March 2016 Volume 2016, Issue 2

Leadership · Partner · Serve · Guide · Empower

Promoting Professionalism in Policing

More than four years ago, the White House issued a national strategy calling for the development of partnerships between police and communities to counter vio-lent extremism. This report contains the results of a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and promise of this strate-gic approach to preventing violent extrem-ism. It is based on a nationwide survey of law enforcement agencies and hundreds of hours of interviews and site visits with police departments and community members around the country.

Based on this research, we reached two fundamental conclusions. First, policing agencies face multiple obstacles to creating community partnerships focused on prevent-ing acts of violent extremism. But, second, some policing agencies are following a set of promising practices which, if applied effec-tively, can result in increasing trust between the police and the communities they serve. These trusting relationships can serve as a platform for addressing many public safety threats, including, but not limited to, violent extremism. The Challenge

Policing agencies are unlikely to be suc-cessful in creating partnerships to address violent extremism until they establish trust-ing relationships with the communities they serve.

This is especially true with respect to Muslim American communities, which have experienced significant trauma since 9/11 and have deep concerns about how they are

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treated by the government. Police outreach and engagement efforts are viewed with some suspicion by Muslim Americans for a number of reasons.

First, Muslim Americans perceive they are being unfairly assigned a collective responsibility to attempt to curb violent extremism inspired by al Qaeda, ISIS, and other likeminded groups, but other com-munities are not being asked to address anti-government, racist, and other forms of extremism. Our research confirmed that while many policing agencies have robust efforts to conduct outreach with Muslim Americans, they do not have organized, overt efforts to reach out to non-Mus-lim communities that may be targeted for recruitment by anti-government, racist, or other extremist movements.

Second, some Muslim Americans believe that policing outreach and engagement ini-tiatives may be linked with efforts to conduct surveillance on Muslim American individuals and organizations.

Third, even though most Muslim Americans have favorable impressions of local law enforcement, they see outreach and engagement efforts as part of a federal counter-terrorism program. Their unpleasant experiences with federal agencies, especially with respect to airport security and immigra-tion control, taint their support for partner-ships with policing agencies.

We also found that willingness to develop partnerships with the police depends on how effectively the police address other,

Homeland Security News

ILETSB Executive InstituteCenter for Homeland Security Leadership

PG1: Using Community Policing to Prevent Violent ExtremismPG2: Connecting Social Work and Homeland SecurityPG3: School and Campus Safety PG4: Stop.Think.Connect/ Upcoming ILETSBEI EventsPG5: CHSL Information

The FEMA Emergency Management Institute has online courses available at no cost. Click here to visit the EMI website.

The Challenge and Promise of Using Community Policing Strategies to Prevent Violent ExtremismBy David Schanzer, Charles Kurzman, Jessica Toliver, & Elizabeth Miller

In January 2016, the Triangle Center on Terrorism and Homeland Security at Sanford School of Public Policy of Duke University released the report assessing the Obama Administration’s national strategy for using community policing approaches to prevent violent extremism. It identifies challenges that police face when using outreach and engagement strategies to address violent extremism as well as a set of promising practices police agencies should consider adopting.

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foundation for police relations with Muslim American communities as well as other communities that have been targeted for recruitment by violent extremists. These relationships can be a platform for honoring and respecting the human rights of Muslim American citizens while at the same time advancing the community and national interest of preventing terrorism.

These promising practices include deep leadership com-mitment to community engagement, broad based engage-ment efforts that span multiple communities, ensuring that police forces are trained in outreach techniques and cultural competency, hiring a diverse police force, using outreach to address the core needs of the community, and finding ways to divert individuals away from the criminal justice system when possible by providing them the resources and assistance they need.

To read the full report, click HERE. It was reprinted with permission by the authors.

non-terrorism related, public safety concerns of the commu-nity. Some Muslim American communities believe that their public safety concerns are not being fully addressed by the police and therefore are not interested in engaging on other issues.

Finally, developing effective community outreach and engagement programs is also difficult for the police because the programs absorb significant resources and may detract from other police priorities. Community policing programs require staffing, specialized training, and interpreters or intensive language classes for officers – all at a time when many police departments around the country are experienc-ing budgetary stress. Furthermore, we found that preventing violent extremism, while a pressing national issue, is not a top priority for local police that must address violent crime, drugs, gangs, and a host of other public safety concerns. The Promise

Despite these and other obstacles, many policing agen-cies have made progress in establishing strong, trusting relationships with their Muslim American communities that the police believe have advanced public safety. Widespread adoption of these “promising practices” would provide a firm

Making Connections: Connecting Social Work and Homeland SecurityBy Lauren Settles, ILETSBEI-WIU Practicum Student

Making a DifferenceI have made it my life’s mission to

help improve the quality of life and enhance the wellbeing of individuals, families, couples, groups, and com-munities. Who am I you ask? I am a social worker. I am a counselor, case manager, guide, mentor, advocate, researcher, and mediator.

