CRI-TAC COVID-19 Partnership with National Police Foundation and Release of LODD Analysis

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has partnered with the National Police Foundation (NPF) through the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC) to develop and share resources with the law enforcement community based on the continued impact of COVID-19.

In March 2020, the NPF launched a real-time COVID-19 Law Enforcement Impact Dashboard to collect data and monitor workforce impacts, including the number of officers unable to work/placed in off-duty status due to possible or confirmed exposure, the number of officers that have been tested and diagnosed, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE) needs. The NPF has revised the dashboard to expand on key measures to better track the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and related operational challenges that agencies are facing.

The NPF, IACP, and other CRI-TAC partners encourage law enforcement agencies to submit their data here: https://www.policefoundation.org/covid-19/. Data collected through the COVID-19 Law Enforcement Impact Dashboard will assist the field with understanding the scope and impact of COVID-19, as well as informing CRI-TAC tools and resources for the field.

The NPF and CRI-TAC are simultaneously releasing an analysis of COVID-19 line of duty deaths, paired with officer safety and wellness resources for law enforcement. According to data from the Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP), COVID-19 was the leading cause of line of duty deaths for law enforcement officers from March through July 2020; in several U.S. states, COVID was responsible for 50% of the line of duty deaths. This analysis underscores the importance of monitoring COVID-19 related safety implications for law enforcement.

View the publication. 

About CRI-TAC

The COPS Office’s premier technical assistance center, CRI-TAC is led by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and a number of other leading law enforcement stakeholder associations. CRI-TAC provides critical and tailored technical assistance resources to state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies on a wide variety of topics. It features a “by the field, for the field” approach while delivering tailored technical assistance using leading experts in a range of public safety, crime reduction, and community policing topics. In the two years since it began, CRI-TAC has fielded more than 400 requests for assistance from campus, local, county, tribal, and state agencies on critical issues like school safety, active shooter response, de-escalation, crisis intervention, and intelligence and information sharing. More information on the success of CRITAC can be found in a newly released report describing its first two years. That report can be accessed at https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/ric.php?page=detail&id=COPS-W0897.

CRI-TAC’s partners are Fraternal Order of Police; FBI National Academy Associates, Inc.; International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators; International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training; National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives; National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives; National Sheriffs’ Association; and National Tactical Officers Association

CRI-TAC is a public service and offered at no cost to your agency. To learn more and watch a video about the program, visit the CRI-TAC website.

About the National Police Foundation

The National Police Foundation (NPF) is a non-partisan and non-membership 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing the impact and delivery of police services through reforms and enhancements guided by innovation and science. For the last 50 years, the Foundation has led the development of research on all aspects of policing and leads the way in promoting and sharing evidence-based practices and innovation among law enforcement. The Foundation works with communities across the U.S. and internationally to provide research, training, and technical assistance relating to community engagement and problem solving, promoting safety and healthy organizations and officers, the reduction and prevention of violence, and equitable and fair justice for all. For more information, please visit the National Police Foundation website at www.policefoundation.org.

The annual IACP 40 Under 40 award recognizes 40 law enforcement professionals under the age of 40 from around the world who demonstrate leadership, exemplify commitment to their profession, and have a positive impact on their communities.

The dedicated professionals chosen as the 2020 40 Under 40 awardees are the rising leaders in policing. They excel daily as they serve their agencies and communities, whether they are line officers or chiefs. This year’s cadre includes both sworn and civilian employees, including dispatchers, special agents, captains, lieutenants, section and department leads, inspectors, deputy chiefs, and others. Hailing from five continents, they represent local, state and provincial, national, and military law enforcement and police agencies across the globe.

These extraordinary individuals are motivated to lead their agencies into the future, and they encourage their colleagues to grow professionally and personally, striving daily to provide best-of-class services that lead to a safer, more inclusive, and more peaceful world. Regardless of role, rank, or agency, these professionals have dedicated their efforts to raising the bar for policing, and they are role models for those they work with, as well as for the community members they serve.

The 2020 40 Under 40 awardees each bring their own skills, talents, and perspectives to the policing profession, but they all share important qualities—the spirit of collaboration, the understanding of servant leadership, the drive to help others, innovation and creativity, leadership, and the desire to make a difference.

Each winner was chosen for his or her demonstration of strong values and commitment to the policing field. The winners began a career in law enforcement to protect people, especially those who cannot protect themselves. They emit positivity, genuine concern, and compassion, despite the challenging circumstances that all law enforcement personnel face. They lead by example by providing training and mentorship for others, modeling excellence, developing more effective methodologies for their departments, and taking advantage of every opportunity to build up those around them. The awardees have capitalized on their successes to improve their communities through community service, philanthropic programs, outreach, and education. They go beyond their roles in the law enforcement field to improve their communities in an effort to make the world a better place for their loved ones, the public, and future generations. 

