2025 Symposium

Pete LaRouche: Network Intrusion Forensic Analyst USSS

Will be presenting on new scams that have arisen using digital currency as well as reinventing older time-tested scams enhanced by digital applications. Covering the basics of digital/cryptocurrency, the scams and frauds that it has enabled, and an introduction to the investigative process from responding Officers to Detectives. 2 hours.

Presented by: Todd Foreman: ReMA Prevention Specialist and Rick Arrington: CEO/Founder at Crime Prevention Center for Training and Services LLC

The U.S. Department of Energy has estimated that metal theft costs U.S. businesses over $1 billion dollars annually. Some areas have seen a marked increase in the number of metal thefts reported recently as well. Copper has currently reached its highest prices near five dollars a pound which has increased the theft of copper wires and other copper materials. Many misunderstandings have led to a lack of cooperation among police, prosecutors, and scrap dealers (recycling yards).  Understanding applicable theft prevention techniques, laws and being aware of the tools to assist in investigations are essential not only to the law enforcement community, but also to the legitimate recycling industry and primary businesses using aluminum, copper, and other metals as well.     

Who should Attend?

This training is specifically being offered to law enforcement officers and crime prevention practitioners and assists in addressing metal theft within their community.  

Topics to be addressed:   

•               Metal Recycling Process.

•               National Scrap Theft Alert Program.  

•               Metal Theft Deterrent and Prevention Techniques.

•               Relevant Laws.

•               Collaboration of Law Enforcement and Recycling Industry.  

Discussion of tools and collaboration on preventing the theft of Metals. Including laws that regulate the recycling industry 4 hours.

Presenter LT. WILLIAM MITCHELL: County Detective Montgomery Co.

Montgomery County Organized Retail Crimes Working Group. Presentation Summary : Overview of the working group and techniques used to combat organized retail crimes. Discusses the latest trends and investigations into Organized Retail Theft operations and its impact on consumers and communities. 45 minutes 

Presenting will be CPL Todd Kessler – Bucks Co Sheriff’s Office; Deputy Sal Lamantia - Bucks Co Sheriff’s Office; Deputy Justin Sturkey - Bucks Co Sheriff’s Office; Christi M. Smith, Ph.D. - President/CEO, Smith & Lesson, LLC 

The Bucks County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) is excited to introduce the Sheriff's Community Outreach & Public Engagement (SCOPE) Unit, a dedicated team focused on building bridges and providing crucial assistance to the residents of Bucks County. This unit is comprised of experienced and compassionate deputies committed to addressing critical community needs.” 1.25 hrs.

Presented by: David P. Shallcross, President PCPOA

This is a “Go & Show” presentation to use in community engagement and crime prevention. All attendees will receive a copy of this PowerPoint deck and learn to share vital safety information regarding Situational Awareness for your citizens.* Situational awareness is being fully conscious of your surroundings, the people in it, and your situation, coupled with the ability to anticipate and respond to potential threats or changes.

* Benefits: It helps to identify potential hazards, make informed decisions, enhance communication, and foster problem-solving abilities, leading to greater safety and a more effective response in various situations.

Presented by: Special Agent Erik J.Saracino, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) / Office of Inspector General (OIG)

For the last three years, SA Erik Saracino conducted approximately 10 teaching engagements at the National Collaboration and Development Center (Intelligence Community Training Site) designed to stimulate participants in developing cross-agency solutions to national security and intelligence issues within a specific domestic geographic location to strengthen or build relationships. The presentation highlights SBIR/STTR fraud schemes and the illegal export of sensitive technology targeted by overseas adversaries. The engagements provide individuals with an in-depth overview of NASA OIG's mission and resources to identify investigative concerns relevant to both the criminal and intelligence communities. 2 hours

Presenter: John Schwartz – Retired FBI Agent, Army Veteran on a Mission to Combat Elder Financial Abuse

John Schwartz  graduated from West Point in 1986 and served in the Army until 1995. He continued his service to his country of over three decades as a a Special Agent in the FBI. Upon retiring he had a desire to start combating elder financial abuse. It was a collaboration with his wife’s uncle Jim Gallagher in 2017 that began this journey. This passion has continued and he has now founded the Center for Combating Financial Abuse. 

