On First Day

9:00 - 10:00 AM General Session

Rylan Simpson, Ph.D.

The #TweetAlong as a New Means of Public-Police Engagement: Fewer Characters, Greater Impact?

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.

9:00 - 10:00 AM Breakout Session

Julie Martin

Digital Deputies: How to make your officers content creators!

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!

10:05 - 11:00 AM Genreal Session

Lauren Reimer

Finding your "Frank" - Fridays With Frank

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.

10:05 - 11:00 AM Breakout Session

Jordan Mirakian

From Serious To Social: Changing Public Perception, One Post At A Time

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.

11:00 - 12:00 PM General Session

Anthony Rodriguez

AI Advancements To Assist in Community Engagement

Explore the transformative power of AI in law enforcement Discover practical AI applications, witness firsthand agency successes, and learn from real-world case studies to revolutionize your communication strategies and foster stronger community ties. This interactive session promises insights into AI’s role in modern policing, offering tools for a safer, more connected future.
Learning Objectives:
  • Upon completion, attendees will be able to identify AI’s benefits and challenges in law enforcement, apply AI strategies for improved communication, and initiate community engagement efforts using AI tools for a more transparent, effective policing approach.
  • Upon completion, attendees will be able to implement AI-driven strategies for enhanced community engagement, understand ethical considerations in AI use, and leverage AI tools to boost law enforcement communication efficiency.
  • Upon completion, attendees will be able to evaluate the effectiveness of AI technologies in crime prevention and public safety, fostering innovation in their approach to law enforcement challenges.

12:00 - 2:00 PM LUNCH

Lunch Break (Provided by SMILE)

2:00 - 3:00 PM Breakout Session

Juan Diasgranados

Successes and Challenges Creating a Social Media Account for the Corrections

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.

2:00 - 3:00 PM General Session

Officer Sean Shapiro

Selling Public Safety on TikTok with #AskATrafficCop

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.

3:05 - 4:00 PM General Session

Linda M. Tobias

Leveraging Reddit for Community Engagement and Media Attention

4:05 - 5:00 PM General Session

Deputy Kenneth Torrence

COMMUNITY OUTREACH PANEL

On Second Day

9:00 - 10:00 AM General Session

Fatima Zimichi

Cold Case Chronicles: Solving the Unsolved with the Power of Podcasting

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.

9:00 - 10:00 AM Breakout Session

Angelica Kellner

Super Bowl, Formula 1, National Championship, Oh My! How to use Social Media during primetime sporting events.

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!

10:05 - 11:00 AM Genreal Session

Jordan Mirakian

From Serious To Social: Changing Public Perception, One Post At A Time

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.

10:05 - 11:00 AM Breakout Session

Captain Thomas Reyes

Using the FEMA 8-Step Communication Model in building a Social Media Presence

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.

11:05 - 12:00 PM General Session

Laurie

How to Deal with Trolls on Corporate Accounts

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.

11:05 - 12:00 PM Breakout Session

Linda M. Tobias

Leveraging Reddit for Community Engagement and Media Attention

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.

12:00 - 2:00 PM LUNCH

Lunch Break (Provided by SMILE)

LUNCH

2:05 - 3:00 PM General Session

Anthony Rodriguez

Advanced Sentiment Analysis for Effective Crisis Management

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.

2:05 - 3:00 AM Breakout Session

Sgt Jo Ann Reed

Building Trust Through Charisma: A Guide to Effective Community Policing

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.

3:05 - 4:00 PM General Session

Angelica Kellner

Surfside Building Collapse: Social Media during a Major Incident

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.

4:05 - 5:00 PM General Session

Mike Jachles

Lost in Translation: Communicating in Different languages using AI

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.

4:05 - 5:00 PM Breakout Session

Anthony Paz, Jr.

Unlocking Success: Leveraging Social Media and Outreach for Effective Community Engagement and Recruitment in Corrections

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.

On Third Day

08.00 - 9:30 AM Registration

Registration

Check-in at registration desk

9.30 - 10.30 AM Opening Ceremony

Sheriff Ric Bradshaw

Opening Ceremony: Honor Guard Presentation and Keynote Address by the Sheriff

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.

11:05 - 12:00 AM General Session

Linda M. Tobias

The Benefits of Giving Frontline Police Officers a Voice on Social Media

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.

11:05 - 12:00 Breakout Session

Chris Hsiung

Navigating Turbulent Waters: Mastering Crisis Communication for Public Agencies

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.

12:05 - 12:35 PMGeneral Session

Benito Gaspar

Community Outreach, Specifically Catering to a Demographic in One’s Community

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.

12:05 - 12:35 PM Breakout Session

Eric Fredricks

Benefits of Facility Dogs for First Responders/Social Media Use

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.

12:35 - 2:00 PM LUNCH

Lunch Break (Provided by SMILE)

LUNCH

2:00 – 3:00 PM Breakout Session

Chief Marcia Harnden

Leveraging Social Media for wellness, retention and recruiting

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.

2:00 - 3:00 PM General Session

Nicole Ferris

Engage or Avoid: Effective Tactics for Handling First Amendment Audits

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.

3:05 – 4:00 PM General Session

Carey Codd

Navigating the Storm: Local Journalist Perspective: Crisis Communication and National Media Management in the Wake of the Fort Lauderdale Airport Shooting

3:05 - 4:00 PM Breakout Session

Deanna Bettineschi

Community Outreach | Catering to Youth

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.

4:05 - 5:00 PM General Session

Veda Coleman-Wright

Navigating the Storm: Public Information Officer Perspective: Crisis Communication and National Media Management in the Wake of Mass Shootings

Join the Broward Sheriff's Office for an insightful presentation titled "Navigating the Storm: Public Information Officer Perspective - Crisis Communication and National Media Management in the Wake of Mass Shootings." This session delves into the critical role of Public Information Officers (PIOs) during the aftermath of mass shootings. Attendees will gain valuable insights into effective crisis communication strategies, managing national media relations, and maintaining transparency and public trust during high-stress situations. Through real-world case studies and expert advice, this presentation will equip law enforcement professionals with the essential tools and techniques to navigate the complexities of crisis communication in the wake of tragic events.

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