September 16-18 (SMILE)
September18-19 (iSMILE) Palm Beach County, FL
We are thrilled to announce that the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is hosting the SMILE Conference 2024, the premier event dedicated to the intersection of social media and law enforcement. Join us from September 16-19, 2024, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, for an unparalleled experience of learning, networking, and innovation.
Attending SMILE and iSMILE offers invaluable insights into the latest social media strategies and investigative techniques tailored for law enforcement professionals.
Gain knowledge from industry leaders and innovators who provide cutting-edge strategies and best practices in social media for law enforcement.
1Participate in hands-on workshops that offer practical skills and actionable takeaways to enhance your agency’s social media and investigative efforts.
3Connect with peers, build professional relationships, and exchange ideas with law enforcement personnel from around the globe.
2Stay ahead of the curve with the latest trends, technologies, and tools that are transforming the landscape of social media in public safety.
4Sheriff 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).
Senior Communications Advisor
Linda Tobias is a writer and communications professional based in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. She has worked with the Metro Vancouver Transit Police (MVTP), Canada’s only police service dedicated to a public transit system, since 2017. Linda oversees MVTP’s sprawling digital footprint that includes 48 social media accounts across 8 platforms, part of an effort to meaningfully engage with the many diverse communities that MVTP serves. Thanks to the training and mentoring Linda provides to the department’s social media account holders, MVTP has seen several posts go viral and receive international media attention. Linda received an Inspector Commendation for her strategic use of social media following the shooting of an MVTP officer in 2019. Thanks to her efforts, key updates were shared in a timely manner, media requests were responded to, and misinformation was quickly corrected despite the overwhelming volume of related content being shared online. Before entering the world of policing, Linda worked as a freelance journalist and communications consultant. Much of her work was focused on developing and launching digital strategies for Canadian healthcare organizations.
Anthony Rodriguez, a social media expert with a decade of experience working for some of the largest law enforcement agencies in the country, has been a passionate advocate for social media’s role in modern policing. Anthony is the owner of Sentiment PR. Sentiment PR is a premier law enforcement public relations firm specializing in strategic communication and social media management. With a focus on building strong community relationships, Sentiment PR offers comprehensive services tailored to meet the unique needs of law enforcement agencies across the nation. Anthony is also the new proud owner of the SMILE Conference.
Community Engagement Officer | Waterford PD
Community Engagement Officer Eric Fredricks is from the Waterford Police Department in Connecticut. He has been with the agency for 13 years. He is a member of various teams within the department such as the Peer Support Team, Accident Investigation Team, Marine Patrol Unit and the Crisis Negotiation Team. He is a trained Forensic Interviewer and a Gracie Survival Tactics Instructor. Recently he was assigned to the Detective Unit for 3 years as an Investigator.After those three years, he became the Community Engagement Officer. He is in charge of multiple programs and events that focus on community policing, crime prevention and peer support. Since January 2022, he was partnered with K-9 Hodges, who was trained to be a facility dog by Puppies Behind Bars. Hodges helps provide officer wellness, victim support, and community engagement. You can follow Hodges & Officer Fredricks’ adventures at www.instagram.com/k9ofc_hodges_waterfordpd/.
Public Information Manager | City of Hollywood PD
Deanna Bettineschi grew up in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. She attended the University of Florida where she majored in Telecommunications and Minored in Communications Studies. She began her career in 2011 in TV News. Deanna was a reporter/anchor for almost a decade when she decided to change careers. In December of 2020, Deanna became the Public Information Manager for the Hollywood Police Department. Deanna manages the social media accounts for the department, produces press releases, updates the department’s website, does on-camera interviews, and facilitates press conferences. Deanna is married to her husband Tommy, who is a Navy Veteran, who also works at the police department. Together, they have a 7 year old Dalmatian named Pongo.
Director PIO | Broward Sheriff’s Office
With more than 30 years of media relations experience, Veda Coleman-Wright has been described as a consummate professional. Her experience and expertise have been invaluable in navigating the complex landscape of public communications, especially during times of crisis. She is a former South Florida television assignment editor and joined the Broward Sheriff’s Office in 1996. Currently, Veda is the director of the Public Information Office at BSO. Veda holds a B.S. degree in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in political science from Florida A&M University. She is a 2015 graduate of Leadership Broward Class XXXIII. In 2012, she completed BSO’s Institute for Criminal Justice Studies’ Executive Leadership Program at Nova Southeastern University. Veda has received several awards and commendations. In 2017, She was honored as a Woman of Distinction by the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce. In 2010, Veda was honored by Success South Florida magazine as one of the 50 Most Powerful Black Professionals. In 2008, she was recognized for her contributions, leadership and service to the South Florida community in the area of community empowerment by the Zeta Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She and her husband have two sons.
