Lindsey Alli, MBA, CLEE Sergeant, Cadet Program Coordinator, Recruiting Unit

Columbus Division of Police

Sergeant Lindsey Alli has been a dedicated and accomplished member of the Columbus Police Department for the past 13 years, serving the citizens of Franklin County, while striving to create unity between the community and the police.  Currently, she is a Recruiting Sergeant in charge of the Cadet Program, and Public Safety Corps (PSC) Youth Program. Prior to implementing the Cadet Program, a paid internship for young adults with a desire to be law enforcement professionals, Lindsey served 7 years as a Patrol Sergeant tasked with special assignments in the Crime Scene Search Unit and Recruiting. Throughout her career, she has been able to familiarize herself in various areas, taking on roles such as a Field Training Officer, Peer Assistance Team member, Crisis Intervention Team member, Employee Action Review System (EARS) committee member, Awards Committee member, an FOP Grievance Representative, and acquired a seat on the Columbus Civil Service Oral Board Grading Committee. Lindsey is an Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) Basic and Defensive Tactics instructor and assists as a guest instructor for The Columbus Division of Police Training Academy.

Furthering her experience as a protective force in the community, Lindsey became a member and instructor of the Teens and Police Service Academy (TAPS) in 2015 and began serving as President of The Ohio Women’s Law Enforcement Network (OWLEN), a seat she still holds in 2020. In addition to ensuring all local citizens benefit from her contributions, Lindsey has devoted time to issues that may not directly be in the forefront. She was the Vice Chair of Drug Safe Worthington (DSW) from 2017-2019, and in 2018, she was appointed to the Commission on Black Girls. This commission enables Lindsey to act as liaison between the law and young black females in need of government officials to shed light on inequities for the community. She is currently an active member of the African American and African Studies Advisory Council (AAASAC) for The Ohio State University and hopes to continue to have a positive impact with her guidance.

Lindsey obtained her Certified Law Enforcement Executive (CLEE) certification through the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) in 2020. She competed an Expert Witness Program at Capital University Law School in 2018 and earned her master’s degree in Business Management, with a concentration in Human Resources from Franklin University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from The Ohio State University. Go Bucks!

Vereen Barton, MAFP, MPhil Captain, Assistant Division Chief, Director of Investigative & OAO Services

Maryland-National Capital Park Police

Captain Vereen Barton, Asst. Division Chief with Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Prince George's County Division. Education is a priority for Vereen. She attended Butler, Argosy, and Walden University. She earned a bachelor's degree & two master's degrees (Arts Admin., Forensic Psychology and Philosophy). She is working on dissertation for her Doctorate in Forensic Psychology. Vereen was called to serve and has done so for 20+ years. Her career encompasses many areas of first responding to include law enforcement and rescue as a Fire Fighter/EMT, Police Dispatcher, and officer. She moved up the ranks and is currently the Asst. Chief of the Criminal Investigations, the Office of Accountability & Oversight, and Recruiting. Vereen is a 4-time recipient of the MPCTC instructor of the year. Her peers recognize her for excellence in recruiting, training, and program development. Vereen is a true visionary. She met the recruiting challenge by creating the first LE Career Fair in the DMV with a specific focus on public safety jobs. Over 30 agencies attended this event. This created a platform for networking and sharing best practices. Other recognition includes numerous meritorious awards, a Leadership, and Chief's Award. She received external recognition for her service to the community to include the 2019 MLK Award from the University of Maryland Hospital Center's Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Center, for her collaborative work with survivors of domestic violence. She received the Edward DeHavine Brown Community Service Award for her commitment to training citizens in CPR. Vereen has numerous professional certificates in various law enforcement leadership training. She is a certified MPCTC Instructor and teaches CPR, Tactical Emergency Casualty Care, Narcan, Ethics, and Report writing. Her organizational affiliation includes ΣΓΡ Sorority Inc., IACP, PERF, APA, and SPCP. She embodies her organization's brand, "Because We Care," demonstrating it in her daily work.

