SMILE Conference September 16-18
iSMILE Conference on September 18-19
Join the premier event dedicated to enhancing communication and public engagement within law enforcement. The SMILE and iSMILE Conferences bring together PIOs, social media experts, and communication professionals from across the globe to share innovative strategies, cutting-edge tools, and best practices. Elevate your agency’s digital presence and foster stronger community connections with insights from industry leaders.
With iSMILE, delve into advanced investigative techniques using social media, enhancing your ability to solve cases and protect your community. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your approach to social media and investigative techniques in law enforcement.
Join us from September 16-19, 2024, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, for an unparalleled experience of learning, networking, and innovation.
Every issue that arises in the realm of law enforcement and social media will be explored in detail at our conferences. It’s time to start planning your participation and ensure you are at the forefront of social media innovation in law enforcement. Start your journey with us.
Start planning your participation in the leading law enforcement conference that specializes in social media. The SMILE (Social Media in Law Enforcement) Conference brings together PIOs, social media personnel, Community Outreach, and communications staff within law enforcement agencies to explore the latest trends, tools, and best practices.
One of the most important aspects of law enforcement today is the effective use of social media for investigations. The iSMILE (Investigative Social Media in Law Enforcement) Conference, following the main SMILE Conference, delves into advanced investigative techniques and strategies. We will help you enhance your skills and knowledge.
Sheriff of Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw has dedicated over five decades to law enforcement, making significant contributions to public safety in Palm Beach County. Beginning his career with the West Palm Beach Police Department, he rose through the ranks to become Chief of Police in 1996. In 2004, Bradshaw was elected as the Sheriff of Palm Beach County and has been re-elected for five terms, making him the longest-serving sheriff in the county's history. Bradshaw leads the largest law enforcement agency in Palm Beach County, overseeing six departments and a workforce of over 4,300 employees and 1,500 volunteers. His leadership has been marked by a tough-on-crime approach, focusing on dismantling gangs, combating cybercrime, and addressing human trafficking. He has also prioritized mental health support within the agency and invested significantly in new technologies and community programs. An advocate for community-based policing, Bradshaw holds numerous prestigious positions, including Chairman of the Florida Sheriffs Emergency Task Force for Region 7 and membership on the Executive Board of the FBI’s Joint Terrorist Task Force. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management and a Master's in Administration with a specialization in Emergency Management (Florida Sheriffs Association) (Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office) (FL Politics).
Public Affairs Manager | Miami Dade Corrections & Rehabilitation Dept
Head of the Innovation & Project Management Division
Assistant Professor | School of Criminolgy | Cst. Sam Zacharias
Communications Manager | National Crime Prevention Council
Retired Police Chief. Former Undersheriff.
Before joining the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office in Feb 2023, I was the 11th Police Chief of the Mountain View Police Department for over two years, where I led a team of dedicated professionals who served the community with excellence and innovation. I am a founding board member of "The Curve", a non-profit started with Simon Sinek, that provides leadership development and resources to modernize police culture from the inside-out.
Senior Social Media Specialist | Miami Dade PD
Angelica Kellner is the Senior Social Media Specialist for the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD). She grew up in Miami, FL and attended Florida International University where she majored in Communication Arts. In March 2018, she joined the MDPD as a Social Media Specialist. As the Senior Social Media Specialist, she is responsible for all social media communications on behalf of the Department and the coordination of effective messaging to the community. The Department provides information, via all social media platforms, during a State of Emergency, major events, large scale community events, newsworthy incidents, and/or anything regarding public safety. Angelica helps manage the social media accounts for the department, produces social media videos, campaigns, and content. In her six years in the department, she has part of major incidents such as the Surfside Building Collapse, Line of Duty Deaths, Hurricanes, and major events such as the Super Bowl, College Football National Championship, and Formula 1. For the past four years, Angelica has been an instructor for the Social Media portion of the Annual Public Information Officer Workshop, hosted in Miami, FL. Prior to joining the MDPD, Angelica worked in a PR Agency where she had Local, State, and Federal clients, helping with social media content creation, crisis response and campaigns. She also worked as a Public Relations Aide for the City of Miami for over a year.
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Discover how to revolutionize your agency’s approach to digital communication and investigative techniques. Learn from top experts who are shaping the future of social media in law enforcement. Gain insights into the latest trends, tools, and strategies that will enhance your skills and elevate your department’s online presence.
