievements, opportunities, and challenges from the Lake and Sangamon CST.
Participants will be able to:
•Identify concerning behaviors and communications for targeted violence
•Define what is BTAM and how it works
•Define the purpose and structure of a CST.
•Discuss how the CST can assist local agencies and entities in identifying and supporting persons of concern.
•Explain the steps for implementing a CST in their communities.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
*Breakout sessions have been approved for continued education credit hours and mandated training credits from ILETSB.
8 a.m. - 9:25 a.m.
Course Title: Below 100 - An Executive Overview
Speaker: Thomas Dirlam
Great Lakes I
Course Description: Below 100 began with a conversation; What can be done to reduce law enforcement deaths? The conversation evolved into Below 100, a nationwide initiative to reduce the line-of-duty deaths to “below 100”, a number not seen since 1905. However, Below 100 is not just about statistics. It’s about each and every officer, trainer and supervisor taking individual and collective responsibility for the decisions and actions which contribute to safety. For leaders (most of you), this means promoting a culture of safety throughout your department. Make doing the right thing so ingrained in your personnel it becomes the norm. Just as importantly, hold accountable those who stray outside what should be common sense through courageous conversations and set the example for your agency. Finally, Below 100 is a challenge that recognizes each death as a tragedy, while acknowledging the nature of our work. It’s our duty to face down danger and protect the innocent when called to do so. Unfortunately the sad fact is; Not all line-of-duty deaths are preventable. Good cops will die each year. But working together-and only by working together-we can keep our citizens and staff safer and prevent a significant number of lie-of-duty deaths. Below 100 revolves around “Five Core Tenets” all of which are under the officers control; 1) Wear your Belt 2) Wear your Vest 3) Watch your Speed 4) W.I.N. – What’s Important Now 5) Remember; Complacency Kills! In the majority of line-of-duty deaths at least one of these tenets is violated.
Course Title: Police Resiliency and Critical Incident Mindset
Speaker: Joshua Bitsko
Great Lakes II
Course Description: As one of three officers to breach the door and make entry into the suspect’s room during the October 1st Massacre in 2017 in Las Vegas (the largest mass shooting incident in US history to date), Josh knows the feelings police officers are taught to feel, and the feelings he actually felt during that incident. Fear, anxiety, and uncertainty are real, yet seldom talked about in the law enforcement and first responder community. If we are not honest with our first responders about the reality of what their emotions will be in the moment, they will struggle to manage those emotions not only in the moment, but the years after. Josh is passionate about his goal of “Preparing your workforce FOR the moment, IN the moment!” Because of this experience, as well as many others over the course of his career, Josh provides training for law enforcement and first responders that addresses:
- The intense emotions you’ll experience before, during, and after responding to a critical incident.
- Coping strategies (backed by data science) first responders can employ in the moment of a critical incident.
- Coping strategies post-incident.
- Ways law enforcement and first responder agencies can improve the wellness of their workforce post incident, and how agencies can minimize the impact of internal stressors on the workforce.
Course Title: Thanks for Coming to Work Today - Gratitude Leading Leadership
Speaker: Thomas Lemmer
Great Lakes III
Course Description: In all but a one-person department, police chiefs and sheriffs (and their agency’s supervisors) must rely on the work of others to fully meet their agency’s mission. This reality is inherently understood, which raises a key question. Overall, are our law enforcement agencies ones that their members would describe as being places where gratitude is a priority? When members go “above and beyond” their assigned duties is some form of “thank you” appropriate? When leaders do not convey gratitude for extra and exceptional efforts, are there consequences? Does a lack of gratitude pose officer wellness issues? Do only those who directly receive a “thank you” receive some benefit in the expression of gratitude? Additionally, when members merely do the work they are paid to do, are they also “owed” some expression of gratitude? Should gratitude be a guiding factor in how police leaders lead? How might core management activities be impacted by a “gratitude leading” leadership approach? This course will provide essential guidance in how police leaders should answer these questions.