Davis Berryhill Director of Digital Strategy & Marketing

Epic Recruiting

Davis is a digital marketing and social media strategist. She graduated from The University of Arizona and began working in the field of content marketing with a technology support company for their digital advertising department. Now, as the Director of Marketing and Digital Strategy, her goal is to help clients develop strong connections with their customers via social media and digital marketing channels while crafting unique online marketing strategies to increase ROI internally.

Jennifer Beskid Director of Grants and Special Projects

Maryland Police & Correctional Training Commissions

Jennifer Beskid is the Acting Deputy Director of the Office of Government and Legislative Affairs for the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Previously, Jennifer held administrative positions with the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions, supporting two independent commissions that establish standards and training for law enforcement and correctional professionals. Ms. Beskid has recently completed research for a Doctorate in Education that is expected to be conveyed in May 2021. The focus of her research was gaining insight into the motivations of minority police recruits to complete the entrance-level police academy. Jennifer Beskid is the Acting Deputy Director of the Office of Government and Legislative Affairs for the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Previously, Jennifer held administrative positions with the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions, supporting two independent commissions that establish standards and training for law enforcement and correctional professionals. Ms. Beskid has recently completed research for a Doctorate in Education that is expected to be conveyed in May 2021. The focus of her research was gaining insight into the motivations of minority police recruits to complete the entrance-level police academy. 

Sam Blonder CEO

Epic Recruiting

Sam Blonder received a BFA in film production at the Savannah College of Art and Design.  In 2004 he co-founded Epic. Always keeping an eye out for new services and opportunities to expand and improve Epic’s portfolio, Sam has spent the last 15 years leveraging Epic's amazing team of creative and recruiting professionals to benefit their many law enforcement clients.

Mike Boward Sergeant - Police Personnel and Training Unit

Fort Collins Police

Mike Boward has over 25 years of law enforcement experience, including 22 years at his current agency in Fort Collins, Colorado.   He is currently a Sergeant assigned to the Fort Collins Police Personnel and Training Unit.   Previously he served as a Patrol Sergeant and a Training Officer in the Personnel and Training Unit where he coordinated recruiting, police officer hiring and background investigations.  Boward served as a Criminal Investigations Detective for over six years prior and was a Field Training Officer.   Boward has taught numerous courses locally and around the nation, including Recruiting and Hiring Strategies, Robbery Investigations, Auto Theft, and Criminal Interdiction.  He is a Lead Skills instructor in police driving and a firearms instructor, and instructs in police academies.  Boward earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Andrews University.

Candace Brown Captain/Paramedic, Shift Fire Investigator, EMS Supervisor

Lynchburg Fire Department

Titus E. Burgess Jr. Sergeant – Personnel and Recruiting Unit

Lynchburg Police Department

Sergeant Titus Burgess Jr. joined the Lynchburg Police Department in June 2009, a week out of high school, at the age of 18.  Titus started off as a Cadet until he was old enough to attend the police academy in January 2011.  After graduating the police academy Titus spent 5 years assigned to Field Operations and served as a Field Training Officer and Background Investigator.  Titus was awarded the Honorable Service Award in May 2014 for his work with the Boys and Girls Club.  After his Field Operations assignment Titus made Detective and spent 3 years with the Intelligence Unit.  While Titus was a Detective he served as a Gang Investigator, a member of the department’s Special Investigations Response Team, and was recognized as an expert in multiple jurisdictions for various facets of Intelligence work.  Titus is a Gang Specialist and a member of the Virginia Gang Investigators Association.  Titus was awarded multiple Team Achievement Awards and Officer of the Month while assigned as an Intelligence Detective.  Titus was promoted to Sergeant in May of 2019 and has served as a Sergeant in Field Operations and is currently over the Personnel and Recruiting Unit.  Titus is one of the agencies certified instructors and frequently instructs at the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy.  The topics Titus instructs on are Drug Enforcement, Basic Gang Training, and Officer Survival.  In June of 2019 Titus was awarded the outstanding instructor award presented by the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy.  Titus graduated from Central Virginia Community College here in Lynchburg with a degree in Administration of Justice with Magna Cum Laude honors.  Titus enjoys spending time with his family, going on camping trips, and is a huge Virginia Tech fan. 