SMILE Conference 2024 is the leading event for law enforcement professionals to enhance their social media strategies and community engagement. (Click on the Date to see the Agenda)
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw
Kick off the SMILE Conference with an inspiring and ceremonial start. The Honor Guard will present the colors, symbolizing our dedication to duty, honor, and service. This solemn moment sets the tone for our conference, reminding us of the core values that drive our law enforcement community. Following the presentation, we will have the honor of hearing from the Sheriff. His keynote address will offer valuable insights and set the stage for the discussions and learning that will take place over the course of the conference. His words will underscore the importance of social media in law enforcement, the challenges we face, and the innovative solutions we can implement to better serve our communities.
Linda M. Tobias
Metro Vancouver Transit Police (MVTP), with an authorized strength of only 186 police officers and 20 Community Safety Officers, has 48 social media accounts across 8 platforms. Most of these accounts are handled, not by the PIO or Executive team, but by officers at the sergeant rank or below. As a result of the small department’s large digital footprint, niche demographics are being reached, goodwill in the community is growing, and media attention has increased. Using MVTP as a case study, Linda Tobias will explore how empowering units and individual officers to have a branded presence on social media will humanize your department, build relationships with the marginalized groups/individuals, and increase employee morale. Linda will share how: employees are selected to manage a social media account, risk is mitigated, oversight is administered, internal support is solicited; and how to make the whole process manageable, even with limited resources.
Chris Hsiung
In this dynamic presentation, attendees will learn how to effectively manage and communicate during crises in the law enforcement field. The session will cover essential strategies for quickly assessing situations, crafting clear and concise messages, and utilizing social media to disseminate critical information. Participants will gain insights from real-world case studies and receive practical tips on maintaining public trust and transparency. Whether dealing with natural disasters, public safety incidents, or organizational challenges, this presentation will equip law enforcement professionals with the tools they need to navigate turbulent waters and emerge with their reputation intact.
Benito Gaspar
Join Benito Gaspar, our dedicated Spanish-speaking liaison, as he shares his expertise in community outreach within Palm Beach County's Hispanic demographic. This insightful presentation will explore tailored strategies for engaging specific community groups, with a focus on cultural sensitivity and effective communication. Benito will discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in reaching out to diverse populations, highlighting successful initiatives and practical approaches that have fostered trust and collaboration. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on how to create meaningful connections and enhance community relations within their own jurisdictions.
Eric Fredricks
Discover innovative ways to leverage technology and social media for community policing with a focus on our beloved comfort dog. In this presentation, you'll learn how we use our Instagram page to advertise upcoming community events, enhance recruitment efforts, and humanize the officers behind the badge. We'll also explore how we promote support for victims and special groups in our town, fostering stronger community bonds and trust. Join us to see how a compassionate approach to social media can transform community engagement and policing.
Nicole Ferris
Now that everyone has access to a camera, it’s easier than ever for anyone to claim to be an independent “journalist”. We are fortunate to have the First Amendment, and with that right, self-proclaimed activists are using that as a way to audit and humiliate Government and Federal Agencies. First Amendment auditing has become a nationwide trend, with so-called activists testing Constitutional rights in public buildings and filming employees to entice reactions. The goal is to engage public workers in any type of confrontation to create content to post online to embarrass the agency, get more views and increase their social media revenue. This session focuses on what is legal, what tactics First Amendment Auditors use and how to respond accordingly. This session will also touch on public records requests, which many auditors use as a reason to gain access into the building.
Veda Coleman-Wright
Fatima Zimichi
Discover how the dynamic duo, Fatima Zimichi and Anthony Rodriguez, have harnessed the power of podcasting to breathe new life into cold cases. In their groundbreaking podcast, The Lead, they delve into unsolved mysteries, bringing attention to forgotten cases and generating public interest and tips that can lead to breakthroughs. This session will provide an inside look at how they research, produce, and promote their podcast, and the impact it has had on the community and law enforcement efforts. Learn how storytelling and digital media can be powerful tools in the pursuit of justice, and get inspired to leverage new platforms for investigative work.
Angelica Kellner
What do you do when you have primetime sporting events in your town? How do you relay important public safety messaging but also have fun and showcase the event?
We’ll go through our social media strategies, what we did, why we did it and how we did it, when it came to big sporting events in Miami!
Jordan Mirakian
Why it's ok to use humor on a law enforcement social media platform. Seal Beach is a small beach community in Orange County, California. With just over 24,000 residents, we have gained national recognition in the law enforcement social media community for our unique blend of humor, authenticity and informative storytelling on our Facebook and Instagram platforms. Our presentation discusses different ways we incorporate humor in our message, and how we have successfully built trust in our community and beyond by being relatable and authentic. We also discuss how our platforms were instrumental in quelling civil unrest during the "Caravan 4 Justice" protests in our community and how our "Live" ride-a-longs kept our community engaged during the COVID lockdowns.
