MovementForward, Inc.

We are pleased to invite our law enforcement partners to take advantage of the Professionalizing Law Enforcement-Community Engagement Training (PLECET) National Conference. This groundbreaking training conference offers varied classes, programs, workshops, and expert-led sessions designed to strengthen and innovate how agencies approach community engagement. The 2025 PLECET National Conference is set to be held at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, IL, June 4th - 8th. This transformative event will feature a robust curriculum, and an extensive array of programs tailored to advance the critical field of community engagement within law enforcement. Visit plecetconference2025.org as soon as possible to learn more and submit registration forms. If you have any questions, please contact the national office at [email protected]. #CommunityEngagement #LawEnforcement #LECEN #PLECET

?? We had the pleasure of speaking with Tameka Paige, Public Information Officer at the Roanoke City Sheriff Office, about the innovative Blue Envelope Initiative. This program is making a real difference in how law enforcement interacts with individuals with autism. Tameka highlighted a crucial point: "A lot of times when folks are stopped, you immediately get antsy... What did I do? Am I in trouble?" This anxiety is amplified for autistic individuals who may struggle with communication and interpreting social cues. Officers, trained to expect certain responses, can find these situations challenging. ?? The “aha” moment comes with understanding the Blue Envelope’s solution. The envelope acts as a bridge, clearly communicating an individual's communication needs to the officer before any misunderstanding arises. As Tameka eloquently stated, "providing a bridge that allows the officer and the person stopped to communicate, whereas before, that may not have been the case," is invaluable. The information contained within – whether indicating verbal/nonverbal status or providing contact information – helps de-escalate potentially tense situations and fosters better understanding. This initiative perfectly embodies the value of our Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network (LECEN). LECEN is dedicated to providing best practices and resources to help law enforcement agencies across the nation build stronger relationships with their communities. We believe that by connecting, developing, and collaborating, we can create safer and more inclusive environments for everyone. Discover more about LECEN's vital work and how you can help build safer, more inclusive communities. Visit https://lnkd.in/ebG7RSpn today! #autismawareness #lawenforcement #communityengagement #lecen

The 2025 Professionalizing Law Enforcement-Community Engagement Training (PLECET) national conference is set for June 4-8 in Chicago, Illinois. Watch and share the official video announcement! @followers

?? Reflecting on a pivotal conversation with Chief Virgil Green from the Golden Valley Police Department, we're inspired by his journey in founding the You And The Law Podcast Show. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, Chief Green and his colleague, Chief Keith Humphrey, MBA, saw an opportunity to address the pressing issues within policing. Their vision was simple yet profound: "What are your rights when police officers come in contact with you?" This question became the foundation for their podcast, creating a platform for honest dialogue about necessary changes in policing. ?? Over nearly five years, "You and The Law" has evolved into a vital space for weekly discussions, particularly focusing on individuals who often find themselves at the center of these conversations. It’s a testament to the power of open communication and education in fostering understanding between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Our organization shares a similar commitment through the Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network (LECEN). We offer ongoing resources that include best practices, peer support, and cutting-edge research aimed at professionalizing community engagement efforts nationwide. LECEN's mission is to build a trusted network where law enforcement professionals can connect, develop, and collaborate effectively. Discover how LECEN supports these efforts through resources and collaboration. Share your thoughts below! Website: https://lnkd.in/ebG7RSpn #communityengagement #opendialogue #lawenforcement #lecen #communityconnection

?? Keith Humphrey, MBA, Chief of Police at the University of Memphis Police Department, shared profound insights on fostering a deeper connection between law enforcement and communities. A pivotal moment from the conversation was when Chief Humphrey addressed the challenges police departments face in maintaining community trust amid incidents like those involving George Floyd. He posed an essential question: "How do we overcome setbacks to consistently win the confidence of our communities?" It's a reminder of the ongoing journey toward transparency and mutual understanding. ?? Chief Humphrey highlighted two significant issues: the need for consistent community trust and the nationwide decline in police recruitment. Many potential recruits are deterred by their perceived lack of respect and safety concerns, which only underscores the importance of rebuilding trust. In alignment with these values, our initiative, the Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network (LECEN), serves as a vital resource. LECEN offers best practices, peer support, and industry expertise for those in community engagement roles within law enforcement agencies. Our mission is to professionalize these efforts, creating a trusted network where members can connect, develop, and collaborate. Discover more about our commitment to enhancing community trust and professionalizing engagement efforts with the Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network (LECEN). Visit our website to join this vital movement: https://lnkd.in/ebG7RSpn #lawenforcement #buildingtrust #policerecruitment #lecen

