ASSOCIATE Magazine FBINAA Q4-2024

FBI National Academy Associates, Inc., National Academy Building 8-102 Quantico, VA 22135

IN SIDE

FBINAA.ORG | Q4 2024

F EATURE S 10 Securing Sensitive Law Enforcement Data – Max Santiago, NA Session 214 12 Securing the Future of Law Enforcement: Balancing Advanced Tech with Robust Cybersecurity – Sean Georgia, ProServices Account Manager, Panasonic Connect, Major (ret.), Pennsylvania State Police, NA Session 265 14 Armed Human Resources – Jeff Williams, MPS, MS, SHRM-CP, aPHR, NA Session 270 18 What to See, and Who to Tell: A Focused Campaign to Prevent Mass Violence – T.R.R. Cilke and Bradley Hentschel, FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU)/Behavioral Threat Assessment Center (BTAC) 23 Stress, Don’t Wait Til It’s Too Late: Take A Proactive Approach Now – Gary Metts, DBA, MPA, NA Session 202 COLUMNS

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04 Association Perspective 09 National Office Update 17 National Academy Update 22 Historian’s Spotlight 24 A Message from Our Chaplain EACH ISSUE 06 Strategic / Academic Alliances AD INDEX – 5.11

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NATIONAL BOARD Association President / CRAIG PETERSEN Deputy Chief, Gulfport Police Department (MS) (Ret.), cpetersen@fbinaa.org Past President / SCOTT RHOAD Chief/Director of Public Safety University of Central Missouri (MO) (Ret.), srhoad@fbinaa.org 1st Vice President / WILLIAM J. CARBONE Detective (OSI) NYS. Attorney General’s Office, New York City Police Department (Ret.), bcarbone@fbinaa.org 2nd Vice President / JIM GALLAGHER Associate Director, Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research, Arizona State University, Phoenix Police Department (Ret.), jgallagher@fbinaa.org

Section II Representative / JASON HESTER Chief of the Infrastructure Operations Division, Texas Department of Public Safety, jhester@fbinaa.org

Section III Representative / TIM CANNON Special Agent Supervisor, Florida Lottery (FL), tcannon@fbinaa.org

Section IV Representative / STEPHEN HRYTZIK Chief, Powell Police Department (OH), shrytzik@fbinaa.org

Chaplain / MIKE HARDEE Senior Manager, Covert Investigations Group (FL), mhardee@fbinaa.org

Historian / JOHN SIMMONS Chief of Police (Ret.), Mission (KS) Police Department, jsimmons@fbinaa.org

FBI Assistant Director / JACQUELINE MAGUIRE FBI Training Division (VA)

3rd Vice President / LARRY DYESS Captain, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (LA), ldyess@fbinaa.org

Executive Director / JEFF MCCORMICK FBINAA National Office (VA), jmccormick@fbinaa.org

Section I Representative / BILL GARDINER Lt. Colonel, Idaho State Police, bgardiner@fbinaa.org

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND AUGUST 2-5, 2025 CO-HOSTED BY THE FBINAA AND THE MARYLAND-DELAWARE CHAPTER

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Q4 2024 | Volume 26, Number 4 The Associate is a publication of the FBI National Academy Associates, Inc.

FBINAA.ORG | Q4 2024

CALL FOR ASSOCIATE MAGAZINE ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS Call for Article Submissions on 21st Century contemporary trends, challenges, and issues facing the global law enforcement community. The Associate Magazine, the official publication of the 21st Century Policing Topics for Consideration: LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND CURRENT TRENDS COMMUNITY POLICING BODY-WORN CAMERAS LEGISLATION AND IMPLEMENTATION EXTREME RADICAL GROUPS AND INTERACTIONS ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT HOMEGROWN RACE = BASED VIOLENT EXTREMISM CIVIL UNREST AND PROTEST ISSUES: PROTEST PROCEDURES/ACTIONS TACTICAL RESPONSE RECRUITING MEDIA RELATIONS FINANCES/BUDGETS DURING TIMES OF CRISIS RECRUITING DIVERSITY OFFICER HEALTH AND WELLNESS RETIRED MEMBER FITNESS FBI National Academy Associates, is seeking subject matter experts to write original, unpublished, continuing law enforcement-related education articles.

Jeff McCormick / Executive Director Riley Moran and Kevin Warren / Publishers Bridget Ingebrigtsen / Editor Dave Myslinski / Design

© Copyright 2024, the FBI National Academy Associates, Inc. Reproduction of any part of this magazine without express written permission is strictly prohibited.

The Associate is published quarterly by the FBI National Academy Associates, Inc., National Office, FBI Academy, Quantico, VA 22135.