Homeland security is safety and resilience against terrorism and other hazards and disasters. Homeland

security is making our homes and communities a safer place. Securing our homeland requires constant vigilance and determination to prepare for, prevent, respond to, and recover from terrorism and other threats.Making the Connections

While the connection between social work and homeland security might not be obvious, it is important, especially in efforts to establish collaboration in the community to recog-nize the relationship we share.

The connection might begin with a tornado destroying a small town in Illinois or the terrorist attack of 9/11. The tragic events that homeland security helps to combat and prevent not only affect communities and neighborhoods we live in, but also the individuals, families, couples, and groups that live in them. Homeland security is responding to the event and communities to help them recover on a larger scale. Like law enforcement, social workers impact indi-viduals, families, and communities on every scale, helping with the effects of trauma like PTSD, social isolation, anx-iety, depression, and suicidal ideation; and advocating for

everyone affected (including first responders). Our connec-tion to each other is nothing short of doing our best to keep the people and communities we serve safe and to ensure they get the help they need after tragedy hits. We are not only helping the people and the communities, but also the first responders, firefighters, EMTs, and other disaster relief initiatives like the American Red Cross. Deciphering the Differences

Sometimes we may not always see eye to eye due to ethi-cal restrictions in the social work profession (e.g., relationship rights for the LGBTQ community and undocumented immi-grants). However, confidentiality is one of the core values of the profession that has clear ethical and practical implica-tions. It is important to maintain the trust of the people being served and this can be an issue when it comes to homeland security. Striking a balance between the social work pro-fession and cooperation with homeland security efforts can create unique and successful community partnerships where both sides understand and respect the operating environ-ment of social work and law enforcement.Importance of Relationships

Learning about these relationships creates a better part-nership, making it easier to help individuals, families, and communities. This results in easier and efficient access to resources for victims and clients, which builds trust in com-munities and enables effective policing and positive commu-nity involvement. We are all better equipped to perform our day to day jobs when we make the connections.

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2016 National School Response Conference and ExhibitBy Bob Elliot, ILETSBEI School and Campus Safety Program Manager, rl-elliott@wiu.edu

The National School Response Conference and Exhibit brought together public safety officers, educators, and safe school advocates from around the country. I provide a synop-sis of four presentations that were especially beneficial and may have application in Illinois. The common theme of all presentations was school and campus safety. However, each of the four I describe provide a different aspect. “Creating a Positive School Climate,” “Trauma First Aid for Schools,” “Mobile Emergency Response Plan,” and “The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander” each provide a perspective we should consider as it relates to our preparedness efforts.

How school climate affects school safety was presented by Ms. Cheryl Spittler M. Ed. of Colorado. She serves as a secondary teacher who is also an adjunct professor at the University of Northern Colorado. Her message will reso-nate with faculty, staff, and administrators. The presentation included interactive and challenging information regarding the attitudes and beliefs of school climate and the influence climate has on student feelings of safety. Specific topics cov-ered included four dimensions of school climate, setting high expectations for climate change, mitigating bullying’s influ-ence on student learning, improving student behavior, and the importance of staff morale.

It may be uncomfortable to consider an event result-ing in serious injury to students, faculty, or staff but the immediate actions taken or not taken may be the differ-ence between life and death. “Trauma First Aid for Schools” provided attendees both classroom and hands-on training on bleeding control. The instructor, former Navy corpsman John Crowley, possesses extensive first-hand knowledge and experience needed to save a life, focusing on the “Platinum Ten” minutes. The course content is based on his extensive experience treating catastrophic gunshot and explosion-re-lated wounds in combat and reinforces the necessity to act immediately to prevent death. He was selected as the 2015 Military Medic of the year and is a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for Valor recipient.

Every school has an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). However, how accessible is it for faculty and staff to review or for an administrator to access and revise? The Mobile Emergency Response Plan or MERP is an effort to increase accessibility by getting the plan off “the shelf” and into the

hands of those who would actual apply the plan. During the conference, attendees were exposed to the MERP App while participating in a tabletop exercise using various school sce-narios. The App provides a platform for access to the EOP from mobile devices even with no internet signal. A bus driver, custodian, or other school employee could have access at any time using a tablet or cell phone. The instructor, Mr. Gary L. Sigrist, is a nationally known speaker, consultant, author, and expert on emergency preparedness and is an adjunct professor at Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio. Gary served as the 2016 National School Conference chair-man. Every school administrator and school resource officer is aware of the negative aspects of bullying. In her presenta-tion, “The Bully, The Bullied, and the Bystander”, Ms. Barbara Coloroso added depth and breadth to the issue, sharing con-cepts such as recognition of the triad of bullying and offering proven solutions and strategies to help those who are bullied and to hold accountable and reform those who bully. Barbara is an international bestselling author and for the past 40 years an internationally recognized speaker and consultant on parenting, teaching, school discipline, positive school climate, bullying, grieving, nonviolent conflict resolution, and restor-ative justice. Ms. Coloroso has appeared on Oprah, CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, NPR, CBC, CTV, and BBC and has been featured in the New York Times, Globe and Mail, Time, U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek, and other national and interna-tional publications.

