Photos from the CPAM 2021 Conference, Park Place Hotel, Traverse City MI Oct. 26th - 29th, '21:
Sunday, October 31, 2021
CPAM Conference Oct. 29th, '21, CPAM's Presidents "The Future of CPAM, and outreach for new members"
CPAM's website
At the close of the conference outgoing president Deputy Andrew Kozal, Kent County Sheriff's Office, and incoming president Rick Smiedendrof, Berrien Springs / Oronoko Twp. Police shared their thoughts on this year's conference the importance of this year's theme "Learn, Collaborate, Share & Connect".
CPAM's effort to expand the membership will be a primary focus for the next year, reaching out to law enforcement agencies across the state of Michigan to share information on networking and training opportunities.
Membership applications, grants available to members are posted on the website. We look forward to reaching out to agencies across the state to recruit new members.
Interview with Deputy Andy Kozal, and Officer Rick Smiedendrof:
Watch for details of the 2022 conference that will be posted on the website. See you next year!
CPAM Conference Oct. 29th, '21, " Bridge The Gap" - Building Positive relationships with Law Enforcement
CPAM's website
“Bridge the Gap”
Seminar Topic: Building Positive Relationships Between Law Enforcement and Our Community
Program Description: Decades ago, these were the top three responses when asking kids "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Today, not so much. This is where Bridge the Gap Comes in. Realizing that law enforcement is yet a vital part of a community, Bridge the Gap brings everyone together to see just that.
Everyone is important to the sustainability of a thriving healthy, and safe community. Bridge the Gap's mission is to build positive relationships between law enforcement and the community. Today you will learn more about how "Bridge the Gap" strategically brings law enforcement and the community together.
Interview with Attorney Ayiteh Sowah, Founder of "Bridge the Gap",
Saginaw Public Defenders Office & V.P. of " Bridge the Gap", Officer Brandon Murphy Bay City Police Dept.
CPAM Conference Oct 28th, '21, " Mental Health Issues Involving Suicide"
Program Description: Bringing understanding to something difficult to understand". Sharing her personal experience about life after loss in hopes of bringing understanding to something so difficult to understand, Vonnie Woodrick will share her personal journey, what led her to start the organization, i understand, and her passion behind changing the definition of suicide and normalizing the conversation.
I understand love (website link)
Vonnie believes that we need to look at mental/ brain health illness like all other illnesses, with compassion and understanding. The proper narrative is crucial to reducing the stigma and judgment associated with this topic. A change in the definition can change and perhaps even save a life.
You will have the opportunity to join in and change perhaps even save a life. You will have the opportunity to join in and change the conversation by changing the narrative and potentially changing lives.
It takes one person to understand, will you "be the ONE" for someone? Vonnie will go through her "BE the ONE program and introduce how these three letters will help you, help someone else.
Interview with “Vonnie Woodrick”
CPAM Conference , Oct. 28th, '21, "Keeping the Peace in Time of Crisis"
Program Description: With millions facing health concerns, economic snuggles, and mental distress, all while government curtails normal social activities, law enforcement agencies face the very real possibility of significant levels of civil disobedience. Although officers are accustomed to curtailing the unlawful activity of small segments of their community, what makes the current pandemic crisis unique is the many civilians who are not typically apt to break the law or argue with police many find themselves acting out of character in the face of lost jobs, mental distress.
Chief Harry P. Dolan (Ret.) will discuss strategies to address the law enforcement challenges associated with Small business owners who refuse to close up shop. Civilians who congregate in large numbers in violation of state or local mandates. Friends and families of hospital patients who insist on seeing their loved ones in spite of hospital policy.
In adding these challenges, officers on the ground must continually ask three key questions: How important is enforcing this law at this moment? How much time and energy is required to enforce this law at this moment? Is the ethical appeal to concerns for public safety more likely to gain voluntary compliance than the old adage of Ask, Tell, Make.
Video Interview: Rich Coleman, CPAM Blogger / Ret. Chief Harry P. Dolan,
Dolan Consulting Group
Thursday, October 28, 2021
CPAM Conference Oct. 27th, 2021, “Digital Trends 2021, Equipping Kids to thrive in an Increasingly Hostile Online World
Today’s afternoon session was led by Mr. Chris McKenna, Founder, and CEO of “Protectyoungeyes. website -https://protectyoungeyes.com
Program Description:
Technology can do so much good in the world. And if not used well, it can also do so much harm. Never before in human history have young people had the ability to so radically change the trajectory of each other’s lives so quickly.
The Internet Safety Experts at Protect Young Eyes (PYE) wants to help all caring adults teach young people how to use technology well. Led by Chris McKenna (dad, Senate witness, child advocate) and trusted by Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces in multiple states, PYE will prepare you for today’s digital risks.
