|
 |
|
|
|
|
2005 SACOP Midyear Conference |
Federal Programs Affecting States
David Buchanan, assistant director of the COPS Office in the Department of Justice, addressed the SACOP membership during the business meeting of the midyear conference; in his remarks to the group he emphasized the 2005 grants for the Interoperable Communications program, and the Secure our Schools program.
Participants at the meeting received a copy of Law Enforcement Intelligence: A Guide for State, Local, and Tribal Law Enforcement Agencies, which includes information about the FBI’s enterprise-wide intelligence program, its field intelligence groups, and the important role that local law enforcement plays in the national effort.
Special Agent David Tamez from the Department of Homeland Security’s Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement provided attendees with an overview of the Terrorist Screening Center. This center, administered by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is the source of timely immigration status and identity information for local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies on aliens suspected, arrested, or convicted of criminal activity.
Police Officer Safety Technology Project
SACOP is studying the issue of officer safety and how personal protective garments and equipment can be integrated in a personal protective system to reduce the number of officers killed or injured in the line of duty. The Police Officer Safety Technology (POST) Project critically examines existing and developing technology for the purpose of incorporating this technology into the peace officer’s uniform. The POST Project will identify the gaps in protective clothing and equipment and seek ways to fill them that can minimize, and eventually eliminate, officer injuries. The long-term goal of the POST Project is to apply technology to the personal protective systems for the police officer of the future.
SACOP has identified the type, frequency, and severity of injuries that officers sustain in executing their daily duties. During the midyear conference, SACOP members and their corporate partners discussed the business plan of the project and how the project can receive greater publicity and acceptance in the law enforcement community.
The four corporate partners of the POST Project, DuPont, ITT Industries Night Vision, Motorola, and W. L. Gore and Associates, continue to lend their support to the chiefs in SACOP by providing technical and analytical insights.
Smaller Department Assistance
The SACOP Smaller Department Section focuses on the needs of police departments that serve populations smaller than 25,000 or have fewer than 25 sworn officers. Those concerns include training, budgets, recruitment, and retention. The chair of the section, Terry Milam, chief of police in Saint John, Missouri, serves on the IACP advisory group to a Department of Justice grant for providing services, support, and technical assistance to smaller police departments.
Foundations
SACOP has begun a series of informative roundtable discussions for state associations that are interested in starting up or improving existing foundations. Led by Lex Eckenrode, president of the Virginia Police Chiefs Foundation, these discussions cover policy, funding, and legal considerations in the administration of foundations.
SACOP Partners
Members of the IACP Board of Officers attended the SACOP meeting. President Joseph G. Estey addressed the membership during the general business meeting. Also contributing their support, advice, and insight to the division’s deliberations were IACP vice presidents Russell B. Laine, chief of police in Algonquin, Illinois, and Jimmy Fawcett, chief of police in Farmers Branch, Texas.
The SACOP midyear conference enjoyed the support of many industry leaders and law enforcement partners. Assisting the division with its work were the Security Industry Alarm Coalition, the Miller Brewing Company, the IACP/DuPont Kevlar Survivors Club®, ITT Industries Night Vision, Motorola, D.A.R.E. America, W. L. Gore and Associates, and Kustom Signals Inc.
The Texas Police Chiefs Association co-hosted the event, providing a wonderful host chiefs’ night at Casa Rio Restaurant on the Riverwalk and a hospitality room for extensive networking and much-deserved relaxation after the meetings and training of the day. The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police will host next year’s meeting, in Alexandria, Virginia, which will include the legislative Day on the Hill activities.
SACOP encourages all IACP members to become active in their state associations. State associations can have a tremendous impact on the energies and direction of the IACP.
|
|
From The Police Chief, vol. 72, no. 5, May 2005. Copyright held by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, 515 North Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 USA. |
 |
|
|
|
|
