The Richmond Police Department
is proud to bring law enforcement officers from across the country and around
the world to Richmond next week as the Department hosts the Social Media the Internet and Law
Enforcement Conference (SMILE).
The conference will be held Monday, September 10, through
Wednesday, September 12, at the Omni Hotel, and include presentations about
social media and law enforcement on topics such as public relations, criminal
investigations and emergency management.
“We look forward to having law enforcement
authorities from around the country and around the world here in Richmond to
discuss new methods of policing and community engagement,” Mayor Dwight C. Jones said. “Crime cannot be deterred by law
enforcement alone as it requires the efforts of the entire community to truly
make an impact. By improving the collaboration between the Richmond Police
Department and city residents, we are making Richmond a safe place to live,
work and play.”
Police Chief Bryan T. Norwood said he is honored the
Department will host such an event.
“This conference is a great way
for the Richmond Police Department to share its experiences and to learn about
the many ways police agencies around the world are using social media to
investigate crimes and foster great relationships within our communities,” Chief Norwood said.
Chief Norwood will discuss RPD’s
social media successes during a chief’s panel on Monday, September 10, with Roanoke City Police Chief Chris Perkins
and Galax Police Chief Rick Clark.
Some of the other speakers and
topics include:
· FBI Assistant Director Joe Demarest will
talk about combating the cyber threat when it comes to emerging trends in
national security;
· A panel
featuring Richmond Police Sgt. Mike
Phibbs, the city’s own Andreas
Addison and others explaining how police agencies can balance community
participation without being Big Brother; and,
· Toronto Police Constable Nathan Dayler giving
examples of just how essential it is for law enforcement and emergency agencies
to work together and use social media during emergency management incidents,
such as the London riots and the Occupy demonstrations.
Six international award winners of the ConnectedCOPS
awards will also be announced on Tuesday morning. They represent the best work
in law enforcement use of social media from nominations that came from eight countries.
Learn more about the conference
at www.TheSmileConference.com