*We did leave today with powerful information on current trends and the ongoing impact of social media, such as tic-tok, Instagram, Snap Chat, and others that are not getting the same high profile press coverage.
After today’s session, we left with a long list of practical steps you can implement in 24 hours to build strong protections around your precious children and be prepared to explain these risks to other caring adults.
Anxious to get started? Receive their free weekly newsletter by texting PROTECT to 66866
Interview by Rich Coleman, CPAM Blog host & Chris McKenna, CEO of Protect Young Eyes (PYE)
Website: "Protect Young Eyes"
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
CPAM Conference ,Oct. 27th,’21, General Session #1”My Lake: Lessons Learned from Red Lake”
Program Description: Missy Dodds, has experienced every educator’s nightmare when a former student burst in and opened fire in her classroom at Red Lake High School. In this candid session, “My Lake: Lessons learned from Red Lake”, Missy shared her unique story of what happened in her math classroom on March 21, 2005. She examined the strengths, the weaknesses, and what could have made a difference.
Missy’s quest to make schools safer for her own children has led her to examine the many components of school safety to become actively involved in emergency preparedness, planning, and threat assessment efforts.
From physical safety to mental health, Missy uses her real-life experiences to educate others on prevention methods. Missy offers a unique perspective on what it is like to be a teacher who did not think it could happen to her. Sharing takeaways for prevention, response, and recovery from trauma Missy’s presentation is suited for all educators, school-based law enforcement, school-based mental health providers, and community stakeholders.
Resources and Tips at their website: Safe & Sound Schools
Rich Coleman, CPAM Blog host Interview/comments with Missy Dodds
Contact info for Missy Dodds
Missy, on behalf of CPAM we’d like to thank you for sharing your story of surviving this tragic incident and your passion to help those who have survived, protecting your children, and how important it is to not miss the signs of a troubled child and encouraging teachers, parents, students;“if they hear something, see something on social media, say something to help save lives”.
Our prayers are with you, thank you for your courage to tell this story of survival.
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
CPAM Awards Banquet , Traverse City MI, Oct. 26th, 2021
Tonight the Crime Prevention Association of MI kicked off the 2021 Fall Annual Conference in Traverse City MI’s Park Place Hotel. The conference is well attended and it’s great to see crime prevention practitioners back together again to “Learn, Collaborate, Share & Connect” this year’s theme.
Our current CPAM Board members:
President - Andrew Kozal, Kent County Sheriff's Office
Vice President- Adam Nothelfer, Saginaw Township Police
Secretary - Julie Niemchick, Grand Rapids Police Dept.
Treasurer - Dave Robinson, Rockford Dept. Of Public Safety
Special Thanks to the Conference & Awards Committee:
Training Chair, Sandi Jones, Kent County Sheriff’s Office
Training Committee Members- Dave Hunt, Wyoming Dept. Of Public Safety, Rick Smiedendorf, Berrien Springs Oronoko, Jeremy Huffman, Grand Rapids Police Dept.
Awards Chair: Ian Graham, Rockford Dept. Of Public Safety
Our evening opened with the Traverse City Police Departments Honor Guard and a welcome from Chief O’Brien, Traverse City Police Department
Ian Graham, Awards Chair did an outstanding job with the introductions of each of the award receipts and their amazing contributions to the crime prevention efforts in their respective communities.
The following awards were presented and congratulated by CPAM President Andy Kozal:
Outstanding Corporate Awards- Ms. Laura Evans, Walmart Alpine Township
2nd Corporate Award- Mr. Andy Picard Meijer’s, Bay City MI
Special Project in the Field of Crime Prevention:
Sgt. Oswaldo Hernandez & Deputy Marcelo Amanda, Kent County Sheriff’s Office
Outstanding Youth Award: Deputy Jason VanderMolen, Kent County Sheriff’s Office
Outstanding Crime Prevention Practitioner of the Year:
Officer Derrick Learned, Grand Rapids Police Dept.
Boys and Girls Club “Drive For Success”
Special Award / Recognition for Sandi Jones, Retiring from Kent County &
For her years of service to CPAM and being a “Pillar” for the work behind the scenes
Heads or Tails, the last two standing for the 50/50 raffle
Our Keynote Speaker, Comedian David Dyer, who is also a 1st Responder (FF), he provided us with good humor about life and the little things we take for granted, it was great to hear the laughter and see everyone enjoying David and his message. We needed this moment and we are grateful!
Thanks again David for your ability to reach this tough audience and to kick off this amazing week of “Learning, Collaborating, Sharing & Connecting” CPAM Conference 2021
Rich Coleman, CPAM Blogger / Legislative Rep.
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