The FBI National Academy Associates, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization and is not part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation or acting on the FBI’s behalf. Email editorial submissions to rmoran@fbinaa.org. Submissions may vary in length from 500-2000 words, and shall not be submitted simultaneously to other publications. Please see our Submission Guidelines at www.fbinaa.org/ magazine/associate-magazine for more information The FBI National Academy Associates, Inc., the National Board and the editors of the Associate neither endorse nor guarantee completeness or accuracy of material used that is obtained from sources considered reliable, nor accept liability resulting from the adoption or use of any methods, procedures, recommendations, or statements recommended or implied.

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On the Cover: Securing sensitive law enforcement data.

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ASSOCIATION PERSPECTIVE

Craig Petersen

I t seems like time has raced by since the National Annual Training conference in Kansas City. I would like to thank the Kansas Western Missouri Chapter once again, our National Team and the Eventive Group for all of their hard work to make the conference a success. Being sworn in as your Association President is one of the great honors of my life. I am humbled by the many kind words and messages of support offered by our members. I’ve recently been asked about membership retention. Specifically, what is the best way to retain our members and increase our membership numbers? The answer is multi-faceted; however I believe our strength in this effort lies within the chapters. We begin with member engagement at the National Academy. I commend our National Team for their efforts to forge relationships with the new students during their time at the National Academy. We do offer the “best free coffee at the academy”. But what accompanies that coffee is daily interaction with some wonderful people in the National Office that truly care about our members. We are now offering the opportunity for Chapters to sponsor the coffee breaks as a means of promot ing the chapters and introducing the new students to their local chapters. If you have an interest in sponsoring a week of coffee, please contact the National Office. Member retention, however, begins at the chapter level. Our chapters provide the best opportunities for members to remain engaged at their chapter retrainers and events. Speaking of chapter engagement, I have had the opportunity to visit several chapters since the conference in Kansas City. All have provided top-tier training from subject matter experts, the kind of train ing we have come to expect. Each chapter is unique and many offer signature events. The Florida Chapter offered a host night at Mango’s Tropical Café in South Beach. The evening was filled with both excellent food and entertainment you would expect in Miami Beach. The Mississippi Chapter never disappoints with their annual seafood cookout, it was wonderful again this year. The Tennessee and Kentucky Chapters combined to host their conference in Nashville and hosted their annual event at the Redneck Riviera featuring an evening of great music and food. The Arkansas Chapter hosted their conference on Petit Jean Mountain, and they had their traditional steak dinner. The steaks are cooked by Randy Lann , Grill-master of the Dallas Cowboys and it is, without doubt, the best steak I have ever had. The Africa-Middle East Chapter held their retrainer in Cape Town, South Africa. The area was beautiful, and the people were so hospitable. One of the highlights for me was their Yellow Brick Challenge. The group traveled to the Cape of Good Hope National Park and hiked up to the historic lighthouse at Cape Point. I have also been blessed to meet some wonderful people during my travels. Many of those that left a lasting impression on me are some of our faithful retired members who continue to support their chapters. I met Dean Riggin , a graduate of Session 101 and Life Member of the Arkansas Chapter. I enjoyed his sto ries about being one of the early sessions to attend the academy in its current location in the 1970s. I also met Floyd Hancock , a graduate of NA Session 123. He watched on with pride as his granddaughter Kelsey shared her experiences from YLP Session

25, with the Arkansas Chapter during their Banquet. I also look forward to seeing Bobby Underwood of the Mississippi Chapter every year. Bobby is a graduate of NA Session 121, and he hasn’t missed a single event in my time with the chapter. I was also fortunate to meet Bob Emory , of the Maryland-Delaware Chap ter, a graduate of NA Session 86. Bob and his friends started the Annual Navy tailgate event for the Maryland-Delaware Chapter back in 1976. The family friendly event is a signature event for the chapter and is very well attended every year. Our retired members have so much to offer us, and it is wonderful to see their member engagement. It was great to see so many of our members at the FBINAA Reception held at IACP in Boston. As always, I offer my thanks to our long-standing partner, Justice Federal Credit Union , for their sup port of this annual event. Their support allows our members another opportunity to connect with old friends and to make new friends. Our call for presentations has been announced and we look forward to receiving the many great submissions for training courses. As we prepare for our Annual National Training Confer ence in Baltimore, our training committee will be evaluating those presentations to bring you the high-quality training we have come to expect. Evaluating so many quality submissions is no easy task. Last year we received about 170 submissions that had to be narrowed down to 24 for the conference. I thank our training com mittee in advance for the challenging work ahead of them. Lastly, I spent a week recently in Baltimore for the Section 3 Leadership meeting and for a site visit of the conference hotels and convention center for the 2025 Annual Training Conference. I left Baltimore extremely excited about the 2025 Conference. The Maryland-Delaware Chapter, the National Office Team, and The Eventive Group, are working very hard to provide everyone with a wonderful conference. They have some exciting events planned that I know you will enjoy. I spent some time walking around the Inner Harbor area and found it to be easy to navigate and family friendly. There are many local attractions such as the National Aquarium, Fort McHenry, Fell’s Point, and several museums to name a few. I hope that you will plan to join us in Baltimore.