Captain Thomas Reyes
Captain Reyes will focus on PBCFR’s social media and how it integrates with the 8-step communication model. This will address the different audiences when using social media. It’s not just the public but also your people, the political players, and counterparts. How can you use a three-tiered approach to Public Information and essentially market your department by engaging with your entire online community? We will discuss what works, what could be an unintentional pitfall, and how to grow your market.
Laurie
Navigating the digital landscape can be challenging, especially when dealing with online trolls. This session will equip you with effective strategies to manage and mitigate disruptive behavior on your corporate social media accounts. Learn from experts who have successfully handled online harassment and negative interactions while maintaining a positive brand image. Discover practical techniques for identifying trolls, responding appropriately, and fostering a constructive online community. By the end of this session, you'll be armed with the tools and knowledge to protect your brand and create a more respectful and engaging online presence.
Linda M. Tobias
Unlock the potential of Reddit for community engagement and media attention in this enlightening presentation. Discover how to harness the power of this dynamic platform to foster community connections, share important information, and attract media interest. Learn strategies for creating engaging content, participating in meaningful discussions, and building a positive online presence. This session will provide practical tips and case studies demonstrating how Reddit can be an invaluable tool for law enforcement agencies looking to enhance their community outreach and visibility. Join us to explore innovative ways to leverage Reddit and make a significant impact in your community.
Anthony Rodriguez
In today's fast-paced digital world, understanding public sentiment is crucial for effective crisis management. This session delves into the advanced techniques of sentiment analysis, a powerful tool for gauging public opinion and reactions in real-time. Learn how to leverage cutting-edge technology to analyze social media and other digital communications, identify potential crises early, and respond swiftly and appropriately. Our experts will share case studies and best practices, demonstrating how sentiment analysis can be integrated into your crisis management strategy to maintain public trust and safeguard your organization’s reputation.
Sgt Jo Ann Reed
Join us for an enlightening breakout session focused on the power of charisma in community policing. "Building Trust Through Charisma" offers practical strategies for law enforcement officers to build stronger, more trusting relationships with the communities they serve. This session will delve into:
Angelica Kellner
On June 24, 2021, at approximately 1:22 a.m. EDT, Champlain Towers South, a 12-story beachfront condominium, partially collapsed, causing the deaths of 98 people.
As the lead police department and one of the main public safety departments, how do you use social media to get information that the community needs while also paying respect to the victims, families, and all of those affected?
We’ll experience firsthand the Miami-Dade Police Department's response to this tragedy on social media from start to finish.
Mike Jachles
In an increasingly diverse world, effective communication across language barriers is more crucial than ever for law enforcement. This session delves into the innovative use of artificial intelligence to bridge linguistic gaps. Learn how AI-powered translation tools can enhance interactions with non-English speaking communities, improve the accuracy of translations, and ensure that vital information is communicated clearly and efficiently. This session will explore real-world applications, best practices, and the future potential of AI in multilingual communication within law enforcement.
Anthony Paz, Jr.
In this engaging workshop, participants will discover the power of social media and outreach activities as dynamic tools to showcase their agency, enhance community engagement, and foster positive relationships. This session will provide practical strategies, tips, and best practices for leveraging various social media platforms while implementing impactful outreach initiatives. Attendees will learn how to effectively connect with their community online and offline, maximizing agency visibility, promoting transparency, and building solid relationships. Additionally, the workshop will explore how social media can be harnessed to enhance recruitment and retention efforts, leading to a more engaged and committed workforce. This interactive workshop offers a comprehensive approach to community engagement in corrections.
Rylan Simpson, Ph.D.
Explore the innovative concept of the #TweetAlong in this engaging presentation, "The #TweetAlong as a New Means of Public-Police Engagement: Fewer Characters, Greater Impact?" Learn how this unique approach to real-time social media interaction is transforming the way law enforcement connects with the community. Discover the benefits of live-tweeting police activities, from increasing transparency and building trust to fostering a deeper understanding of police work. Attendees will gain practical insights into planning and executing effective #TweetAlong events, maximizing impact with concise communication, and leveraging the power of social media to enhance public-police engagement. Join us to see how fewer characters can lead to greater community impact.
