By Harry Harris, Oakland Tribune (Oakland, Calif.)
EMERYVILLE -- Terrorism, tourism victimization and stress management are among workshops being offered during this week’s semi-annual education and training conference of the western region of the National Black Police Association.
At least 75 officers and civilian employees of police departments in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Nevada are expected to attend the three-day conference, which begins Thursday at the Woodfin Suite Hotel.
The NBPA was founded in 1972 and has more than
2,000 members nationwide. The organization is dedicated to the promotion of justice, fairness and effectiveness in law enforcement, its leaders say. Several NBPA members have become chiefs of major departments, including Oakland’s own Chief Richard Word.
Oakland police Sgt. Ray Petty, president of the NBPA’s western region, said the primary purposes of the conference are to learn more about law enforcement-related topics as well as how one can “professionalize” themselves for a better chance at promotion.
It is also a great forum for networking. And that can be a key ingredient of helping solve crimes that cross jurisdictions, added retired Oakland homicide Sgt. Ed Hollomon, current president of the Oakland Black Officers Association and conference co-chairman.
Hollomon stressed the conference is open to officers of all races and cultures. “It is definitely a good learning experience that will help anyone’s law enforcement career,” he said.
One of the five workshops expected to have high attendance is “Terrorism: First Responders.” Petty said since police officers would usually be the first on the scene of a terrorist attack, this workshop will offer insights on what to do once on scene and what an officer might have to contend with. The workshop will be held by Oakland police Sgt. Derrick Norfleet.
The workshop “Tourism: Victimization” is being offered to show what kind of scams can be directed at tourists by suspects such as pickpockets or luggage thieves. He cautioned that even “police are not immune from being victimized” at times.
Since a police officer’s job is one of usual constant stress, Oakland Dr. Frank Staggers will conduct a workshop on “Practical Tips for Stress Reduction.”
Several Bay Area police chiefs, including Word, Emeryville Chief Ken James and San Francisco Chief Heather Fong and Alameda County Undersheriff Curtis Watson will be part of a panel on leadership and promotions.
The fifth workshop will be on letting officers know what their rights are and what they might expect during Internal Affairs investigations.
Registration for the conference is $150 for NBPA members and $175 for non-members. Petty can be contacted at (707) 688-7717 for more information.
It will not be just work at the conference. There will be a Casino Night at the hotel Friday in which proceeds will go toward a scholarship fund, and a Lip Synch Show and Dance on Saturday night at the Galleria in San Francisco.