2026 Symposium

Keep checking back for more information.

Presented by: Melissa Kinsey, PA State Police/ PaCIC. The term Nihilistic Violent Extremism (NVE) refers to what is motivating most of these subjects to commit criminal acts. They want to sow chaos and facilitate the destruction of society. These extremists often emerge from decentralized online networks and subcultures that glorify violence, mass killers, and self-harm. However, not all participants in these violent online networks are motivated by NVE. These subjects may be engaging in criminal activity for sexual gratification, social status, a sense of belonging, or for a mix of other reasons. Each case is evaluated individually to determine if Nihilistic Violent Extremism is involved. Regardless of motivation, Law Enforcement  takes each case seriously and works with its domestic and foreign law enforcement partners to ensure offenders are held accountable.

Victims are typically underage females between the ages of 10 and 17 years old, but anyone can be targeted. They often lack a stable support network and may suffer from mental health issues, such as depression, eating disorders, or suicidal ideation. They typically have unfettered access to the Internet, are disconnected, and believe they are communicating with someone their own age. Threat actors often groom victims by first establishing a trusting or romantic relationship before eventually manipulating and coercing them into engaging in escalating harmful behavior designed to shame and isolate them.

Presenters: Clint and Karin Moon from Lantern Rescue, Steve Forzatto and Bill Burdette from St. Joseph’s University, and Chief Chad Boyce of WELLSBORO PD. Discusses the latest trends and investigations into Hotel and Motel use in Human Trafficking in our communities. They will also share resources and training opportunities including Electronic Detection Dogs. 1.5 hours.

Presenting will be Det. Chris Riley, Columbus Police & Ohio CrimePrevention Association.

 Police, City Attorneys and Communities often have options through the criminal justice system in handling problem properties. Complaints of continuous crime activity that may include narcotics, prostitution and assaults may be able to be handled as a nuisance abatement case which causes a private property owner to take action or end up in court. Come see how the nuisance abatement process can be a force multiplier for you and your department. 1.5 hours.

Presented by: Jules Ferraro Philadelphia Police (Ret) & Nicole Wolf from Bucks County Crisis Intervention Team.

We will Discuss with an officer his personal experience in a suicide by cop event

•Examine others responses to the event – what helped and what hurt

•Identify key points learned from the event to incorporate into your training/practice

1 hour.

Presented by: Fred Harran, Director of Public Safety Bensalem Twp. (Ret) & Bucks County Sheriff (Ret) This presentation will dive into options, resources and creative approaches to financial funding for public safety agencies. 1 hour

Presenter: All attendees. We will take this discussion throughout the room and have every attendee the opportunity to speak on their successes of programs, accomplishments, and initiatives, and where we can find them to use in our own communities. Discussion will also include failures of what we don’t not want to try to deploy or use in our community and improvements on such programs that may be available by networking with fellow attendees here at the annual symposium.  30 minutes

Presented by: Chief Scott Davis of Shamokin Dam Police. This presentation will dive into vape shops products and supplies and restrictions.More details to follow.

Presented by a representative from the PA Attorney General. 

Behind the Smoke: Vaping is No Joke

E-cigarette use amongst youth is a serious public health crisis. Nicotine is harmful to developing brains and young users are more likely to get addicted quickly. Despite the FDA’s attempts to crack down on misleading labels and youth-focused marketing, tobacco companies continue to expand their offerings to appeal to young people and to perpetuate the belief that vaping is a safe alternative to smoking. This program is designed to raise awareness with younger teens about the dangers of vaping and nicotine addiction. Media literacy is introduced to encourage students to evaluate and understand messaging about e-cigarettes. Vaping consequences, which expand beyond just physical health, are explored and the program concludes with the message that the real cost of vaping is simply too high.

AUDIENCE: Middle school/Junior high school students
DURATION: 45 minutes
FORMAT: Suitable for both large and small group settings

Presented by: Hazing Prevention Network. This program will help to promote awareness, education and prevention strategies on campuses and organizations nationwide. We will also highlight national hazing prevention week of 2026, which is generally observed     during the last full week of September September 21-25th of this year. This program will help identify hazing, its concerns issues and outcomes. Also how this will impact students, families and communities on campus and off. More detail details to follow   .

 1.5 hours

Understanding as with any event or travel experience; changes, substitutions and cancellations can and do occur.

The Pennsylvania Crime Prevention Officers’ Association, “PCPOA” makes a genuine and good faith effort to execute this Educational/Training Session as close as to what has been described. Any number of issues could be presented that may cause a change(s) in the itinerary and program, including but not limited to: delays and or cancellations due to weather, work related scheduling, travel and transportation, venue restrictions, protest / civil unrest, illness and a change in policy or by representatives, presenters, or trainers.

While PCPOA does not anticipate any issues, anything that may cause a change is possible. By completing the registration, you and your organization/agency agree to hold harmless, the PCPOA and its representatives for problems and or acts outside of their control. Attendees should maintain a mindset that promotes professional growth,

understanding and flexibility while travelling to and while attending. While travel and hotel arrangements are the responsibility of each attendee and presenter, it is recommended that any reservations for transportation and lodging be made with a refund option and or insurance when available.

Executive Board of PCPOA.

Check in often for updated program information.