Stay safe and God bless,

Craig Petersen 2024-2025 FBINAA President NA Session 245

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SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT US.

FBINAA Alliance Partners Business Directory

The support from our FBINAA Alliance Partners is critical to our mission. These Alliances are much more than financial contributions; they are a commitment to a shared mission. Through their generosity, our Alliance Partners empower us to deliver top-notch training, foster crucial networking opportunities, and equip law enforcement leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to keep our communities safe. Together, we are building a stronger, more effective law enforcement community on a global scale.

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NATIONAL OFFICE UPDATE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

FBINAA.ORG | Q4 2024

Jeff McCormick

T his has been another great year for the Association, and we (and I personally) have much to be grateful for! First, I am grateful for the amazing FBINAA Staff. It has been said “the noblest deeds are done by unseen hands,” and the dedicated men and women of your National Office Staff who work to make the machinery of our Association run are heroes to me. Second, for the members of your National Board. They each made a commitment to serve nine years representing our mem bers and protecting the interests of the Association. They sacrifice many hours in service to the FBINAA, and I am humbled by their dedication and grateful for their guidance. Next, I am grateful to the Sponsors of the FBINAA, at both the National and Chapter levels. We are the World’s Strongest Law Enforcement Leadership Network, but we can’t do it without you. Your support of the Association improves our ability to spread our message, provide service to the global Law Enforcement Commu nity, and serve the rule of law around the globe. Finally, and most especially, I am grateful for the members of the FBINAA. Those sworn members who continue to solve cases and protect their communities; those who have retired from LE but are still working in some capacity, whether providing service to society at large or specifically the LE community; and also to those who are fully retired but through their continued participa tion in the FBINAA still contribute to the vast FBINAA Network. You each took to heart the values of the National Academy and con tinue to honor them with your commitment to this organization. My heartfelt thanks to each of you. I would also like to express my appreciation to those members who have accepted the mantle of leadership in their Chapters. As President Petersen mentioned in his letter a few pages earlier, it is at the Chapter level that most member interaction occurs in our organization, and I am grateful for the leaders who keep their Chapters active and engaged. Finally, a special “thanks” to those members who responded to the survey at the end of the summer. Different surveys were sent to active sworn, retired, and international members, as well as those inactive members for whom we still had contact informa tion. I was amazed and inspired by the number of responses! Be on the lookout for results from the survey which we will be sharing soon. For now, I can highlight some early results, including that 88 percent of sworn and 72 percent of retirees say the quality of networking in the Association is good or excellent, and more than 90 percent of respondents believe their dues contribute to the success of the FBINAA. I would like to believe that being one of the few to have at tended the most prestigious law enforcement training program in the world would be enough to encourage lifelong membership in the FBINAA. However, we recognize there are graduates out As 2024 winds down, we turn to reflecting and giving thanks.

there who have not maintained their membership. I would like to remind them that in addition to giving back for the benefits they received by attending, there are other tangible benefits to being a member of the FBINAA. While access to the worldwide network of NA grads may be the most significant, at your National Office we are always on the hunt for more benefits to attach to your mem bership. Many of our sponsors offer their products and services at discounts to our members. The United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) is just the newest such sponsor. Check out their offer and the other benefits of membership as we roll into membership renewal season. And speaking of membership renewal season, our 2025 theme is “Back to the Network!” As you renew your membership, I ask you to give some thought to a graduate you know who has not been a member of the FBINAA for a while. Reach out and encour age them to renew their membership as well! At the least, find out what they don’t understand about the value of the FBINAA. As we approach the end of 2024, we have more than 14,000 active members. Think of the reach and strength of our Association if each member brought just one member “Back to the Network!”

Jeff McCormick FBINAA Executive Director

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SECURING SENSITIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT DATA

MAX SANTIAGO, NA SESSION 214

In an era where digital transformation has permeated every facet of society, law enforcement agencies face a critical challenge: how to securely manage and share sensitive and confidential information vital to investigations and operations and ensure it never winds up in the wrong hands? This article will delve into the significance of securing shared and stored information and discuss the various op tions for sharing sensitive material, with an emphasis on the ben efits of using cloud-based solutions, particularly those that provide end-to-end encryption (E2EE) and a Zero Trust and Zero Knowledge security environment. L aw enforcement leaders across the United States understand the importance of safeguarding data related to crime scene photographs of high-profile individuals or events, sensitive investi gations, internal affairs, wiretap recordings, body-worn camera footage, affidavits for search/arrest warrants, operational plans, threat assessments, and digital evidence. Sensitive information within law enforcement agencies is of tremendous importance and sig nificance. It encompasses data crucial to ongoing investigations, confidential informant identities, operational strategies, and evidence critical for justice. Breaches or unauthorized access to such information can jeopardize investigations, expose agencies to significant legal and reputational damages, compromise officer safety, erode public trust, and potentially impact the ability to pros ecute criminals. Therefore, the necessity to secure this data, particularly when it is shared and stored, cannot be overstated. CHALLENGES IN SHARING AND STORING SENSITIVE INFORMATION Traditionally, law enforcement agencies have relied on manual processes to move physical files. This approach naturally poses risks and challenges. Physical files are susceptible to loss, damage, or unauthorized access. Local, on-premises servers require robust ongoing human management. Moreover, errors can make them vulnerable to cyberattacks. THE IMPORTANCE OF SECURING SENSITIVE INFORMATION

