mspce 2014 featured a packed exposition floor that included the newest candidates for law enforcement fleet vehicles. (Photo by Jodi Magallanes)

Law enforcement and security officials from across Illinois and the greater Chicago area were welcomed to the Midwest Security and Police Expo on Aug. 19 and 20 at Tinley Park Convention Center in Tinley Park, Ill.

The mspce offered continuing education and high-value training on topics, including “Responder Safety at Roadway Incidents,” refining the use of social media to gather student intelligence and “Understanding Security for Law Enforcement.” Several sessions were very well attended, including one by Chief Patrick O’Connor, Moraine Valley Community College, on active shooter response for school corporations and colleges or universities.

Besides raising the bar of excellence for area security and law enforcement officials, the casual atmosphere allowed for officials to catch up with colleagues.

On the sold-out exposition floor, attendees had the opportunity to examine the newest generation of Ford Interceptors and Chevy Tahoe law enforcement vehicles, upfit options, information gathering and storage services, surveillance products and security-related products. Over 130 vendors exhibited.

Co-locating at the mspce this year was the FBI National Academy Associates of Illinois, which held a luncheon and conducted its annual business meeting and a re-training session.