Course Title: SAFE-T Act: Law Enforcement's Responsibility and the Role of ILETSB
Speakers: Paul Petty, Anthony Cobb, Pat Hahn
Great Lakes IV
Course Description: This course will discuss the implementation of the SAFE-T Act focusing on what law enforcement and administrations need and can expect from ILETSB. This presentation will cover officer training waivers, officer reactivations, ILETSB investigations, decertification, training mandates, MTU’s, LETM and LEDI monitoring as well as the Officer Portal.
9:45 a.m. - 10:35 a.m.
Course Title: The Worth of Traffic Stops and Evaluating Officers Without Quantitative Measures
Speaker: Chief Pat Kreis
Great Lakes I
Course Description: Traffic enforcement is an important element of police work and often has a direct impact on the safety of our communities. However, not all traffic stops provide equal value to our community. Compare a stop for a vehicle excessively speeding to a stop for an expired registration sticker. We all know which is worth more to our community. Some traffic stops in particular have become the target of police critics and it’s time we, as police leaders, engage in meaning conversations about our historical practices. Are all traffic stops worth the costs? Do we even accept the costs of traffic stops? Are we willing to consider and discuss a cost/benefit analysis of our traffic enforcement? Lastly is it time to stop referring to “officer productivity” like they are assembly workers manufacturing a product. The presentation will share one agency’s experience after ending all quantitative measures, including traffic stops, for police officer evaluations.
Course Title: Everything You Wanted to Know About ILEAP Accreditation
Speaker: Chief Jeff Hamer
Great Lakes II
Course Description: Facts, strategies, answers, and myths about accreditation with ILEAP. How to get it done, costs, tips, tricks, and all you need to know to get started and succeed.
The Understanding School Mandates for Law Enforcement Executives Class in Great Lakes III with Chief Patrick Siemsen has been CANCELED
Course Title: Duty to Intervene
Speaker: Mark Bridges
Great Lakes IV
Course Description: This 60-minute presentation examines Duty to Intervene, focusing on leadership, organizational culture, and obstacles that prevent officers from stepping in. Using evidence-based frameworks like ABLE and New Orleans’ EPIC program, it provides law enforcement executives with strategies to foster accountability. Drawing on research, case studies, and legal precedents, attendees will gain tools to reshape culture, address barriers, and empower officers to intervene effectively.
10:55 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
Course Title: Recruit Like It's 2025 - A Leadership Philosophy That Will Change Your Police Recruiting Forever!
Speaker: Tom Sye
Great Lakes I
Course Description: If you’ve been left to think that no one wants to be a Police Officer anymore, or that you need a gigantic hiring bonus to compete, or worse still, that you have to spend tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars to fill your vacancies…this 90-minute presentation is going to give you the philosophical shift that will change your agency’s police recruiting forever! In today’s recruiting landscape, everyone is searching for answers, so we’ll start by reviewing the events leading to the police recruiting ‘crisis’ and then learn why what you missed along that same timeline is really what has led to your current vacancy predicament. Next, you’ll be introduced to the Recruiting M.A.P. and how by implementing the right mindset, assets, and places, you can set your agency up for success both now and well into the future. Then, it’s on to the three simple steps that will have your agency recruiting like it’s 2025 in no time, and we’ll wrap it all up by revealing exactly where your potential applicants are hanging out and no…it’s not at those job fairs, out of state recruiting trips, or by using any of the expensive ‘solutions’ outside companies keep trying to sell your agency. Recruiting in 2025 isn’t hard…it’s just different. Are you ready to be the one who turns things around?
Course Title: AI and Law Enforcement - Promise and Challenge
Speakers: Jonathan Lewin, Nadeem Khan, Hunain Akbar, Attorney Don Zoufal, and Kane County State's Attorney Jamie Mosser
Great Lakes II
Course Description: Law enforcement use of artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly developing phenomenon. AI presents a variety of opportunities for law enforcement to enhance processes and tasks while concurrently impacting the way policing is conducted. It also is a growing threat in the hands of criminal elements and even state actors. Using a case study approach, this presentation will examine the benefits, challenges, and controversies of AI use in law enforcement operations and processes. The case studies presented will demonstrate growing threats from malevolent uses of AI. Within the context of growing worldwide governmental focus, police executives will learn risk approaches to manage AI and the consequences for using AI improperly or failing to use it at all. At the end of the workshop, there will be an opportunity for participants to share their ideas for current and future AI uses, concerns, and areas of potential collaboration.