Keynote Speaker/Communications & Media Expert/Host/Emcee
Lieutenant | Lee County Sheriff’s Office
Sergeant | Seal Beach PD
I'm excited about the opportunity to speak at SMILE and present our session, "The Power of Humor in Law Enforcement Social Media." During my presentation, I’ll dive into our unique approach of using humor in our messaging, how we've built trust within our community, and the impact of our efforts during significant events like the "Caravan 4 Justice" protests and the COVID-19 lockdowns. We've developed a nationally recognized social media presence that effectively blends humor, authenticity, and informative storytelling. With over 40,000 followers on our Facebook and Instagram platforms, we've successfully built a strong and engaged community, especially amongst law enforcement social media managers.
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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.
Are you ready to revolutionize your law enforcement agency’s approach to social media? The SMILE Conference 2024 is your ultimate destination for cutting-edge strategies, innovative tools, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Join us from September 16-18 in beautiful Palm Beach Gardens, where law enforcement professionals from around the globe will gather to share insights, learn from industry experts, and collaborate on the latest trends in digital communication.
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.
Veda Coleman-Wright
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.
Anthony Rodriguez
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.
Officer Nicholas Perez
In a dynamic presentation for police social media recruitment, Major Um Set Ramos and Officer Nicholas Perez will explore cutting-edge strategies to attract police prospects to elevate job listings across various platforms. The presenters will begin by analyzing the current landscape of social media recruitment and highlighting the significance of different platforms. Emphasizing the power of storytelling, they will delve into creating compelling agency brand narratives that resonate with an agency’s target audience through three examples of social media campaigns that garnered more than 3,000 applications. Participants will discuss effective content strategies, utilizing visual elements, and engaging storytelling to showcase agency culture, explore data-driven approaches, and leverage technology advances in phone application services.
Chief Marcia Harnden
If you build it they will come. The Albany Police Department has leveraged its social media to build followers, recruit talent, tell their story, and showcase the wellness culture they have built.
Deanna Bettineschi
This presentation focuses on how to connect with youth through social media. The goal is to increase social media followers and engagement, how to get officers and command staff involved, and how to make a connection with your community.
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.
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.
Fatima Zimichi
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.
Julie Martin
Imagine the thrill of seeing your body camera video or a photo you snapped with an agency-issued phone go viral!
Your posts have the potential to reach and engage a broad audience, making a significant impact on your community.
In this session, you will learn how to empower sworn employees to create and submit content for various social media platforms.
Every employee in your department has the potential to be a content creator; learn how to encourage them to start sharing today!
Constable Laurie McCann
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.
Lunch Break (Provided by SMILE)
Sean Shapiro
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.
Anthony Rodriguez
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.
Chief of Staff Sara Sada
In the wake of a devastating mass casualty incident that shook our community, garnered national and international attention and led to an abrupt change in leadership, the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) faced the monumental challenge of rebuilding public trust and our organization’s image. This presentation offers an in-depth look at how we transformed our brand and communication strategy to regain public trust and establish ourselves as a leading voice in public safety.
Learn from our journey of rebuilding a strong, resilient team, fine-tuning our operations and sustaining a reputable presence in the public eye. Whether you’re looking to rebrand, enhance your social media strategy or strengthen your team’s operations, our experience provides valuable insights and actionable strategies you can apply within your own organization.
Join us as we share insightful steps to regain public trust, strengthen our operations and establish a powerful brand that continues to thrive on social media.