Brandi Burque-DeCarlo, Ph.D. Psychologist, Owner, PRO Wellness Services PLLC

Bexar County Sheriff's Office

Salah Czapary Chief of Staff, Professional Development Bureau

Metropolitan Police Department

Marvin "Ben" Haiman Executive Director, Professional Development Bureau

Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department

Mr. Marvin Haiman serves as the Executive Director for the Professional Development Bureau. In this capacity, Mr. Haiman oversees the Metropolitan Police Department's Recruiting Division, Metropolitan Police Academy Division, Human Resource Management Division, Disciplinary Review Division, Testing and Assessment Division, and the Office of Volunteer Coordination.

Prior to being named Executive Director, Mr. Haiman served as the Director for the Office of Volunteer Coordination, Patrol Services, leading a team of 250 volunteers, including 90 part-time ‘reserve’ police officers. His team is responsible for a wide variety of engagement initiatives both within the Department and the broader community. Mr. Haiman previously served as the Chief of Staff for Technical Service Division, overseeing IT operations, following his time as Chief of Staff for the Strategic Services Bureau. In that capacity, he supported and led the administration of police recruitment, training, policy, and volunteer service matters for the Department.

Prior to returning to the Metropolitan Police Department, Mr. Haiman served as Director for the Homeland Security Advisory Council for the United States Department of Homeland Security, establishing several key task forces for the Secretary. Prior to his Federal service, Mr. Haiman served as the Deputy Director of the Recruiting Division and Volunteer Services Coordinator for the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington DC among various other positions. As Deputy Director of Recruiting, Mr. Haiman was responsible for restructuring the sworn hiring process, decreasing the amount of time it took to process candidates while increasing the quality of those officers hired.

Haiman graduated from The Johns Hopkins University with a Master’s Degree in Management through the Police Executive Leadership Program and has his undergraduate degree in mathematics from the University of Iowa and received designation as a Certified Public Management Program through George Washington University, as well as certification in Strategic Project Management. Mr. Haiman is also a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security’s Executive Leadership Program. Mr. Haiman also graduated from the Metropolitan Police Academy and served as a reserve police officer with the Metropolitan Police Department. Mr. Haiman resides with his family in Washington, DC, in the Michigan Park neighborhood.

Ryan Hampton Lieutenant

Metro Nashville Police Department

Joined Metropolitan Nashville Police Department in April of 2006. After graduating the police academy and completing the Field Training Program he was assigned to the South Precinct evening shift until January 2012. During this time he performed the duties of a patrol officer and was a member of the precinct’s Flex Unit. In 2009 he received the Police Officer of the Year award.

January of 2012 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant where he was assigned to the West Precinct overnight shift. During this time he supervised both patrol officers and Flex Team Officers.

July of 2014 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant where he was assigned back to the South Precinct evening shift and served as the patrol lieutenant. He has also served as a Precinct Accountability and Compliance Lieutenant and currently oversees the agencies Background and Recruitment Unit.

Lieutenant Ryan Hampton holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of West Florida. He has also completed the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command and PERF - Senior Management Institute for Police.

Cliff Knight Sergeant

Metro Nashville Police Department

Sergeant Cliff Knight joined the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department in 2005.  He was assigned to the Patrol Division in Central Precinct as a patrolman and a member of the Flex Team. 

In 2009, he served as a detective in the Domestic Violence Division for 6 years.  During his service as a detective, Sergeant Knight was instrumental in the development of the Victim Intervention Program, was part of the Violent Felony Warrant Team, and was named Detective of the Year in 2012.

In 2015, Sergeant Knight was promoted to Sergeant and served the overnight shift as a Patrol Supervisor in Central Precinct and South Precinct.  He then was assigned to the Recruitment Unit where he currently serves as the Recruitment Section Sergeant and supervises four officers as recruiters for the police department.

Sergeant Knight holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Science in Public Service Management from Cumberland University.