Julie Martin
Lauren Reimer
Join us for an enlightening breakout session focused on the power of charisma in community policing. "Building Trust Through Charisma" offers practical strategies for law enforcement officers to build stronger, more trusting relationships with the communities they serve. This session will delve into: -Understanding Charisma: Learn the key elements of charismatic communication and how it can enhance public interactions. -Building Rapport: Techniques for quickly establishing trust and rapport with community members -Effective Communication: Tips for clear, empathetic, and impactful communication that resonates with diverse audiences. -Conflict Resolution: Strategies for using charisma to de-escalate tensions and foster positive outcomes during conflicts. -Case Studies: Real-life examples of officers who have successfully utilized charisma to improve community relations. Whether you're a seasoned officer or new to the field, this session will equip you with the tools to harness your natural charisma and become a more effective, trusted presence in your community. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach to community policing and make a lasting impact.
Jordan Mirakian
Why it's ok to use humor on a law enforcement social media platform. Seal Beach is a small beach community in Orange County, California. With just over 24,000 residents, we have gained national recognition in the law enforcement social media community for our unique blend of humor, authenticity and informative storytelling on our Facebook and Instagram platforms. Our presentation discusses different ways we incorporate humor in our message, and how we have successfully built trust in our community and beyond by being relatable and authentic. We also discuss how our platforms were instrumental in quelling civil unrest during the "Caravan 4 Justice" protests in our community and how our "Live" ride-a-longs kept our community engaged during the COVID lockdowns.
Anthony Rodriguez
Juan Diasgranados
Join the Miami Dade Police Corrections Department for an insightful presentation titled "Successes and Challenges: Creating a Social Media Account for Corrections." This session will delve into the journey of establishing a social media presence for a corrections department, highlighting both the triumphs and obstacles encountered along the way. Attendees will learn about effective strategies for engaging the community, promoting transparency, and humanizing the corrections staff. The presentation will cover best practices, lessons learned, and real-life examples of how social media can be leveraged to improve public perception and foster a positive relationship with the community. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the digital transformation of corrections communication.
Officer Sean Shapiro
Join Officer Sean Shapiro, also known as the "Voiceover Cop" from the Toronto Police, for an engaging session titled "Live and Direct: Engaging Your Community on TikTok with #AskATrafficCop." Discover how Officer Shapiro has harnessed the power of TikTok LIVE to connect directly with the public, answer their questions in real time, and build a strong online community. This presentation will explore the strategies behind his successful #AskATrafficCop series, offering practical tips on using TikTok LIVE for effective community engagement, fostering transparency, and humanizing law enforcement. Learn how to leverage social media to create meaningful interactions and enhance public trust. Don't miss this opportunity to see how live streaming can transform your community outreach efforts.
SMILE Conference 2024 is the leading event for law enforcement professionals to enhance their social media strategies and community engagement.
Ben M.
This course is designed specifically to arm professionals with the Python skills necessary for advanced OSINT applications. This course incorporates AI and machine learningtechnologies, including computer vision, generative audio, and the use of local large language models (LLMs) for enhancing coding and debugging practices. Our program is meticulously crafted for beginners but scales to challenge even seasoned professionals. It covers essential skills such as setting up development environments, managing version control with GitHub, and automating OSINT tasks. The highlight of the course is a capstone project where participants apply what they’ve learned by building an application using the latest AI tools and open-source neural networks. This program not only builds technical skills but also focuses on their real-world applications in intelligence, business analysis, and investigations. As a recognized expert in pioneering OSINT techniques using AI, I have had the privilege of training key personnel from notable organizations such as the Metropolitan Police, the Home Office, and security teams at Buckingham Palace. My experience and insights into the intersection of AI and OSINT provide valuable perspectives that are both current and practical.
José L. Diego
The European Commission is enabling research activities involving Police Forces in order to prevent and find innovative solutions to security challenges. This is a great opportunity for Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to collaborate with other LEAs, Industry (companies, developers...) and Academia (Universities, security research entities...) so they can get valuable knowledge, provide user requirements, test new prototypes and uptake new technologies on security management. These research projects and activities provide added value and relevant outputs to the European Police forces: Engagement with the community, prevention of disinformation campaigns and polarization, countering hate speech, networking & sharing best practices with other entities in Europe facing these same challenges, etc. Some of the results that could be presented to the audience are: the European Network to counter Hybrid Threats, the community policing & social media management platform and strategies, the TAHCLE hate crime & hate speech police training programme (designed by the OSCE).