Please visit theIACP.org/2020-iacp-40-under-40-awardees to view this year’s 40 Under 40 winners. The IACP is proud to recognize these law enforcement professionals through the 2020 40 Under 40 award.

The IACP Leadership Awards

The International Association of Chiefs of Police is pleased to announce the 2020 IACP Leadership Award winners. These winners represent initiative, innovation, and excellence in law enforcement practices in the areas of community safety, emerging issues, investigations, leadership, national security, transnational crime, and transportation safety.

IACP Leadership in Civilian Law Enforcement/Military Cooperation Award

Fujairah Police General Headquarters Partnering with the Fujairah Crisis and Emergency Team

IACP Leadership in Community Policing Award

Muskegon Heights, Michigan, Police Department (Small Agency Category)

Shakopee, Minnesota, Police Department (Midsize Agency Category)

Royal Bahamas Police Force, Bahamas (Large Agency Category)

IACP/ecoATM Leadership in Crime Prevention Award

Thames Valley Police, United Kingdom

IACP/Security Industry Association Michael Shanahan Leadership in Public/Private Cooperation Award

Virginia Commonwealth University Police Partnering with Game Changer

IACP Leadership in Victims Services Award

University of Texas at Arlington Police Department (Small Agency Category)

Flagler County, Florida, Sheriff's Office (Midsize Agency Category)

Dubai Police General Headquarters, United Arab Emirates (Large Agency Category)

IACP Leadership in Law Enforcement Research Award

Dubai Police General Headquarters, United Arab Emirates Partnering with the Khalifa Empowerment Program - Aqdar

IACP Leadership in Public Information Management Award

Cody Thomas, Public Relations Director, Nebraska State Patrol

IACP Leadership in the Field of Police and Public Safety Psychology Award 

Robin Inwald, Ph.D, Director, Inwald Research Inc.

IACP Chief David Cameron Leadership in Environmental Crimes Award 

Joseph Poux, Deputy Chief, Environmental Crimes Section, U.S. Department of Justice (Individual Category)

IACP August Vollmer Leadership in Forensic Science Award

Dubai Police General Headquarters, United Arab Emirates

IACP/Thomas Reuters Excellence in Criminal Investigations Award

Tallahassee, Florida, Police Department

IACP/Leonardo Leadership in the Prevention of Vehicle Crimes Award

Dubai Police General Headquarters, United Arab Emirates

IACP Leadership in Human and Civil Rights Award

Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee (Agency Category)

Feras Ismail, Detective, Peel Regional Police, Canada (Individual Category)

IACP Leadership in Volunteer Police Service Programs Award

Denver, Colorado, Police Department (Comprehensive Volunteer Police Service Program Category)

Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (Auxiliary/Reserve Police Service Program Category)

IACP/Booz Allen Hamilton Leadership in the Prevention of Terrorism Award

Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Joint Terrorism Task Force

IACP Leadership in Homeland Security Award

Emergency Support Function #13, U.S. Department of Justice

IACP Leadership in Transnational Crime Award

Dubai Police General Headquarters, United Arab Emirates

IACP Leadership in Police Aviation Award

Chula Vista, California, Police Department (Agency Category)

Gary Hill, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (Individual Category)

IACP J. Stannard Baker Individual Achievement in Highway Safety Award

Kenneth Clary, Captain, Iowa State Patrol (State Agency Category)

Mohammed Al Zaffin, Major General Engineer, Dubai Police General Headquarters, United Arab Emirates (Other Law Enforcement Category)

IACP Leadership in Looking Beyond the License Plate Award

Nabeil Alhantoobi, Officer, Fujairah Police General Headquarters, United Arab Emirates

IACP Excellence in Traffic Safety Award

Flagler County, Florida, Sheriff's Office

These winners will be recognized during the IACP 2020 Virtual Training Event & Expo from October 21 – 23. More information about the winners will be forthcoming. Please contact [email protected] with any questions or visit www.theiacp.org/awards.

Congratulations to all the 2020 IACP Leadership Award winners!

Guest Blogger: Captain Kathy Morgan, Overland Park, KS, Police Department 

With 24 years of service in the Overland Park, KS, Police Department (OPPD), I've become an advocate for agencies providing peer support and psychological services for families and spouses of employees—sworn officers, dispatchers, and civilians. Supporting families has become a priority of the department in the past couple of years, and as such we have expanded our resources. 

As first responders, we often focus on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our officers; however, their families and spouses also should be a priority when it comes to wellness. For this reason, agencies should consider developing peer support groups and make them accessible to families. This contributes to an organizational culture which supports wholistic health and makes the agency more family friendly. Over the past two years at OPPD, we have established a peer support program currently consisting of 24 civilian and sworn members who offer assistance and resources to all OPPD employees, both current and retired, and their families. 