Natalie Lokey Deputy Chief

Metro Nashville Police Department

Deputy Chief Kay Lokey began her career with the Metropolitan Police Department in 1996, as a patrol officer. Later she would serve as a School Resource officer, certified to teach both DARE and GREAT programs. After her promotion to Sergeant in 2004, she was assigned to the Training Division.

With a promotion to Lieutenant in 2006, she would serve the evening shift at the Hermitage Precinct where she supervised five sergeants and oversaw the daily duties of thirty-five patrol officers. In 2008, Deputy Chief Lokey assumed duties in the Background and Recruitment Division.

Deputy Chief Lokey was promoted to Captain in 2010 and would serve in the Central Records Division until her appointment to the Domestic Violence Division in 2012, where she developed and implemented new procedures related to victim intervention and outreach.

In 2014, Deputy Chief Lokey was promoted to Commander of the Midtown Hills Precinct where she developed strong community ties between officers and the diverse neighborhoods they serve, evaluated crime data, and provided direction and resources to address important public safety issues.

In 2020, Deputy Chief Lokey was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police and assigned to the Administrative Services Bureau, where she currently serves.

Deputy Chief Lokey holds a Bachelor of Arts Management from Trevecca Nazarene University and a Master’s of Science in Public Service Management from Cumberland University.

In 2004, she completed the Police Supervision and Leadership program. In 2009, she attended the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Leadership in Police Organizations training program.

In 2011, Deputy Chief Lokey attended the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) at Boston University and staffed by instructors from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. She also attended the Southeastern Command and Leadership Academy.

Deputy Chief Lokey is a member of the National Association of Women in Law Enforcement Executives.

Karen Mory Senior Special Agent (Retired)

California Department of Correction and Rehabilitation

Senior Special Agent Karen Mory retired in 2020 after 27 years of law enforcement experience with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Office of Correctional Safety (OCS). She began as a correctional counselor in the custody setting then promoted to field work as a parole agent (PA) and a PA II Specialist on a Fugitive Apprehension and Gang Intelligence team(cross-sworn with the US Marshalls).  Karen culminated her career with twelve years as a special agent in the CDCR Special Service Unit (SSU) while cross-sworn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), working high-profile prison gang, firearms and narcotics, and drug cartel investigations. Ultimately, she promoted to senior special agent over the San Diego SSU field office during the last few years of her career. She was a Tactical Firearms and Entry Operations Instructor, Master Taser and Confidential Informant (CI) Management trainer, an OCS Academy instructor, a certified Crisis Negotiator, and developed departmental policies for CI Management, Naloxone Use, and Case Management, among others. Retired SSA Mory recruited and mentored women and men in law enforcement careers and continues to do so today.

Mandy Nice Tactical Program Manager

National Strength and Conditioning Association

Mandy Nice has over 15 years of experience developing and implementing physical fitness and wellness programs that measurably improve the strength and resilience of tactical athletes and civilians.  Her science-based, results-focused approach has consistently produced positive results that have earned national-level awards for measurably improving employee health, fitness, and quality-of-life.  Mandy actively serves as a guest speaker at state, national and international law enforcement conferences to help share scalable best practices for sustainable success.  To further support agencies, Mandy also serves as the Tactical Program Manager of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).  She is responsible for fully equipping members of law enforcement and fire/rescue with the essential research, training, tools, and resources to establish safe tactical athletic programs that optimize job readiness while reducing injury risk.  Mandy’s greatest motivator is helping members of law enforcement and fire/rescue optimize their fitness and health so that they can enjoy strong, rewarding careers and long, healthy retirements.

Shannon Purkiss Officer

San Antonio Police Department

Shannon Purkiss has been with the San Antonio Police Department since 2010. She is currently working with the DUI Traffic Unit and has experience investigating and processing major accidents involving serious bodily injury or fatalities with a focus on intoxicated drivers.  Prior to her extensive work with DUI enforcement and investigations, she became a subject matter expert in crisis intervention. Passionate about her work, Officer Purkiss has devoted her time creating training courses on crisis intervention, mental health intervention and officer/community engagement.  She has taught classes with Winner’s Circle Tactical Solutions on community engagement and crisis intervention in cities like Baltimore in collaboration with their local police department to mend community trauma and increase resilience.