Stephan & Kim Santman
In recent years, criminals have increasingly utilized social media and online platforms to share information and forge and maintain connections. They have become adept at shielding their personal and confidential data by employing techniques such as anonymous browsers, false online identities, private messaging, and closed group discussions. Last year alone, a platform like Facebook removed over 2 billion fraudulent accounts involved in covert communication within criminal circles, fraudulent activities, and spreading disinformation. Traditional investigative methods are falling short in gathering crucial information. More and more cases demonstrate that investigators must immerse themselves in the digital world of these criminals. The lecture "Infiltration into the Digital Social World" introduces an innovative approach to gathering digital intelligence. This presentation will highlight several real-life cases where Cyber-HUMINT (Human Intelligence through digital channels) played a critical role in investigating criminal organizations and individuals. Cyber-HUMINT is a method where investigators anonymously and discreetly use digital channels and psychological deception to obtain information from individuals who are otherwise unreachable by standard investigative techniques. The goal of this presentation is to explore how investigators can legally infiltrate the digital domains of criminals and their organizations, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of modern digital investigations.
Joseph Seanor
Having spent the last 8 years working with Women's Silicon Valley, a resource group for abused women, I have worked with hundreds of women that are being abused by technology from their partners. These investigations have opened my eyes to how these types of incidents have been under served due to the nature of the abuse. I have made similar presentations to Google USA, Google Europe, and Google Asia.
Anthony Rodriguez
Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing investigative work within law enforcement by leveraging social media intelligence. This session will explore the latest AI-driven tools and techniques that help law enforcement agencies gather, analyze, and interpret vast amounts of social media data. Learn how AI can identify patterns, track suspects, and uncover critical evidence, all while enhancing efficiency and accuracy. Real-world case studies will illustrate the powerful impact of AI on solving crimes and improving public safety. Join us to understand how AI can become an indispensable ally in your investigative toolkit.
Special Agent David Neill
SSA Neill and TFO Soltero will provide a case debrief of a social media driven investigation into a violent criminal street gang in Southern Arizona, with ties to Mexican Drug Cartels. The investigation involved the use of undercover Facebook and Snapchat accounts, as well as the use of Geo-Locates, Pen Register Trap and Trace Devices, and multiple federal T-III wiretaps. SSA Neill and TFO Soltero will discuss best practices as it pertains to the use of social media, specifically Facebook and Snapchat, in law enforcement investigations. They will also provide lessons learned and suggestions for overcoming common obstacles with these types of investigations. SSA Neill and TFO Soltero’s investigation was the FBI’s first use of a criminal federal T-III Snapchat wiretap, and the first of its kind in the District of Arizona. The investigation garnered a large amount of media attention, to include a Forbes article on the matter.
Laurie
Gain essential knowledge and insights into the latest social media apps and the pressing issues of cyberbullying and sextortion. This session will provide an overview of popular social media platforms, their features, and user demographics. Delve into the serious topics of cyberbullying and sextortion, understanding their impact on individuals and communities. Learn proactive strategies and best practices for preventing and addressing these issues, equipping you with the tools to foster a safer and more supportive online environment.
Anthony Rodriguez
Learn how to leverage the power of geo-intelligence and social media to enhance situational awareness during high-risk operations. This session will delve into the strategic use of geotagged social media data to monitor and analyze real-time events, helping law enforcement agencies make informed decisions quickly. Discover tools and techniques for extracting valuable insights from social media platforms, improving response times, and ensuring officer and public safety. Through real-world examples, gain a comprehensive understanding of how geo-intelligence can be a game-changer in high-stakes situations.
Nicolas De Rycke
Conducting open-source investigations manually can be daunting, akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. The relevant information is often buried within vast quantities of data, making both collection and analysis time-consuming and complex. Traditionally, investigative teams have had to juggle multiple tools, each requiring separate subscriptions. This not only incurs significant costs but also creates navigational challenges that hinder efficiency. In this presentation, we will showcase a compelling case study involving a wanted individual to illustrate how to improve the OSINT process and the challenges involved. We will demonstrate various OSINT techniques and tricks that enable the discovery of numerous digital fingerprints related to the target across the internet, including social media activity, online forum posts, and other publicly accessible data sources.
Joe Koenig
Getting the truth isn’t easy, nor is understanding the real message. We learn at an early age to tell partial truths to avoid telling complete lies. Precise communication prevents and uncovers partial truths. Imprecise communication nurtures deception and poor decision-making. Developing special skills will help get the truth and lead to better ethical decision-making. The attendees will learn these skills through lectures and examples. Attendees will also learn the best method for obtaining uncontaminated statements, creating and preserving those statements for forensic analysis.
iSMILE focuses on advanced social media investigations for law enforcement professionals.
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SMILE enhances law enforcement's social media engagement, while iSMILE advances investigative techniques.
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