?? In a interview with Lieutenant James Gunter from the Methuen Police Department, we delved into the crucial topic of maintaining mental and physical health while managing the demanding responsibilities of law enforcement. One key takeaway Lt. Gunter shared is the importance of prioritizing self-care: "When you take care of yourself first, everybody else gets a better version of you." ?? Lt. Gunter emphasized that balancing work and personal life requires intentional effort. He candidly admitted that, for years, he struggled to find this balance. However, he realized that focusing on mental, physical, and spiritual well-being is essential. His daily routine now includes early morning gym sessions, not just for physical fitness but to nurture his mental health as well. He also enjoys activities like hiking to disconnect from work and recharge. This perspective resonates deeply with our mission at the Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network (LECEN). We are committed to professionalizing community engagement in law enforcement by providing a platform where members can connect, develop, and collaborate. Our network serves as an invaluable resource for best practices, peer support, and industry expertise. Enhance your balance between work and personal life, and connect with peers at the Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network for support and resources. Visit https://lnkd.in/ebG7RSpn #lawenforcement #mentalhealthawareness #communityengagement #lecen

????? As a retired police sergeant with over 14 years of experience, Kevin Martinez of MovementForward, Inc. presents innovative findings and strategies to address the critical issue of officer wellness in this latest paper, titled "Balancing the Badge: A Blueprint for Officer Wellness in Modern Policing" As Lieutenant James Gunter of the Methuen Police Department aptly states, "When you take care of yourself first, everybody else gets a better version of you." This perspective underpins our discussion on the necessity for organizational support to evolve in order to encourage healthier work environments. ? The blueprint emphasizes the essential role of officer wellness in maintaining effective policing and fostering positive community relations. One significant insight from the report indicates that proactive self-care strategies can significantly reduce the high-stress nature of police work, leading to improved officer retention and decreased burnout rates. #OfficerWellness #LawEnforcement #LawEnforcementMentalHealth #MovementForward

?? Keith Humphrey, MBA, Chief of Police at the University of Memphis Police Department, and Virgil Green, Chief of Police at the Golden Valley Police Department shared inspiring insights into the genesis of the You And The Law Podcast Show. "We may have been missing the opportunity to tell our side of the story. What better way to build bridges with the communities, especially minority communities" Chief Humphrey explained. This podcast stands as a platform for honesty, openness, and accountability—a place where tough topics are addressed head-on. ?? Listeners appreciate the candid discussions, where both chiefs aren't afraid to say, "When law enforcement is wrong, we're wrong," and explain why they believe law enforcement is right or wrong on any given topic. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the respect earned through transparency and the genuine engagement these leaders have achieved. Through this initiative, we are proud to support the Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network (LECEN), an invaluable resource offering best practices, peer support, and industry expertise for community engagement roles. Our mission at LECEN is clear: to professionalize community engagement efforts by creating a trusted network for connection and collaboration within law enforcement across the nation. Discover more about our commitment to enhancing community trust and professionalizing engagement efforts with the Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network (LECEN). Visit our website to join this vital movement: https://lnkd.in/ebG7RSpn #communityengagement #lawenforcement #transparency #lecen #transformingculture

?? We recently spoke with Sheriff Donnie Harrison from the Greene County Sheriff's Office about how the #MySheriff app, developed by ITsimple, has transformed their communication efforts. Sheriff Harrison shared an inspiring story that truly highlights the app's impact. In a rural community like Greene County, effective communication is crucial. Sheriff Harrison recalled, "I think within a day or two of having the app, we had a little pony that went missing... We put a picture of the pony out there and within five minutes, we got a call saying the pony was found." This instant communication helped resolve the situation quickly and efficiently, demonstrating the app's value in real-time problem-solving. ? One particularly striking moment was when Sheriff Harrison emphasized the importance of credible information. "People will create their own narratives, but when you push that message out from a credible source, it makes a huge difference." By providing accurate and detailed notifications, the MySheriff app helps maintain trust and clarity within the community. The ability to attach links and provide more detailed information further enhances this communication. The Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network (LECEN) offers best practices, peer support, industry expertise, and current research for those in community engagement roles within law enforcement. LECEN aims to professionalize community engagement efforts through a trusted network where members can connect, develop, and collaborate. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/ebG7RSpn Let's build a safer and connected community together! #lecen #buildingsafercommunities #collaborativenetwork

?? In a recent conversation, Chief Virgil Green from the Golden Valley Police Department shared insights on how they measure success in their community engagement efforts. "It's all about listening to the public," he emphasized. "Hosting events that suit the community's schedule shows that we are genuinely committed to engaging with everyone." ?? Chief Green highlighted the importance of flexibility and responsiveness. An "aha moment" for us was realizing that hosting events, like 'Coffee with a Cop,' at 8 AM wasn't convenient for many. By shifting these events to the afternoon, we've been able to reach more people and foster better connections. This adaptability reflects our dedication to meeting the community where they are, both literally and figuratively. We are proud to be part of the Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network (LECEN), an invaluable resource providing best practices, peer support, and industry expertise to those in community engagement roles. Our mission through LECEN is clear: to professionalize law enforcement community engagement by creating a trusted network for connection, development, and collaboration. Discover how we're adapting and improving through initiatives like the Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network. Share your thoughts today at https://lnkd.in/ebG7RSpn #communityengagement #effectivepolicing #lawenforcement #lecen