The 2017 National School Response Conference and Exhibit will take place next January in Las Vegas. For more information on attending or presenting, contact the organiz-ers at info@schoolresponseconference.org.

School and Campus Safety Events

The School Safety Advocacy Council National School Safety Conference is taking place on July 25-29, 2016, in Orlando, Florida. This is the largest and most comprehensive conference focused on all the aspects of school safety and security. The goal of this conference is to bring together the most knowledgeable and internationally renowned present-ers to provide the highest quality professional development possible (www.schoolsafety911.org/event.html).

The National School Safety Leadership Academy will be held November 10-11, 2016, in Palm Springs, California. This is a professional development course for United States and International Law Enforcement and Educational leaders. The goal is to improve the administration of overall school safety strategies and districts and schools at home and abroad to assure school safety is a priority in the overall educational process (www.schoolsafety911.org/event30.html).

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Stop.Think.Connect. is the Department of Homeland Security’s Campaign to generate public awareness and understanding of the threats on the internet and to encour-age safe online behavior. With an ever increasing number of Americans becoming connected to the internet and an increasing threat of cyber-attacks, the demand for greater security has increased as well. Keeping this in mind, the Department of Homeland Security set out to provide simple, easy-to-understand resources and tips to help ensure Americans’ safety and security while using the internet. The Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign was first launched in October of 2010 and has since then pursued three main goals.

Elevating the nation’s awareness of how cybersecurity is associated with the safety of our personal lives and national security is the first goal. Stop.Think.Connect.’s website is full of tips and resources that any company, agency, community, or individual can use and share. Within the Toolkit, there is a section for Law Enforcement that has several resources to help combat and report cybercrime, as well as spread cybersecurity awareness in the community. There are several other sections within the Toolkit that address different audiences and can be used to spread awareness and safety tips that are simple and easy-to-understand.

Stop. Think. Connect.By Brock Merritt, ILETSBEI Graduate Assistant

Engaging the American public, the private sector, and the state and local governments in our nation’s effort to improve cybersecurity is the second goal of this Campaign. The web-site contains several different links and resources that can help anyone, individual or group, get involved and improve cybersecurity. Free promotional material can be downloaded that helps spread awareness and even supplies simple tips

and reminders. Stop.Think.Connect.

has a Campaign blog that contains the latest cyber-security news and tips to help internet users stay safe. This Campaign blog is key for the third goal, which is to communicate approaches and strate-gies for the public to keep themselves, their fami-lies and their communi-

ties safer online. There are links within the Campaign blog to other websites for more information regarding the topic being discussed, as well as links to other resources located in the Stop.Think.Connect. website that coincide with the blog topic.

Stop.Think.Connect has made it easy to spread awareness and help protect yourself, your family, and colleagues, all while keeping the nation safer. To learn more or get involved in the Campaign, contact stopthinkconnect@dhs.gov, or visit https://www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect.

April 12-13, 2016MARRIOTT HOTEL, NORMAL, ILLINOIS

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Institute is pleased to announce the 2016 Women in Criminal Justice Conference. This event brings together executives, managers, and supervisors to examine critical issues that challenge today’s law enforcement agencies.

CALL FOR PRESENTATIONSNEW DEADLINE: June 1, 2016

The 2016 Illinois Problem-Oriented Policing Conference will be September 28 - 29, 2016 at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Naperville, Illinois.The annual Illinois Problem-Oriented Policing Conference is designed to bring law enforcement executives, managers, and supervisors together to examine critical issues that challenge today’s law enforcement organization. Problem-Oriented Policing emphasizes the need to engage both internally and externally in a number of areas.

Click Here to Submit a Proposal

Center for Homeland Security Leadership

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Center for Homeland Security LeadershipILETSB Executive Institute

Western Illinois University Phone: 309-298-2646

Fax: 309-298-2642www.iletsbei.com

Administration(Click on a name to send an email)

Susan C. Nichols, MS Ed Jeffrey A. Fritz Director Deputy Director

Project Staff

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Eric C. ArnoldProgram Manager

Laura BlackClerk

Cindi BrickerFiscal Officer

Edie CasellaPublic/Private Partnerships

Ron ClarkStatewide Inventory Coordinator

Abby DammCommunity Resilience Coordinator

Bob ElliottSchool and Campus Safety Program

Nicholas GreyDisaster Intelligence Officer

Joanne Kurt-Hilditch, PhDManager of Research & Development

Mia LangheimSchool Intelligence Officer

Jenessa M. LundgrenProgram Manager

Emilie E. PayneRegistrar

Julie PfeiferHS Education and Outreach Coordinator

Ashley ReichertCritical Infrastructure Specialist

Alana SorrentinoEmergency Management Intelligence Officer

Jim WolfPlanning and Logistic Coordinator