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SECURING THE FUTURE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT: BALANCING ADVANCED TECH WITH ROBUST CYBERSECURITY

FBINAA.ORG | Q4 2024

SEAN GEORGIA, PROSERVICES ACCOUNT MANAGER, PANASONIC CONNECT MAJOR (RET.), PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE, NA SESSION 265

Effective law enforcement relies on human ingenuity supported by advanced technology. The latest rugged, mobile solutions help to streamline operations, allowing troopers, officers, deputies, and administrative staff to focus more on mission critical duties and less on routine paperwork. From digital evidence management systems to predictive analytics, digital tools enhance operational efficiency and real-time decision-making, leading to more efficient policing. However, with increased technology adoption comes the need for agency leadership to enhance cybersecurity resilience and risk mitigation practices. C ybersecurity threats are escalating at an alarming rate. Ac cording to the Center for Internet Security, malware attacks surged by 148 percent between 2022 and 2023. Data breaches have also skyrocketed, with a 72 percent increase since 2021. For law enforcement agencies, the stakes are high due to the sensitive nature of the data they manage. Every breach not only has the potential to compromise critical information but also poses significant risks to investigative integrity and public trust. Computing devices (or any mobile endpoint), which are integral to effective law enforcement operations, are also vulnerable to these attacks. Operational technology has been a necessary evolution for law enforcement. Agency leadership is responsible in ensuring the evolution has been THE RISING TIDE OF SECURITY BREACHES

deployed wisely, with the correct governance, and with the right technology partners. The potential damage from breaches targeting these devices can be severe. Potential impacts include the exposure of protected criminal justice information, sensitive victim considerations, and the loss of operational intelligence necessary to secure our communities. To avoid or prevent falling prey to the rising number of cyberattacks, law enforcement agencies need to invest in both trusted, reliable, and rugged mobile devices alongside robust security measures for their entire technology suite. This is not just about compliance; it is about safeguarding the integrity of law enforcement operations and maintaining public trust. Implementing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies that secure hardware, software, and firmware is essential for protecting against the ever-evolving threat landscape. COMPLIANCE WITH EVOLVING INDUSTRY REQUIREMENTS To respond to rising cybersecurity threats, the criminal justice community needs to comply with industry standards and best practices when implementing innovative technology. This is non-negotiable. Alignment ensures that these technologies integrate with existing and evolving security protocols, facilitating a secure and efficient continuation of agency mission critical operations. It is important that public sector agencies keep these requirements in mind when looking at hardware, accessories, software, servers and networks. Working with vendors that are current with shifting standards and can articulate a secure digital landscape should always be considered by decision makers when making operational technology procurement decisions. Cybersecurity for operational technology is not a one-time flick of a switch – it is a constant balance of technology and compliance to deliver the best outcomes which goes beyond the initial deployment of a solution. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division manages numerous critical systems and information for use by both criminal justice and non-criminal justice agencies nationwide. Adhering to the CJIS Security Policy (CJISSECPOL) is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental aspect of risk management. The scope of the CJISSECPOL stresses these requirements are only a baseline standard by stating, “The CJIS Security Policy provides the minimum-security requirements associated with the creation, viewing, modification, transmission, dissemination, storage, or

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During the last several years of my career as a police officer (ok…police administrator), I found myself learning more about protected leave, labor contracts, and disciplinary matters than tactical or officer-safety training. I still received all my operational training and maintained those proficiencies, but I was also becoming proficient in the human resource arts. I was building relationships with my city’s human resources staff and find ing them to be a tremendous asset with resources to address my most pressing needs — leave compliance, recruiting, retention, and organizational wellness. They were human resources, but I was armed with human resources. ARMED HUMAN RESOURCES JEFFREY WILLIAMS, MPS, MS, SHRM-CP, APHR, NA SESSION 270 M uch has been written about retirement from public safety careers. I spent much of my time envisioning retirement