Anthony Rodriguez
Lunch Break (Provided by SMILE)
Fatima Zimichi
Sean Shapiro
Sean Shapiro, widely recognized as the “TikTok Traffic Cop,” dedicated over two decades to serving with the Toronto Police Service before transitioning into his new role as a social media specialist and advocate for traffic safety. As the creator of the Toronto Police’s TikTok account, which now has over 672,000 followers, Sean championed road safety and community engagement through innovative social media strategies. Although he no longer manages the account, his influence continues to promote safe driving practices through the content he established. Sean’s expertise in digital engagement as a specialist in traffic safety communication has revolutionized how policing communicates with the public, earning him recognition as a leading advocate and educator in traffic safety. His efforts have transformed communication strategies, effectively connecting with diverse audiences. Passionate about fostering positive and effective relationships between police agencies and communities, Sean is now dedicated to helping law enforcement improve their communication strategies from outside the force. He leverages social media to build trust, transparency, and engagement, striving to make roads safer for everyone. In addition to his work with the police, Sean actively shares insights and best practices in social media for policing at conferences and training sessions. His commitment to improving public safety through digital platforms remains a central aspect of his career.
Linda M. Tobias
Metro Vancouver Transit Police (MVTP) is one of very few police agencies with a verified and trusted Reddit account. As a result, MVTP has a voice on a platform with 70 million active daily users. Seen as an authority and a trusted source of information related to transit safety on a platform where anonymity is valued, MVTP is able to engage with users who would otherwise avoid any interaction with police. Linda Tobias will provide an overview of Reddit and its unique culture, the content that resonates and is welcome by users, and how Reddit has allowed MVTP to get ahead of media stories and take control of the narrative before media even become aware of the story.
Deputy Kenneth Torrence
The Community Outreach Panel will bring together key members of the PBSO’s Community Outreach Team to discuss their innovative strategies, successful programs, and the impact of their efforts in strengthening community relations. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the methods and practices that have proven effective in building trust, enhancing communication, and creating safer neighborhoods.
Key Topics:
1. Innovative Outreach Programs: Learn about the various outreach initiatives implemented by PBSO, such as youth engagement programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and community policing efforts that have positively impacted local communities.
2. Building Trust: Discover the steps taken by the Community Outreach Team to build and maintain trust between law enforcement officers and community members. Understand the importance of transparency, accountability, and empathy in fostering positive relationships.
3. Effective Communication: Explore the communication strategies used by PBSO to engage with diverse communities. From social media campaigns to town hall meetings, see how effective communication can bridge gaps and address community concerns.
4. Collaborative Partnerships: Hear about successful collaborations between PBSO and local organizations, schools, businesses, and other stakeholders. Learn how these partnerships have contributed to community safety and well-being.
5. Challenges and Solutions: Engage in a candid discussion about the challenges faced by law enforcement in community outreach and the innovative solutions implemented to overcome them.
Join us at the iSMILE Conference, where law enforcement professionals gather to explore the latest advancements in social media investigations. This event is designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively utilize social media for investigative purposes, enhancing your ability to solve cases and ensure public safety.
James Robertson, MA (AEDT)
Let's face it, the landscape of social interaction in general - and crime in particular - has become heavily dependent on digital tools, data, and networks. As society becomes continually entwined and enamored with ever-evolving digital technologies and online/connected everything, the need for public safety workers to effectively navigate digital tools, environments, evidence, and information sources has never been more important to the role of frontline police first responders. No longer the exclusive purview of specialized units and expert civilian members, today’s frontline officers are expected to competently navigate connected environments and tools - such as social media sites, geospatial intelligence, and OSINT - in their every call for service. This presentation explores the evolving landscape of police officer education and the critical need to build digital literacies, online skills, and technological competencies among every police officer. In particular, we discuss the role post-secondary education can play in preparing officers to meet the dynamic and digital requirements of their role. We highlight methods of infusing digital competencies in officer education and explore the need for curriculum that is both practical and academic (pracademic).
Ben M.
Join us for an insightful presentation tailored for intelligence professionals looking to enhance their OSINT capabilities with Python and machine intelligence. This talk will explore the integration of Machine Intelligence into OSINT practices, including computer vision, generative audio, and the use of local large language models (LLMs) to boost coding and debugging efficiency. Designed to benefit both novices and seasoned experts, the session will cover key topics such as OSINT capability development, de-risking software environments, managing version control with GitHub, and automating OSINT tasks.
The highlight of the presentation will be a discussion on a real-world capstone project, where we'll showcase the development of applications leveraging the latest AI tools and open-source neural networks. This talk not only aims to build technical proficiency for investigators but also emphasises practical applications in intelligence, business analysis, and investigations.
As a recognised authority in pioneering OSINT techniques using AI, Ben has had the honour of training key personnel from esteemed organisations, including the Metropolitan Police, the Home Office, and Buckingham Palace. His extensive investigative experience and unique insights into the convergence of AI and OSINT will offer valuable perspectives that are both current and actionable. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your OSINT toolkit and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of intelligence and security.
