Schedule

• Serena McClam Liebengood, MD, MHSA — Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

The Evolving Landscape of the Law Enforcement Climate

The law enforcement landscape has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with a range of emerging challenges reshaping the profession. These include shifts in public opinion, an increase in mass casualty events, the rise of violent protests, and escalating violence against law enforcement officers, among other stressors. This session explores these evolving occupational stressors, examining their profound impact on policing, as well as the implications for the health and wellness of officers.

• Terrence M. Cunningham — Deputy Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, International Association of Chiefs of Police
• Jim Pasco — Executive Director, Fraternal Order of Police

The Mental Health Crisis in Law Enforcement: Understanding the Impact of Occupational Stress

Law enforcement officers face a suicide risk 54% higher than that of the general American workforce. They also experience elevated rates of PTSD, depression, and anxiety-related disorders. This session offers an in-depth overview of the profound impact of policing on the mental and physical health of officers. Additionally, an ecological approach to addressing this critical mental health crisis within the profession is introduced.

• John Violanti, PhD — Research Professor of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions

Expert Bi-Partisan Perspectives on Policing Policy and Its Implication for Law Enforcement Health and Wellness

The law enforcement landscape is becoming increasingly complex, presenting both significant challenges and opportunities for reform as it relates to improving occupational risks that directly impact the health and wellness of police officers. This session presents bipartisan legislative approaches to addressing this occupational crisis.

• Jim Pasco — Executive Director, Fraternal Order of Police
• Greg Schultz — Strategic Advisor
• Robert Paduchik — President, Agincourt Consultants, LLC

Pre- and Post-Crisis Intervention Strategy

Traumatic events have become increasingly common and are now often seen as an inevitable part of the job. Law enforcement agencies frequently face recurring crises, placing tremendous strain on officers. This session will explore strategies that police agencies can implement to effectively mitigate the negative impact of trauma and other occupational-related crises.

• ModGil Kerlikowske — Former Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• George S. Everly, Jr., PhD, ABPP, FAPA, FACLP — Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• Michelle Barton, PhD — Professor of Practice, Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business

Evidence to Outcomes: Applying Research to Improve Officer Health and Wellness

Evidence-based practices are transforming public safety, but the real challenge is knowing what to use, what to trust, and how to put it into practice. This session helps departments move from "research exists" to "research in action" by walking through the questions agencies should ask when evaluating studies, programs, and promising practices. Participants will learn how to identify credible, relevant research and implement evidence-based approaches that improve health and wellness outcomes.

• Colby Dolly, PhD — Director, National Policing Institute

Organizational Stress, Uncertainty, Resilience, and Adaptability to Change

First responder agencies are increasingly facing unexpected events, compounded by growing stressors and rising demands on resources. In this context, the need for organizations to become more resilient is more critical than ever. This session explores the organizational response to stress from multiple perspectives, highlighting strategies for building resilience in the face of these challenges.

• Kathleen Sutcliffe, PhD — Professor Emeritus, Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business
• Trisha Wolford — Fire Chief, Anne Arundel County Fire Department; President, International Association of Fire Chiefs

Enhancing Organizational Health and Crisis Management Through Strategic Management and Collaborative Labor Relations

Police leadership and law enforcement officers regularly face occupational stressors that significantly affect everyone within the field. This session will explore opportunities for both labor and management to collaborate effectively in enhancing officer well-being and fostering a healthier work environment.

• ModPatrick Yoes — President, Fraternal Order of Police
• Terrence M. Cunningham — Deputy Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, International Association of Chiefs of Police
• Chris Myers, PhD — Professor, Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business
• Chief David Mitchell, JD — Chief of Police, University of Maryland Police Department

Leadership Lessons Learned from Navigating Stressful Organizational Events

Gain valuable insights directly from seasoned leaders who have not only faced but successfully navigated some of the most tragic and challenging events in modern history. These leaders will share their experiences, lessons learned, and the strategies they employed to lead with resilience, compassion, and strength in the face of adversity.

• ModVanita Gupta — Distinguished Scholar in Residence; Director, Center for Law and Public Trust, New York University Law School
• Ed Davis — Chief of Police (Ret.)