Our public safety administrators are too busy leading their organizations and managing core public safety functions, whether a single member organization or organization of several thousand. The demand for transparency, community engage ment, safe communities, and responsiveness requires resources to be efficiently and effectively managed. Here are three sugges tions to help manage the impact of human resources issues on public safety organizations. The challenge in managing a return in investment regarding these efforts is that bad outcomes do not occur — or at least not often. HUMAN RESOURCE COMPETENCY Public safety leaders do not necessarily need to earn an HR certification through organizations such as SHRM, HRCI or PSHRA, but they should know the warning signs of protected ac tivities — and know how to respond and when to involve human resource professionals. Imagine an employee stopping by your supervisor’s office during the last five minutes of the work week to advise the supervisor that during that foot pursuit yesterday they “twisted their ankle,” but it's fine, just “a little sore.” Few employees want to stay at work longer than neces sary — and the weekend is calling at the end of the workweek. Imagine your supervisor replies, “Ok, have a great weekend,” and does not inquire further or document anything regarding what the employee shared. Fast forward six months and this employee files a workers’ compensation claim — or they are requesting an ac commodation due to the injury. Having no record or investigation continued on page 31

eligibility, but not much beyond that. As I worked with human resources, I realized I had substantial knowledge, and earned a human resource professional certification. I could feel how proud my human resource partners were of this achievement and my in terest in their world of work. Whether police supervisors, manag ers, and administrators earn a professional certification in human resources, the importance of a working knowledge and collabora tion with human resource partners cannot be overstated. While the criticality of maintaining operational readiness and response posture to the needs of our communities is unques tionable, the provisions of protected leaves do not honor this fact. Denying protected leave due to “no room on the schedule” or “it’s hunting season” or “we have a search warrant next week” or any other prohibited reason can have far-reaching conse quences. Some of these consequences worth considering are: • Being found in violation of federal or state statutes or regulations resulting in civil penalties and reputational damage • Being the defendant in civil litigation — something potentially resulting in financial consequences, loss of time and resources, and reputational damage • Negative impacts to recruiting — applicants hear about what is happening in the organizations to which they apply • Negative impacts to retention — employees lose confidence in the organization’s ability to honor legally protected leaves and wonder when it will happen to them

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Thank you to everyone who joined us for Member Appreciation Week, November 4-8, 2024 , and congratulations to our prize winners! This weeklong celebration was a wonderful way to close out the membership year. As 2024 comes to a close, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your dedication to the FBINAA. Your membership is essential in advancing our mission, and we are honored to have you as part of this association. The FBINAA is more than an organization; it’s a global network of exceptional law enforcement leaders and lifelong friends, committed to making a positive impact in their communities worldwide. Thank you for your engagement and unwavering loyalty.

Find out more at FBINAA.org/Membership/Benefits

NATIONAL ACADEMY UPDATE

FBINAA.ORG | Q4 2024

Samuel Benson

Leadership Lessons in the NA

L aw enforcement professionals are a community steeped in oral traditions. Since the first professional police department started in New York City in 1844, police officers have been telling stories over coffee and donuts. Second only to preachers, police officers will weave tales of fantasy, exploits and tall tales of epic fights, battles won, friends made, and friends lost to define what it means to be one of us. Stories that we tell and hear are the primary method of how we share our culture, our organizational norms, our expectations, and our goals for creating a better future. Policies and procedures do not create a culture of excellence – it lies in our stories. In keeping with this long tradition, the National Academy instructors have started hosting a storytelling session with the National Academy students to promote the blending of our departments across state and international borders. It is an eve ning spent by the campfire making s’mores, drinking beer and bourbon and telling each other what it means to be us – not just the culture of police officers, but what it means to be a National Academy graduate.

We have heard the story of a teenager who joined the circus and became a police executive, or the officer who had a dream of becoming a dolphin trainer. The individual that dreamt of becoming a police officer from birth and now wants to open their own bakery. When you hear their stories, you realize how diverse our community is and how each person (even the dolphin trainer) approaches leadership and organizational development. The National Academy started in 1935. As we approach our 90th anniversary, what is the story of your session? What will you be known for? Take a moment and share your stories with friends and family.

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WHAT TO SEE, AND WHO TO TELL A FOCUSED CAMPAIGN TO PREVENT MASS VIOLENCE

T. R. R. CILKE AND BRADLEY HENTSCHEL

Days before the start of a new school year, an eighth grade student talked online about his plan to die in a school shooting. Without much evidence and on a short timeline, investigators in a small department in the western United States decided their best option for managing the situation would be to interview the student’s mother. She was surprised when police knocked on her door and then shocked when they showed her the messages. She couldn’t believe it was her son. She thought maybe it was a joke since he wouldn’t hurt anyone. Sure, they had their struggles, but she was doing her best and had no concern her son would really hurt himself or anyone else.