Center for Combating Financial Abuse

The Center for Combating Financial Abuse was officially founded on, February 8, 2021. Its mission is to “lead the way in protecting the elderly and their families from predators who commit elder financial abuse.” Their unique approach focuses on the predator, their tactics, their perspective and helps identify them as a threat before they act. Elder abuse costs over $40 billion dollars a year and it’s the centers hope reduce that by over half as they begin their work. 

Presented by: Paul DelPonte, Executive Director NCPC

McGruff® is back and he’s not just wearing a trench coat, he’s bringing data, certification programs, and a nationwide coalition with him. This session introduces the revamped Crime Prevention Coalition of America and explores how law enforcement and community leaders can reignite trust, visibility, and impact using modern crime prevention strategies. From battling rising counterfeit goods to the launching of a new certification program, the coalition is expanding its reach and relevance. Participants will learn how McGruff’s and new digital tools and partnerships can help departments engage youth, inform communities, and build stronger public safety ecosystems. You’ll also get a first look at a certification program that targets intellectual property crime. Whether you’re new to community policing or a seasoned prevention pro, this workshop offers actionable takeaways, lively discussion, and maybe even a surprise appearance by a certain canine crimefighter. You’ll also walk away with new materials to use in your community.

This two-hour course will provide the students an overview of the outlaw motorcycle gang landscape in Pennsylvania. That will include the dominant clubs in the state as well as briefly touching on history, structure, identification, membership, violence, officer safety, and current trends. The training will be a combination of lecture and PowerPoint.       

Presented by: Kevin McDonough who is currently employed by MAGLOCLEN as a Senior Strategic Intelligence Analyst. Since 2002, Mr. McDonough has been monitoring outlaw motorcycle gang activity throughout the MAGLOCLEN region and has assisted on numerous outlaw motorcycle gang investigations at the local, state, and federal levels. Monitoring outlaw motorcycle gang activity includes working anniversary parties and large-scale motorcycle events such as Roar to the Shore and DELMARVA Bike Week on an annual basis. In addition to monitoring and assisting agencies with their investigations and any interaction they’ve had with outlaw motorcycle gangs, he has trained thousands of police officers and law enforcement personnel on topics related to outlaw motorcycle gangs and their criminal activity since 2004. 2 hrs.

Presented by: Senior Supervisory Special Agent Alan McGill

Alan McGill is a Senior Supervisory Special Agent with the Pennsylvania

Office of Attorney General and currently assigned to the Office of Public Engagement. Agent McGill has been a professional investigator for over 36 years with 29 years in law enforcement. He served nearly 20 years at the Bureaus of Narcotics Investigation and Drug Control with his previous assignment being a Street Supervisor and Drug Diversion Unit Supervisor. He also served as an Undercover Narcotics Agent Drug Task Force Coordinator, Drug Diversion Agent, Computer Voice Stress Analyst, PDMP BNI

Statewide Supervisor, Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Program member and an “A” and “B” Technician installing wiretap equipment. Although Agent McGill’s undercover experience is extensive, he is best known as a subject matter expert in Drug Diversion and is court qualified as an expert. Agent McGill routinely conducts Drug Diversion presentations and training for practitioners. Agent McGill’s law enforcement program has been certified for 32 CE credits in Pennsylvania. Agent McGill also conducts drug diversion lectures at over 25 university practitioner programs in Pennsylvania and is a national

speaker on the subject. In addition to conducting training lectures, Agent McGill also authored an article published in The Keystone Veterinary Magazine on Drug Diversion in veterinary practices and he has hosted podcasts for the Office of Attorney General that can be found on the Pennsylvania Attorney General website. Agent McGill joined NASCSA (National Association of State Controlled Substance Authorities) in 2014 serving on various committees and was elected President from 2021 to 2023. He currently chairs the Executive Committee and is the host and producer of The NASCSA Podcast.

This presentation will discuss current illicit drug trends from across the state, and nation. 1 hour