In an era where communication is instantaneous and omnipresent, the OACP 2024 Crisis and Strategic Communications Conference will help police professionals navigate the complex landscape of crisis management. This conference promises a deep dive into critical case studies and invaluable lessons that shape the future of crisis and strategic communications.
Law enforcement organizations face a number of complex and challenging challenges when communicating with multiple audiences. Corporate communication and media relations professionals play an integral role in delivering effective policing by fulfilling their legislated responsibilities regarding public transparency, enhancing public trust and confidence, and supporting increasingly complex investigations.
Preparing for and managing the inevitable crises that police professionals face is critical in today’s hyper-fast communications environment. Police communicators must not only respond effectively to a crisis but also be strategic thinkers who can anticipate and prepare police leaders to navigate the many challenges facing policing today.
Sessions:
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Keynote Speaker
'Police Resiliency and Critical Incident Mindset'
Joshua Bitsko
Captain, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (Ret.) & Co-Founder of Bitsko Consulting
About Joshua Bitsko |
Joshua Bitsko has been a law enforcement professional for 23 years and has held a variety of positions to include K9 Handler, K9 Training Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Internal Affairs Lieutenant, Policy and Procedure Lieutenant, Commander of the Las Vegas Resort Corridor, and Commander over the Health, Wellness, and Safety Bureau. He has a BA in Public Administration and is an experienced instructor with over 18 years of teaching both law enforcement employees and community members. Josh responded to the largest mass shooting incident in US history, the 1 October Massacre, as a tactical element. Josh was one of three people to breach the suspect’s door and led a team of officers to make entry and clear the suspect’s room. Josh was also the incident commander over a mass stabbing incident on the Las Vegas Strip. This gives him unique insight on both the stressors of being on the front lines during an active shooter, and the pressures of leading a police response when lives are at stake. He has spoken around the country about the 1 October massacre, to include to the Secret Service at the White House. After action de-briefs and trainings often fail to include the emotional aftermath of our first responder community in the years following critical incidents. Josh can provide personal insight into the struggles of post-traumatic stress, and strategies to assist in processing trauma. Through his first-hand experiences, Josh can not only provide guidance and training for law enforcement professionals facing the most extreme critical incidents, but also describe the mindset necessary for proper critical incident preparedness, response, and processing the aftermath. |
Case Study: Handling Cross-Jurisdictional Communications When a Crisis Hits
The Murder of Cst. Andrew Hong, Toronto Police Service
Toronto Police Service
Peel Regional Police
Hamilton Police Service
Case Study: The January 6 Attacks on the U.S. Capitol
Paris Lewbel, Deputy Director, Office of Communications, DC Metropolitan Police Department
Lee Lepe, Public Information Officer, DC Metropolitan Police Department
Lessons Learned: Handling Public Protests, Demonstrations, and Encampment Through a Communications Lens
Lindsay Nykoluk, Communications Strategist, Calgary Police Service
Brittany Klassen, Communications Strategist, Calgary Police Service
Networking Opportunity
Thursday, October 10, 2024
Political Acumen for Successful Leadership in Strategic & Crisis Communications
Tim Hudak, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Real Estate Association
Charles Payette, Associate Deputy Chief, Peel Regional Police
David Mullock, Manager Government Relations, Waterloo Regional Police Service
Alison Sparkes, Chief of Staff, Toronto Police Service
Dr. José Luís (Joe) Couto, Director of Government Relations & Communications, OACP
Lessons Learned - TBA
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Brave New World: The Implications of Artificial Intelligence for Police Communications
Deputy Chief Anthony Odoardi, Peel Regional Police
Frank Fazio, Founder, CySAT Security Inc.
Lessons Learned: Communications Crisis Management - Navigating the Kansas City Super Bowl Parade Tragedy of 2024
Captain Jacob Becchina, Kansas City Missouri Police Department
Registration
Register now to secure your spot at this Conference! You just don't want to miss it!
Registration Fee: $399 + HST
*Registration Fee includes coffee breaks, lunch on both days and networking opportunity on the evening of Oct 9.
Accommodation
A block of rooms has been reserved at:
Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls
6700 Fallsview Boulevard
Niagara Falls, ON