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T his mother’s state of shock and disbelief was not the first time investigators received that reaction from a parent. In this case, they finished the interview by giving the mother a bro chure and suggested she review it after they left. Investigators put their business card inside the pamphlet and offered to take the mother’s call if she had any questions. Two days later, the mother called. She had seen several of the behaviors from the brochure in her son. Having digested the information, she understood why law enforcement came to her door – and she shared in their concern. Over the following days and weeks, the mother worked with investigators and juvenile probation to get her son the help he needed to keep both himself and the community safe. MASS SHOOTERS DON'T JUST SNAP Research and operational experience from the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) show that mass shooters don’t just snap. Instead, they think about violence, plan, and gather their materi als before they attack. While there is no “profile” of a mass shooter and no single behavior to predict whether a person will commit violence, most attackers display similar behaviors in advance of their offense. These behaviors may involve giving away posses sions or writing a document to explain their violent actions. Other concerning behaviors include obsessive interest in prior attacks, indications they feel violence is the only way to solve problems, and inability to cope with life stressors. Those with poor social or family support, as well as individuals with access to and prior experience with weapons, can be at increased risk. Often, these overt acts occur over weeks and months, providing opportunities for someone to notice and report the behavior before an attack ever occurs. This identification piece represents the critical first step for security professionals to identify, assess, and manage cases and potential perpetrators of targeted violence. 1 However, the people most likely to see concerning behaviors are not law enforcement officers, bosses, or school faculty – they're friends, family, coworkers, and other members of the general public, often with no formal training on behavioral indicators or what to do if they observe them. Educating our communities about these signs is a key opportunity for preventing the next attack. According to BAU re search, more than half (54 percent) of individuals who observed pre-attack behaviors that were concerning kept that information to themselves until after the attack occurred. Of the 46 percent who chose to say something, half reported their concerns to a non-law enforcement authority, and the majority (82.5 percent) chose to talk about their concerns with the person directly. 2 People who observe pre-attack behaviors may not report their concerns for many reasons. Some examples for bystander hesitation include doubt about the seriousness of their observa tion, confusion about who they should contact, or reluctance to involve themselves in an uncertain situation. Investigators and agencies find it extremely difficult – even impossible – to use precious resources to explore vague reports of a “scary” individual that someone may be “worried about,” or just someone that “might do something violent.” Rather than simply enlist the public to generate more tips to law enforce ment, what if we could share research on concerning behaviors with the public to improve the quality of reporting? By engaging communities with the right information, reporting parties would be more likely to have the knowledge and encouragement to tell

FBINAA.ORG | Q4 2024

authorities about specific behaviors – those based in research on how attackers behave – and provide the basis for focused, thorough investigation and, if necessary, mitigation. A FOCUSED PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN BAU recognized the potential benefit of educating the pub lic on warning signs that might signal a future mass attack. The “Prevent Mass Violence” campaign, launched in June 2024, busts the myth that mass shooters, school shooters, and workplace shooters just “snap.” Located at www.fbi.gov/prevent, this cam paign leans on years of FBI research on mass attacks and their perpetrators to highlight common behaviors displayed prior to an attack. It encourages people who see these behaviors to con sider talking with someone they respect about their concerns. Furthermore, it provides suggestions for contacting law enforce ment if they believe someone is preparing for violence. In addition to the website, the campaign includes resources for law enforcement, schools, workplaces, and healthcare providers. One of the resources is a brochure intended for family and friends of a person of concern. This pamphlet – the same one provided to the mother of the eighth grader – describes BAU research of pre-attack behaviors and warning signs. It makes clear suggestions for actions to take if they observe those behaviors and provides some transparency for what to expect if they choose to make a report. This brochure has been used by investigators to help educate interviewees regarding why law enforcement is concerned about their loved one. Beyond the information in the pamphlet, investigators can leave a physical copy of the brochure so the potential bystander can consider and digest the information after the stress of law enforcement contact has subsided. In this way, the brochure is a readily avail able reference material for a loved one who might be stressed, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to go for help. Paired with a contact card for the investigator who left it, the brochure quite literally suggests what someone should look for and, if they see it, who they should contact. Other campaign resources include infographics, PSA-style videos, FBI research on active shooters, and news articles high lighting successful prevention efforts by local threat assessment and management teams. The BAU will continue to publish simi lar materials across various platforms to reach as broad an audi ence as possible. Nearly all these materials are available digitally on the campaign website. For printed content or requests for presentations, agencies and partners may contact the nearest FBI field office. BUILDING THE SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE At the same time education activates our communities to be a force multiplier for prevention, law enforcement must also grow capability to respond to increased reporting. 3 Sharing awareness with the public assists in the identification phase, which sets the stage for authorities to assess and manage those cases. For its part, FBI BAU worked with FBI field offices and its local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to assess and manage over 1,000 case leads in the last three years. These cases, though highly concerning and complex, represent only a fraction of similar cases managed by law enforcement agencies across the nation.

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FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY ASSOCIATES LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

THE FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY ASSOCIATES (FBINAA) IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPERTISE, LEADERSHIP TRAINING, AND INFORMATION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT EXECUTIVES AROUND THE WORLD.

TOPICS COVERED • Mastering the fundamental principles of effective leadership and efficient management • Identifying your personal leadership style • Learning the nuances of successfully leading a multi-generational team • Mastering the Q6 Performance Leadership Model • Learning how to enhance performance • The importance and value of open communication between leader and follower • Scenario specific real-world applications to enhance leader growth FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY ASSOCIATES LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATION To receive full certification, participants will complete the following: • Successful completion of Courses 1-3 • Completion of a self-study research paper assigned by the FBINAA Education and Training Division.