OPPD offers an employee assistance program (EAP) for officers and their families to provide connections to counseling and other services. Our Care Organization for Police Employees (COPE) program allows the department to provide tangible support in the form of food, household items, or clothes to families in need or crisis. It also provides information booklets with referral for other helpful organizations, resources, and programs. COPE is just another way OPPD supports the families within our agency, both current employees and retired.  

Along with offering guidance and resources such as EAP and COPE, we have begun hosting a “Family Night,” allowing newly hired officers’ loved ones a chance to meet the peer support team, hear about available resources, and generally learn more about life as a first responder family. During our first two Family Nights, attendees received an introduction from chief, toured the department, socialized with other families, and learned about the tactical equipment used in the department.  

This type of introduction to the department is essential for families, especially for those who might be receiving their first exposure to law enforcement through their officer or employee. This job is stressful for our officers, dispatchers, and employees, as a result, families can face stress and anxiety of their own. As such, we must also keep in mind the equally important physical, mental, and emotional well-being of these families and provide them support and resources. 

I personally grew up with law enforcement in my family and currently have a husband and daughter in the profession, and from what I’ve experienced, being treated as an integral part of this community is an amazing feeling. That is why it’s important for agencies to also focus on resources that support law enforcement families. We have to constantly reach out to families: they can’t be forgotten. My tips for supporting these families are simple. 

• Keep families engaged. Peer support members should say, “I’m here to listen to you.” Incorporate activities or events like OPPD’s Family Night to obtain personal connections with the families.  

• Reach out to retirees and their families. It’s common to assume that when people retire, they don’t need support, but we should constantly maintain communication, so they aren’t forgotten.  

• Address warning signs. Peer support members can help train staff and families on certain actions or displays of emotion that may serve as warning signs that help may be needed within a family. Simply initiate a conversation or provide any useful resources or guides to individuals who may have shown indications of issues. 

Law enforcement is such a remarkable profession we should continually serve the unique needs of all department employees and their families.   

 For more information: 

• For more family support resources from the IACP please visit the IACP Officer Safety and Wellness webpage.  

• Follow the IACP on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with new resources. 

This blog post is part of a series highlighting the importance of including families and companions into officer safety and wellness. This project is funded through the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. 

As elected officials, police leaders, and community members work to develop and implement solutions regarding concerns over policing practices and operations, it is imperative that these efforts reflect a balanced, strategic approach to combating crime and prioritizing community safety.

Unfortunately, too many states and cities, large and small, across the United States are hastily and, without proper forethought, implementing stark measures that do not get to the core of enhancing community-police engagement. Further, while politically expedient, these misguided and shortsighted measures will likely have adverse, negative impacts for years to come.

Which policy changes? The already implemented efforts range from removing 911 call centers from police departments, to having public works employees be responsible for traffic enforcement, to removing school resource officers from schools, to slashing policing budgets by millions of dollars. These changes simply put greater distance between community and police.

Is this the measure of success?

Is this what communities want?

What is the evidence base for these policy choices?

Comprehensive criminal justice reform is a complex challenge. And complexity takes time. And it requires the full engagement of all parties, including, but not limited to, police, prosecutors, the judiciary, prison and probation officials, the health care community, mental health providers, the private sector, community leaders, and elected officials.

Effective, lasting change will require resources, commitment, and well-thought-out approaches. The membership of the IACP supports these efforts. As dedicated police leaders, we will continue to embrace the challenge, instill strong values into our agencies at all ranks, hold ourselves accountable for our actions, and work through these turbulent times to build a more cohesive future for our communities.

We are bound by our duty to public service, our commitment to the preservation of life, and our responsibility for ensuring our communities are safe. We will not waver.

IACP Net helps law enforcement leaders make informed, data-driven decisions by providing a library of online resources and information, all in one place. IACP Net gives agencies a vast toolbox at their fingertips 

• Download policies, forms, and checklists.
• Get answers to your questions from other leaders.
• Research the latest promising practices.
• And much more.

Are you an IACP Net subscriber and know a colleague from another agency that could benefit from using the site? Refer a friend and be entered for a chance to win a free registration for IACP 2020.

Submit a referral by emailing the following information to [email protected]:

• Name of individual
• Title
• Agency
• Phone number
• Email address

By submitting the information, you are agreeing to allow IACP Net staff to use your name in our referral outreach. Once your entry has been reviewed, we will contact you to confirm your entry. For each qualifying referral you submit between March 1 and July 31, 2020, you will get one entry in the drawing.

An added bonus if a department signs up within six months? Both of you will receive a 20% discount on next year's IACP Net subscription fee.

With so much being asked of agencies each and every day, easy-to-find resources are more important than ever. Get the information you need with IACP Net.