Law enforcement officials will gather for training, education and to test drive the latest in technology, transportation, firearms, surveillance and more at the 121st International Association of Chiefs of Police conference Oct. 25–28 in Orlando, Fla. (Photo credit: Joe Orlando)

The 121st International Association of Chiefs of Police conference begins Oct. 25 in Orlando, Fla. The event will run through Oct. 28.

IACP 2014 will set up at the Orange County Convention Center and provide officers, detectives and law enforcement leadership with the most up-to-date information on critical issues and tactics. In the exposition hall, the largest law enforcement technology display in the world will consist of the latest in comfortable uniform options, protection, weapons, vehicles, surveillance and more. The exposition hall at the convention center will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 26 and 27 and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 28. Admission is free with any type of paid registration: member, first-time member, family member or child.

While some committee, section and division meetings will take place Oct. 24, training and education sessions get underway Oct. 25. They have been organized into 12 tracks designed for police physicians, public information officers, chiefs, legal officers, technology and information sharing and others.

The highlight of the conference will be three plenary sessions. The first, “Violence and crime on our streets: How police leaders can improve prevention and response strategies,” is scheduled for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 26. It will feature IACP President Yost Zakhary and Community Oriented Policing Services Office Director Ron Davis, who will present an inside look at all aspects of street violence, particularly violence by youthful offenders. They will also give ideas for adjusting agencies’ strategies in order to reduce the violence. The second, “Police interactions with suspects with mental illness: how to keep officers and suspects safe and reduce injuries,” will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 27. The third, happening from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 28, covers how to prepare for and respond to an active shooter and other complex attacks, and the evolving challenges to combating this growing threat.

Beyond education and training the IACP Motorcycle Law Ride, an anticipated tradition since 2010, will happen at 8 a.m. Oct. 25 at the Volusia County and Daytona International Speedway. On Oct. 27, at the first general assembly of the conference, participants are asked to wear their department’s uniform to create a display of IACP diversity and membership. IACP members are also welcome to enjoy the organization’s annual banquet at the close of the conference on Oct. 28.

Family members are welcome at IACP 2014 for a reduced rate. For registration information, a list of training sessions and all other IACP 2014 information, visit www.theiacpconference.org.

International Association of Chiefs of Police 121st Annual Conference
Oct. 25–28
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla. Information: www.theiacpconference.org

Mid-size agencies, don’t miss the Illinois Midsize Agencies Recap Fall Working Lunch at 1 p.m. Oct. 25 in room W304CD.