Forums

The COPS Office brings together experts from a variety of disciplines to work together on leading challenges confronting the law enforcement field. Our forums strive to identify root causes, develop solutions and initiate the partnerships needed to address the topic successfully. Learn about our forums below.

IMPROVING THE IDENTIFICATION AND REPORTING OF HATE CRIMES

Law Enforcement Recruitment, Retention and Gender Diversity Forum October 29, 2018 • Washington, DC

On October 29 and 30, 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Hate Crimes Enforcement and Prevention Initiative hosted a law enforcement round table on Improving the Identification and Reporting of Hate Crimes in Washington, D.C. This one-and-a-half-day round table explored promising practices and challenges in identifying, reporting, and tracking hate crimes with the overarching goal of generating ideas for actionable steps both locally and for the greater law enforcement community. The round table focused on small group discussions but also included presentations from other law enforcement leaders, community advocates, and federal representatives.

LAW ENFORCEMENT RECRUITMENT, RETENTION, AND GENDER DIVERSITY FORUM

Law Enforcement Recruitment, Retention and Gender Diversity Forum March 1, 2018 • Washington, DC

Over 30 participants, including university students and law enforcement officials met at Howard University in Washington DC to discuss issues around gender diversity, recruitment, retention, and career planning in law enforcement. The COPS Office held this convening in partnership with the Walters Center, which has provided a forum for the voices of young people around police-related issues. The data and information gathered through the meeting will be disseminated through various mediums to increase awareness of strategies that can be implemented to increase law enforcement recruitment, especially for women. The final deliverable will provide law enforcement with feedback directly from college students and suggestions for how to recruit a more diverse cohort of law-enforcement professionals.

RANK AND FILE FORUM

2017 Rank and File Forum August 16, 2017 • Washington, DC

Over 35 officers representing police departments and sheriff's offices from across the country attended the “Rank and File Forum” held by the COPS Office, in partnership with Strategic Applications International (SAI), on August 16, 2017 in Washington, DC. Discussions focused on officer safety, wellness, and morale; strategies and tactics to reduce violent crime; and emerging issues in policing and strategies to support law enforcement.