In the mission to support the law enforcement leaders of today and develop the leaders of tomorrow, the IACP is constantly involved in advocacy, programs, research, and initiatives related to cutting-edge issues. This column keeps you up to date on IACP’s work to support our members and the field of law enforcement.

Resource Brief: The Effects of Adolescent Development on Policing

The IACP has released a new resource for law enforcement titled The Effects of Adolescent Development on Policing that gives advice on how to gain cooperation from youth as well as how to understand the way they act around law enforcement officers. This publication was developed with the support of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice and is targeted at law enforcement who interact directly with youth in the field.

This resource provides information for officers to help them better understand normal adolescent development so that they can tailor their responses to youth in a developmentally and age-appropriate manner. It aims to enhance cooperation and develop more positive relations between police and the youth in their communities, as well as to improve future life outcomes for the youth involved.

The brief is available for download on the IACP website at www.theiacp.org/teenbrain. For more information, contact us at iacpyouth@theiacp.org.

Annual IACP Training Conference on Drugs, Alcohol, and Impaired Driving

The IACP’s 21st Annual Training Conference on Drugs, Alcohol, and Impaired Driving (DRE conference) will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Cincinnati, Ohio, August 10–12, 2015. Early bird registration rates apply through May 20, and a discounted group rate is available at the Hyatt through July 17 or until the room block is filled.

The conference has been dedicated to communicating up-to-date information on drug trends, legal issues, and innovative technology since its start in 1995. Co-hosted by the IACP Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Section and the Ohio Drug Evaluation and Classification Program, the event offers general sessions, daily workshops, and exhibits and is a good opportunity for sharing information among other agencies. This year, the conference will focus on topics such as the use of marijuana, anti-depressants, or alcohol while driving, and the overall effects of addiction. Attendance will be particularly beneficial to DREs and to Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) training coordinators and instructors.

To register, go to www.theiacp.org/dreconference. For more information, visit www.decp.org or contact Carolyn Cockroft at cockroftc@theiacp.org.

Candidate Suitability Testing

In order to assist law enforcement agencies in candidate screening and promotion
selection, the IACP offers both assessment centers and written examinations that help evaluate individual knowledge and gauge position suitability.

Assessment centers consist of simulated on-the-job challenges in both individual and group situations, documenting the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate to produce a comprehensive evaluation. Additionally, custom written examinations and the Promotional Examination System (PES) can aid in the selection of candidates for leadership positions.

The process includes study guides for use by the candidates; the guides consist of reading lists, sample questions, and preparation instructions for the upcoming tests. The IACP also offers overall test result summary and analysis for use by agencies to help their decision-making process. ♦

For more information about testing options, contact Kim Kohlhepp at KohlheppK@theiacp.org, or go to www.theiacp.org/Testing-And-Assessment-Centers.