The FBINAA provides the highest quality leadership education and training. This gold standard training is open to all FBINAA members who are graduates of the prestigious FBI National Academy Program, as well as anyone in the criminal justice arena who wants to expand and develop their leadership skills in order to strengthen knowledge base, enhance their departments abilities and better protect their communities. FBINAA LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATION PROGRAM The FBINAA Leadership Certification Program was developed in conjunction with strategic partner, Legal and Liability Risk Management Institute to continue to develop the highest degree of law enforcement leaders across the country. This certification is a series of courses, open to all law enforcement professionals and encompasses the latest strategies, techniques, and real-world leadership scenarios to prepare each participant to better lead their respective unit, shift, or agency into the unpredictable future of law enforcement.

To learn more about the FBINAA Leadership Certification Program, visit www.fbinaa.org/education/leadership-certification-program Or contact the Education and Training Division by email at training@fbinaa.org

THE STRONGEST LAW ENFORCEMENT LEADERSHIP NETWORK IN THE WORLD

W hen I accepted the appointment as FBINAA Historian, I told the Board I would not only focus on those members who’ve made history but those who are also making history. In this edition I’d like to share with you the story of a fellow class mate who did both…the hard way. My heartfelt thanks to Chief William McGrath of the Wrentham (Massachusetts) Police Depart ment for allowing me to share this with you. Deputy Chief George Labonte was a proud member of NA Session 282. Sadly – bravely – he passed away on August 12, 2024, after a lengthy but courageous battle with cancer. I want to share his story – but can’t sum up words any stronger than those penned by Chief McGrath in his tribute to George. This is from the Wrentham Police Department’s Facebook page: John Simmons THE HISTORIAN'S SPOTLIGHT Historically Speaking... TRIBUTE TO DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF GEORGE C. LABONTE 07/01/1980 – 08/12/2024 Wrentham Deputy Police Chief George Labonte passed away yesterday after a long, very courageous battle with cancer. George leaves behind his loving wife Katie and their four children, Sadie, Benji, Jaxie and Ju lian. He also leaves his mom and dad, his sisters and his in-laws on Katie’s side of the family. Additionally, he left the rest of us, his police family, fire family, his friends, way too many to mention, but so many indeed. Finally, and thankfully, he left behind his cancer. George was diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer in 2016. He was a Police Lieutenant at the time and I the Deputy Chief. I remember well the day he came into the station and broke that terrible, stunning news. This form of cancer was rare and incurable, he told us, making it even more scary. At the time, none of us heard of medullary thyroid cancer, but we heard plenty about it after that. “Check your neck!” he warned us, warned his friends, warned everyone. He would tell you that right now if he were here. Scary as it was, in short time, George pushed “scary” aside and steadfastly proclaimed cancer would not rule his life. He would fight back of course, focused on diet, worked out like a crazy man, and participated in pharma ceutical trial studies, most notably a seemingly miracle drug called Loxo. He would also join support and research groups focused specifically on his type of cancer. In those groups, he was “known for his optimism, his upbeat personality”, said fellow survivor, Bill Nelson. “He brought hope to the group” added Bill, who made it clear George was “his brother.” So yes, George said over and over he would live as if he didn’t have cancer at all. We remember thinking what a brave thing for him to say and we truly admired him for saying it, but really? That can’t be done, no one can do that! Well, no one, maybe…except George.

Though he would have been completely justified to wallow in self-pity, seek attention for himself…he didn’t. Instead, he did what he said he would do. He didn’t allow cancer to dominate his life, but dedicated a huge piece of his life to helping others with cancer, kids with cancer... pediatric cancer. Not surprising if you knew him. So how does George, dealing with his own cancer, support kids with cancer? He could just donate some money, perhaps become a spokesman, start a Facebook page or something along those lines. Those would be easy, effective ways to show support, bring awareness and not require a lot of effort. George, though, had other ideas. The cop with cancer, who by his own account wasn’t much of a long distance-runner, decided to…run a marathon for MGH (Mass General Hospital) to support finding a cure for pediatric cancer. George knew first hand how scary it was for him to deal with cancer and imagined it had to be even worse for kids. The definition of selflessness. Go big or go home, I believe he said. And going big meant a marathon! It really didn’t seem possible, that marathon idea, but he made it possible. He trained, ran on weekdays, long runs on Saturdays, ran alone, trained with friends and family. And then…he ran not one marathon, but two, maybe more, I lost track. He ran in Chicago and in Boston, he ran half marathons. Suddenly, the man with incurable cancer, seemed like the healthiest cop on Wrentham P.D., just living his life his way. Of course, George had his struggles along this jour ney and that has to be said. He had pain, low moments, surgeries, treatments and all the rest of it. But he never lost hope and optimism. He harnessed the immeasurable love and support from Katie, the kids, his family and he forged ahead for as long as he could. He roared! Now, his marathon is over. Not Boston or Chicago. This marathon began in 2016, the one he never asked for, never trained for, but nevertheless, ran hard and steady with the ferocity of a champion. And yesterday, my friend, our friend, crossed the finish line. God bless you George and God Bless your family. You are missed and loved by all of us at the Wrentham Police Department and beyond.