Sabrina Richardson, B.S. Captain

New Orleans Police Department

Adam Sexton Lieutenant, Criminal Investigations

Lynchburg Police Department

Lieutenant Adam Sexton joined the Lynchburg Police Department in June of 1999 at the age of 20.  After graduating the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy, Adam spent 4 years assigned to the Field Operations patrol Division where he served in a patrol capacity assigned within a patrol beat. Also during this time Adam served as a Bike Patrol Officer, Project Lifesaver Team member and Field Training Officer.  Adam was then selected to serve as a school resource officer for E.C. Glass high school with over 1200 students.  During his time as a School Resource Officer Adam was certified as a gang expert and coordinated the Lynchburg area Youth of Virginia Speak Out (YOVASO) program.  After 4 years of service as an SRO Adam returned to Field Operations where he served as a relief supervisor and continued his work as a Field Training Officer.  Also during this time Adam was selected to be a part of the crime scene unit where he served in a on call capacity.  Adam Graduated from the Virginia Forensic Science Academy 83^rd session in 2013. Adam was then selected to serve as a field detective and community liaison.  During this time Adam focused on community building by strengthening relationships with the LPD and various community stakeholders.  Adam was promoted to Sergeant in 2016 and was assigned to Field Operations.  In 2019 Adam was promoted to LT and is currently assigned to Criminal Investigations where he oversees 3 Sgt, 9 Detectives, 6 Crime scene Detectives and 3 Digital evidence examiners.  In his free time Adam enjoys working out religiously, the Washington football team and spending quality family time by making trips to the beach and mountains. 

Melanie A. Talia, J.D. President & CEO

New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation

A native of New Orleans, Melanie Talia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of New Orleans and a Juris Doctorate from Loyola School of Law.  Since 2009, Ms. Talia has served as President and CEO of the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation.  In addition to executing the strategic goals of the Foundation, Ms. Talia oversees a targeted focus on the New Orleans Police Department as the Foundation plays a critical role in advancing constitutional policing, performance-based training, positive community engagement, and recruitment and retention efforts for the NOPD.  Prior to joining the Foundation, Ms. Talia was an Assistant District Attorney in Orleans Parish for 17 years where she prosecuted white-collar crimes, public corruption, capital cases and other violent offenses.  Outside the office, Ms. Talia can be found in the gym, spending time with her dogs, indulging her oenophilia, and enjoying all things New Orleans.

Antoinette Tull Chief Executive Officer

Hurtle, LLC

Antoinette Tull is the former Human Resources Division Chief for the Richmond City (VA) Police Department. In this role for more than 13 years, Antoinette passionately led the charge for more diversity, inclusion and belonging in law enforcement, both locally and nationally. With more than 20 years as a certified human resources professional, she has created multiple strategies to address the complex workforce challenges faced by law enforcement, fire personnel and emergency communications agencies. Several of which have been replicated nationwide.

January 2021 marks the re-launch of her boutique HR consulting firm, HURTLE, LLC, created in 2017 to focus specifically on the training and development of forward-thinking public safety agencies and executives.

HURTLE, LLC ensures Antoinette remains focused on her areas of expertise, which include, Recruitment & Staffing; Employee Relations; Risk Management and Organizational Development & Training.

Antoinette’s HR-centric presentations combine storytelling, audio-visual aids, up to date statistics and proven methodologies designed to identify, address and dismantle systemic structures that impede collaborative progress.

Her most popular engagements include; Promising Practices in Police Retention, powered by (IACP) The International Association of Chiefs of Police-Chicago, IL; Presenter - Inclusive & Diverse Talent Acquisition for 21st Century Public Safety, sponsored by the City of Fayetteville, NC; Recruitment and Retention Strategies for Budget Restricted Agencies @ The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Conference sponsored by Charlotte-Mecklenburg County, NC; Social Media Madness and Backgrounds sponsored by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs; Is Bias Hiding in Your Hiring Process @ The Bending the Arc towards Inclusion Conference, sponsored by the City of Charlottesville, Virginia.

Kevin White Program Director

New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation