Phoenix Police Foundation provides up-close look at law enforcement
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
The Phoenix Police Foundation hosted its first Leadership in Law Enforcement event Friday, Jan. 20, at the Arizona Biltmore Resort.
Proponents of the event created it to help bring local businesspeople and law enforcement personnel closer together to find collaboration opportunities and hear from local experts on new and emerging challenges in the profession.
The event had nearly 100 guests in attendance including business leaders, elected officials and community members from across the Valley of the Sun. Panelists were:
- Phoenix Chief of Police Michael Sullivan;
- Maricopa County prosecutor Rachel Mitchell;
- FBI special agent in charge Akil Davis; and
- Retired Navy SEAL and current attorney-at-law Josh Butner.
Prior to the event, registered attendees had an opportunity to submit questions for panelists to address. During the panel, emceed by Mike Broomhead of KTAR and AZTV, each guest shared unique experiences working within law enforcement and for the state of Arizona and answered many other relevant questions.
“We are thrilled by the impact and success of this first-time event bringing the community, business leaders and law enforcement together to network and support the next generation of law enforcement.” said Timothy Thomas, president of the Phoenix Police Foundation. “Given the success of this year’s event, we look forward to creating more opportunities to collaborate for the greater good of Phoenix.”
Topics included evolving technology in law enforcement, recruitment of minority people and women at the Phoenix Police Department, how local and federal law enforcement agencies work together and the latest trends in crimes and prevention strategies. Panelists also discussed planning in place to ensure the Valley remains safe during the upcoming Superbowl and Waste Management Open in February.
Funds raised during the Phoenix Police Foundation event is earmarked for the next generation of leadership in law enforcement — the cadets of the Phoenix Police Department. The cadet program has more than 40 active cadets, of which more than half are female. The program teaches young adults between the ages of 14 and 20, leadership skills, law enforcement training, and how to build community relationships.
Monies raised will help update equipment as well as purchase uniforms, competition entry fees, and more for the cadets, according to Phoenix Police Foundation officials.