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Policing is an inherently stressful occupa tion. According to a 2024 Business News Daily report, law enforcement is one of the top 10 most stressful jobs in America. Stress is part of every police officer's life, it's how one handles the stress that is the most important. Hans Selye , founder of the stress theory, once defined stress as the "response of the body to any demand, whether it is caused by, or results in, pleas ant or unpleasant conditions" (1976). As a 30-year retired law enforcement officer, I not only know but felt stress daily as an officer on the streets and while working in administration. Stress is real and chiefs and sheriffs should never overlook it. The dam age stress can do to one's body and mind can be unthinkable O fficers must make a conscious effort to control stress in their lives. The damage and dangers associated with stress when it deals with the human body are high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, headaches, obesity, and much more. The number of officers who die by suicide each year can outnumber officers killed in the line of duty. In 2023 the number of suicides for officers soared to 183 (FBI, n.d.) The divorce rate among officers has ranked at the top of the list for police officers in America. The national average for divorce ranks around 50% but when it comes to officers it can be as STRESS DON’T WAIT TILL IT'S TOO LATE, TAKE A PROACTIVE APPROACH NOW GARY METTS, DBA, MPA, NA SESSION 202

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A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAPLAIN

Mike Hardee

United We Stand Through God

A re we really united as a people of faith these days, with understanding and compassion for one another? Our cul tural, economic, and religious differences have and will always present challenges of acceptance as people of many differences. As I write, the world is at war on so many fronts and it’s easy to become fearful of how all this discord will play out. But I am optimistic and pray with hope for a world that will come together in peace and that our fears of the future will be dismissed from our daily lives and become only a part of our history. Personally, I fear that the Lord is a bit disappointed and sad that His creation has drifted away from His teachings and His love for us. But before this starts to sound judgmental, I have to admit that I am just as responsible as the next person for such failures. I recently had to make a quick decision that, at the time, I didn’t realize would have a ripple effect on others. From my perspective it seemed like a straightforward choice, and I was ag gressive in my pursuit of the matter. The only person who would be negatively affected, I thought, was one person who had been misappropriating valuable assets of a business. But in my haste to deal with this individual, I ended up putting one of my neighbors – who I’d only known for a short time but considered a good friend -- in a position of having to choose between his friendship with me and his friendship with that person who was going to be terminated. This was someone he’d known more than 15 years, and he had been unaware of the embezzlement. Of course, he sided with his long-standing friend and the result was a divided neighborhood. I had offended my friend by not considering how this would affect him and the spot he would be in. It’s not that I would have made a different decision, but I regret how I went about it. Under standably, he felt betrayed. He took it as a personal attack on him and for that I am horribly sad. To his point, I should have consid ered the conflict this might have caused for him. Today I am asking God’s forgiveness for not handling the situation with more thought. How we treat others matters and how we feel about our actions reveals a truth about who we are and what we believe is God’s plan for us. I can only hope that someday this neighbor and I will be friends again. Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 (NLT) Now back to my point of where we go from here—despite all our differences with others, can we unite as God wants us to? Perhaps we can begin to think more carefully about how our views and words have a negative effect. Certainly, we are all en titled to our own opinions, thoughts, and decisions…but I think how we deliver our messages to others matters. As a grandfather and newly minted great-grandfather, I can’t help but worry about our future being so divided. We live in a

time of uncertainty. This is not yet the Divided States of America, but these days we seem to be focusing more on our differences than our common ground. At times our chosen profession has toughened us up to accept criticism and ridicule for how we live our lives as law enforcement professionals, and we do acknowledge that this as part of our job. We are not immune to emotional pain from offending the people we love and are close to, or for that matter being offended ourselves. I know that I am not. What I do know in my heart is that God is compassionate, patient, and forgiving and has a simple task for all of us -- that we believe and acknowledge that He is the one and only almighty God, creator of the universe. Regardless of our transgressions, our sins, or our misgivings, the Lord awaits our call and our prayers. In Him we are united, in Him we are one people, and in Him we can live in a world that is caring of others. I believe that this is -- as we like to say in law enforcement -- our mission statement. Through prayer we can overlook our differences and realize that God has a plan for each of us and if we only ask Him, we can find our way forward. I am often reminded to give thanks through prayer for what is good in our lives, what is safe and what brings us happiness. Our hope and dreams for the future is often fraught with disappointments and sadness, but I believe that is God’s plan for us as well. He tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 that He has plans for us, plans to give us hope and a future. So, I am praying for us to think about the scripture in Philip pians 4:8 KJV. Finally, brethren whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Amen

God bless,

Mike Hardee Chaplain

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