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.
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.
Ben M.
Join us for an exciting presentation aimed at enhancing the investigative prowess of both new and experienced professionals. The "Game Intel" presentation will introduce attendees to advanced techniques in machine intelligence for monitoring network traffic and geolocating subjects through video game platforms. This innovative approach is designed to support covert investigations by identifying and exploiting OSINT leaks on major public gaming platforms and forums.
Our session will delve into the specifics of how Cybernest Labs is equipping UK police forces with the skills to trace IP addresses and extract valuable machine intelligence from gaming environments. This capability opens up new investigative avenues and generates actionable leads, providing a significant boost to ongoing operations.
We will showcase practical examples and case studies to illustrate the impact of these techniques in real-world scenarios. Participants will gain insights into the integration of machine intelligence with traditional OSINT practices, enhancing their overall investigative toolkit.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from experts in the field and elevate your investigative capabilities with cutting-edge tools and methodologies. Join us and stay ahead in the dynamic world of intelligence and security.
Constable Laurie McCann
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.
Tatiana Peralta
Each week, a classroom full of children die due to illicit pills laced with fentanyl. How can we combat this? What’s the best way to educate communities? How do we use social media to engage children on this topic? The National Crime Prevention Council and Amy Neville from the Alexander Neville Foundation are on a mission to save lives and educate law enforcement on new tools to engage youth.
Tom Smith
Join Sergeants Tim Hughes and Tom Smith for a compelling presentation into their journey building a specialist OSINT and SOCMINT team, focused on tackling gangs, serious youth violence, modern slavery and drug supply. Discover how national UK media and their experiences exposed the need for a complete overhaul in police tactics, especially with the rapid rise of social media and its links to serious and organised crime. They will share insights on the bespoke training required and created, In house procedures, tasking systems and some of the lessons that shaped the team's success. Through real-world case studies, you will gain a valuable understanding of key crime types that OSINT and SOCMINT can effectively target and the critical intelligence these tools can provide to drive better investigatory outcomes.
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.
Det. Jonathan Ceballos
Join us for an insightful presentation by Detective Jonathan Ceballos, a distinguished detective with the Miami-Dade Police Department, currently serving in the Homeland Security Bureau’s Intelligence Operations Unit. With a career spanning two decades, Detective Ceballos has cemented his reputation as a leading expert at the nexus of law enforcement and cybersecurity.
Detective Ceballos’ journey in law enforcement began in 2004 as a police complaint officer, a role that laid the groundwork for his future in integrating technology with emergency service dispatch. His pivotal assignment to the Computer Aided Dispatch Unit in 2011 allowed him to master the technological intricacies of emergency response. In 2017, he expanded his expertise to homeland security, marking a significant milestone in his career.
In this presentation, Detective Ceballos will delve into the critical role of social media in modern investigations conducted by the Homeland Security Bureau. He will share his extensive experience and insights from his work with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) in the Counterterrorism Internet Targeting Unit and the United States Secret Service’s Miami Electronic Crimes Task Force (MECTF).
Equipped with comprehensive training from renowned institutions such as the SANS Institute, CompTIA, and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), Detective Ceballos will cover a wide range of cybercrimes, including cyber-attacks, sextortion, and offenses linked to social media.
Attendees will gain a deep understanding of the techniques and methodologies used in social media investigations, the challenges faced by law enforcement in the digital age, and the strategies employed to protect both digital and physical communities. Detective Ceballos’ unwavering dedication to safeguarding communities underscores his significant contributions to law enforcement and cybersecurity.
This presentation is essential for anyone interested in the intersection of social media, cybersecurity, and law enforcement. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the foremost experts in the field.
Lunch Break (Provided by SMILE)
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.
Tatiana Peralta
A McGruff the Crime Dog® PSA is seen by Americans every minute. The iconic pre-tective is meeting criminals where they are and creating safe communities both online and off. It’s time to reimagine crime prevention and engage communities through social media platforms, digital ads, and new PSAs. Step into the action and join McGruff to Take A Bite Out Of Crime®.
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4431 PGA Boulevard – Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
4431 PGA Boulevard,Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410USA
The conference will be held at the same location as your hotel accommodations, ensuring a convenient and seamless experience for all attendees.Programme Details
