Hundreds of Law Enforcement Professionals Gather at USF

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The University of San Francisco (USF), in partnership with the San Francisco Police Department, hosted the 17th Annual Law Enforcement Leadership Symposium on Jan. 9-10, 2012. Unique Leadership Challenges: Major Events, Disasters, and Terrorism was the theme of this timely event, addressing contemporary issues facing all major law enforcement agencies. 

“While the theme changes each year to stay relevant with current challenges, the emphasis has always been on ethical leadership, and this year is no different,” said Anthony Ribera, director of the International Institute of Criminal Justice Leadership at USF. “Recent demonstrations surrounding the Occupy Movement, upcoming events such as America’s Cup, and the ever-present threat of a natural disaster or act of terrorism, bring to light how imperative comprehensive strategic planning, organization, and a commitment to discipline are throughout law enforcement’s response to such events.”

The goal is for attendees to gain a better understanding of the resources available to them, effective strategies that have worked well in recent past, and a deeper appreciation of ethical leadership--no matter how severe the crisis.

The two-day event included panel discussions, individual presentations from nationally recognized experts, and open forums. Keynote speakers included San Francisco Police Chief Greg Suhr (speaking Monday morning at 9 a.m.), Chief Bernard Melekian, director of the COPS Office (Community Oriented Policing Services) and one of the highest-ranking law enforcement officers in the Obama Administration (Monday at 2:45 p.m.), and Father Edward Malloy, President Emeritus of the University of Notre Dame (Tuesday at 8:45 a.m.). 

Police chiefs from across the state were invited to participate. Registered chiefs included Chris Boyd of Citrus Heights, Jorge Cisneros of Huntington Park, Susan Manheimer of San Mateo, Manny Martinez of Daly City, Tom McCarthy of Dublin, Mike Meehan of Berkeley, Sylvia Moir of El Cerrito, Gary Morrison of Carlsbad, Jim Neujahr of Calexico, Cam Sanchez of Santa Barbara, Phillip Sanchez of Pasadena, Sandra Spagnoli of San Leandro, Dave Spiller of Pleasanton, Frank Steenport of Orange Cove, Greg Suhr of San Francisco, Neil Telford of San Bruno, and Diane Urban of Hayward. Sheriff’s attending include Ross Mirkarimi of San Francisco and Francisco Rivera of Lake County.

Proceeds from the symposium go to the Lieutenant Barbara Hammerman Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to Law Enforcement Leadership students who exemplify positive leadership in their profession and within the USF learning community.

In explaining the details of the symposium, Ribera commented, “USF is thrilled to be hosting this symposium. Our unique program, the International Institute of Criminal Justice Leadership, is dedicated to ethical leadership training for criminal justice managers, making our campus an appropriate venue for this prestigious event.”

The symposium took place in the McLaren Conference Center on USF’s main campus, Monday and Tuesday, January 9-10, beginning at 8 a.m.