MovementForward, Inc.

Building Stronger Communities: Save the Date for #2025PLECET! MovementForward, Inc. and our partners are pleased to announce that the 2025 Professionalizing Law Enforcement-Community Engagement Training (PLECET) National Conference is coming to Chicago, Illinois! Mark your calendars for June 4-8, 2025, and join us at the McCormick Place Convention Center for a transformative week focused on strengthening law enforcement-community partnerships to build safer, more cohesive communities. Why Attend #2025PLECET? • Specialized Training: Equip yourself and your agency/organization with proven tools and best practices to enhance law enforcement-community engagement efforts. • Networking: Connect with professionals nationwide to share insights and foster collaboration. • Expert Speakers & Instructors:  Learn from leading subject-matter experts, scholars, practitioners, and industry leaders. • Building Trust & Reducing Crime: Explore strategies to build trust and reduce crime through effective partnerships. Who Should Attend? • Law enforcement personnel with community engagement responsibilities • Agency heads and decision-makers • Researchers and academics • Municipal staff and government officials • Nonprofit leaders • Communications professionals • Technologists and innovators • Corporate, business, and foundation/philantropic leaders Registration is Now Open! Space is limited - secure your spot today at plecetconference2025.org. We look forward to seeing you in Chicago for an impactful and inspiring event! #PLECET #PLECET2025 #CommunityEngagement #PublicSafety #LawEnforcement P.S. Be sure to visit plecetconference2025.org regularly for conference updates, speaker announcements, session details, and more!

👉 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

🤝 We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Ron Freeman, CEO of ITsimple, about the valuable guidance he offers to law enforcement agencies considering adopting #CityGuards or #MySheriff. His insights were both enlightening and encouraging. Ron emphasized the importance of not hesitating to enhance community engagement with modern technology. "Don't wait. Just go ahead," he advised. He encouraged agencies to visit their websites and reach out with any questions. "Whether you're a small or large agency, we're here to listen and provide enterprise-grade solutions tailored to your community." 🔥 A particularly striking moment was when Ron shared his visit to a small sheriff's office in Georgia. He observed numerous flyers on the wall for services not available online. By digitizing these flyers, ITsimple demonstrated the immediate impact their platforms can have by making crucial information accessible to the public. The Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network (LECEN) aims to professionalize community engagement efforts through a trusted network where members can connect, develop, and collaborate. Let's collaborate for a safer future! Visit https://lnkd.in/ebG7RSpn #communityengagement #collaborativenetwork #lecen

🙌 We recently had the opportunity to interview Sergeant Carlai Moore from the Brookhaven Police Department about the positive outcomes of using #CityGuards, developed by ITsimple. Her insights into how this tool has transformed their communication and accessibility were truly enlightening! Carlai emphasized the importance of user experience and simplicity. "Not having to go through five clicks but really just being able to open up and find the services that you need." She highlighted how CityGuards allows residents to access news, events, and even submit crime tips anonymously, enhancing both criminal reporting and community engagement. ⚡ One particularly striking moment was when Carlai shared the benefit of the app's integration with social media. "For officers on the go, who maybe only have one person in their community engagement unit... For just that one application to be able to post on one thing, and it produces everywhere else, that has been great." This capability has made a significant impact, streamlining communication and making information accessible for both community members and city employees. The Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network (LECEN) provides 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. Explore more at https://lnkd.in/ebG7RSpn Let's build a stronger, connected community together! #lecen #lawenforcementexcellence #authenticleadership

🙌 In a recent discussion, Lieutenant James Gunter, a LECEN member from the Methuen Police Department, shared some profound insights on managing stress and prioritizing self-care amidst the demanding nature of our work. As he wisely put it, "Your backpack gets heavy during this career, so you have to find ways to loosen and lower the weight." 🔥 Lt. Gunter emphasized the importance of self-care for younger officers, encouraging them to recognize that they deserve their best lives. He highlighted that while we are often called to help others in their most troubled times, it's crucial not to forget about taking care of ourselves. This involves regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep—essentials that might be overlooked in pursuit of extra hours or overtime pay. At the Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network (LECEN), a vital part of our mission is to provide ongoing support and resources for law enforcement professionals involved in community engagement. We believe in professionalizing these efforts by creating a trusted network where members can connect, develop, and collaborate. By fostering a community that values wellness, we aim to empower officers like Lt. James Gunter to thrive both personally and professionally. Discover the tools and support you need to thrive in your law enforcement career. Learn how self-care and community can transform your professional journey at LECEN. Visit us today: https://lnkd.in/ebG7RSpn #lawenforcement #selfcare #policewellness #lecen