Course Title: Women's Leadership Panel Discussion: Recruiting, Retaining, and Elevating Women in Leadership
Speakers: Anchor Lauren Jiggetts, Deputy Chief Cyndy Velazquez (retired), Lieutenant Jamie Brunnworth, Chief Schenita Stewart, Artemisa Jandes
Great Lakes III
Course Description: This panel of dynamic women leaders from both the private and public sectors will explore strategies for attracting, retaining, and developing women leaders in traditionally male-dominated industries. Panelists will dive into powerful conversations about cultivating supportive workspaces, shattering barriers, and paving the way for future generations of women leaders to rise and thrive.
Course Title: Building Relationships for Bad Days and Every Day
Speakers: Deputy Chief Chris Covelli, Lake County Sheriff's Department; Michelle Marcomb, Rockford Police Department; Joe Lamberson, Champaign Police Department; AJ Bailey, Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police; and Kristina Nemetz, Montgomery Police Department
Great Lakes IV
Course Description: In the face of a crisis or emergency, effective communication can make all the difference in maintaining public trust, ensuring community safety, and protecting your agency’s reputation. This session, specifically designed for Police Chiefs, explores the critical role of Public Information Officers (PIOs) in managing public communication not only during high-pressure situations, but also everyday communication. Attendees will hear firsthand from a panel of experts, including sworn officer PIOs, professionals with media backgrounds, and strategic communication specialists, who will share their experiences and insights on building relationships, crafting effective messaging, and preparing for the unexpected. Learn how to proactively establish communication frameworks, foster trust with the media and community, and respond effectively to crises in today’s fast-paced, high stakes environment. Be equipped with the knowledge and tools to lead your agencies in effective crisis communication, fostering trust and ensuring transparency in even the most challenging situations.
1:35 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Course Title: Empowering First Responders: Evidence-Based Wellness Initiatives for a Healthier Tomorrow
Speakers: Caitlyn Brennan, Meg Krase
Great Lakes I
Course Description: This presentation will explore the current landscape of officer wellness programs in Illinois, highlighting both effective strategies and areas needing improvement. Using data gathered by the 100 Club of Illinois from current active duty first responders we will dissect current trends in officer wellness and what is being requested from the front line. 1. **Understanding Officer Wellness**: An overview of what officer wellness entails, including mental, physical, and emotional health aspects and their impact on job performance.2. **Successful Approaches**: Highlighting successful programs and strategies implemented across various departments that have shown measurable positive outcomes, such as peer support systems, mental health resources, and physical fitness initiatives.3. **Identifying Ineffective Practices**: Discussing common missteps and obstacles faced by wellness programs, including lack of engagement, insufficient funding, and the stigma surrounding mental health.4. **The Importance of Evaluation**: Emphasizing the need for ongoing assessment and feedback to refine wellness initiatives, ensuring they remain relevant and effective for officers.5. **Moving Forward**: Exploring innovative approaches and future trends in officer wellness, including the use of technology, community partnerships, and policy changes to enhance overall support for officers.
Course Title: Justice in Your Wallet: Equipping Officers for Success
Speaker: Timothy Cooney, Algonquin Police Department
Great Lakes III
Course Description: Financial stress can take a significant toll on an officer's well-being and job performance, yet it often goes unaddressed in wellness initiatives. Justice in Your Wallet is a dynamic, ILETSB-certified training designed specifically for law enforcement professionals. This 1.5 course delves into the essential need for financial wellness as part of holistic officer health. Through engaging lectures, interactive polls, and practical resources, participants will learn to manage financial challenges unique to the profession, reduce money-related stress, and cultivate financial habits that align with their long-term goals. The course also highlights real-world strategies for budgeting, debt reduction, and wealth-building tailored to the realities of law enforcement life.
Course Title: 2025 Legal Update
Speakers: Kane County State's Attorney Jamie Mosser, Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Ethan Holland, and Attorneys Don Zoufal, Jill Leka, Jim Sotos, Tom Sotos, Josh Engquist, and Ray Byrne
Great Lakes IV
Course Description: An interactive session with information on and questions about the most recent legal issues facing law enforcement. This is done by a team of presenters.
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