Mississippi Crime Stoppers Annual Training Conference– October 16-18, 2024 –
Purpose
To provide Mississippi State Crime Stoppers agencies, boards and law enforcement officers the opportunities to engage in Crime Stoppers professional development sessions facilitated by the State Director for Crime Stoppers and other professionals.
Dates
October 16-18, 2024
Location
IP Casino, Resort, Spa, 850 Bayview Avenue, Biloxi, MS
Continuing Education Hours
The Mississippi Board of Law Enforcement Standards and Training has approved 11 hours of law enforcement continuing education hours for attendance of this conference.
Registration
Register Online Downloadable .pdf
Registration Deadline
Please submit your registration online or via regular mail no later than Friday, October 11, 2024.
PAYMENTS can be made with Visa or MasterCard or check for $200 payable to the University of Mississippi.
All check payments should be payable to:
The University of Mississippi
Attn: Office of Professional Development, Event Services
P.O. Box 1848
University, MS 38677-1848
Conference Coordination and Registration Contacts:
Mary W. Leach, Director of the Office of Professional Development, Events and Services
Direct Line: (662) 915-7847
Email: pdlljac@olemiss.edu
Beth Beard, Coordinator, Office of Professional Development, Events and Services
Direct Line: (662) 915-7158
Email: pdlljac@olemiss.edu
Conference Agenda
*information is subject to change
Wednesday, October 16 |
|
|---|---|
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 |
REGISTRATION |
12:30 p.m. |
WELCOME Keith Davis Introduction of 2024 Advisory Council |
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. |
Ruth Ann Rigby |
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. |
Barb Bergin |
3:00 - 3:15 p.m. |
BREAK |
3:15 - 4:00 p.m. |
Sheila Moore |
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. |
WELCOME RECEPTION |
Thursday, October 17 |
|
8:30 - 9:15 a.m. |
Steven Maxwell |
9:15 - 10:15 a.m. |
Navigate 360 Virtual Presentation Lisa Haber |
10:15 - 10:30 a.m. |
BREAK |
10:30 - 11:15 a.m. |
Jenn Odom |
11:15 - 11:30 a.m. |
Lori Massey |
11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. |
Lunch Presentation - Key Note Speaker Andy Kahan |
1:15 - 2:00 p.m. |
Kevin Boehm |
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. |
LTC Herzog |
3:00 - 3:15 p.m. |
BREAK |
3:15 - 4:00 p.m. |
Dr. Holobinko |
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. |
Todd Frier |
Friday, October 18 |
|
9:00 a.m. |
Breakfast Awards Presentation Sean Tindell Keith Davis |
Speakers
Wednesday, October 16
Ruth Ann Rigby
Ruth Ann Rigby, CRS, serves Capstone as a member of the leadership team in the role of Chief Development Officer.
Capstone Wellness has been dedicated to assisting individuals and families in overcoming challenges related to trauma, substance abuse, mental health struggles, attachment issues, sexual compulsions, addictive behaviors, and more for over two decades.
Ruth Ann Rigby brings more than 26 years of experience in the behavioral health and addiction recovery field, with 27 years in recovery herself. Her return to Capstone represents a homecoming, aligning with the core values of honesty, integrity, humility, and grace that she upholds daily.
Rigby is a prominent figure in the recovery and mental health industry, having worked with some of the leading treatment providers in the nation. In 2022, she received the Dr. Jasper Chen See Volunteer Leadership Award from the National Association of Treatment Providers in recognition of her outstanding leadership, volunteerism, and mentorship to countless professionals.
In Ruth Ann's own words, "I am humbled and honored to return home to continue to grow our company with Capstone Wellness. With more than 26 years of serving families one at a time, I am committed to helping individuals with substance-use disorders, mental health struggles, trauma, attachment, sexual compulsions, addictive behaviors, and more."
Ruth Ann Rigby's passion for service extends to her involvement on the boards of numerous community organizations, church leadership committees, and behavioral health associations, including NACoA, the Mississippi Association of Drug Court Professionals, Central Mississippi Chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency, Mississippi Association of Addiction Professionals, American Diabetes Association, National Alliance for Mental Illness (Mississippi Chapter), and the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, Broadmoor Baptist Disaster Relief Team.
Additionally, Ruth Ann serves on the advisory board for the Center for Hope and Healing at Broadmoor Baptist Church, where she remains on call to support any family in need. Along with her husband, LTC (Ret) Joseph Rigby, she is a co-founder of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called First Responders of Mississippi, which provides aid, wellness and hope to first responders and agencies in their time of greatest need. Visit our website https://firstrespondersofms.com or contact us at info@firstrespondersofms.com
If you have a question about our services or need immediate assistance, please contact us via our phone number 866-729-4479 or through our website www.capstonewellness.com
Sheila Moore
Ms. Shelia Moore and her husband, Sherman, own CrimeSceneInformation, the leading call answering service exclusively serving Crime Stoppers programs across the United States.
Born and raised in a small town in East Texas, Ms. Moore moved to La Porte after graduating and began her multifaceted career as a mother, homemaker, community activist, office worker, and entrepreneur. She dedicated more than 20 years to educational, social, and competitive programs within the local school district.
Alongside her husband, Ms. Moore also founded and continues to operate a successful Police motorcycle traffic escort business and a private security firm, both of which have thrived for over 40 years under her leadership.
Ms. Moore’s commitment to excellence is at the heart of CrimeSceneInformation. Recognizing the financial challenges Crime Stoppers programs often face, she has made it her mission to provide top-quality service to ensure these vital community safety initiatives are supported. Understanding the crucial role these organizations play in crime prevention and public safety, she works tirelessly to help them maximize their resources, offering reliable and responsive call answering services that meet their unique needs.
Ms. Moore has been married for 45 years and is a proud mother of two grown daughters, Stephanie and Kara. She also has five grandchildren and is excitedly awaiting the arrival of her first great-grandchild. She currently resides with her husband in Chambers County, Texas.
Thursday, October 17
Steven Maxwell
Steven Maxwell is a seasoned law enforcement officer with 29 years of public service as an Agent of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. His leadership and management roles with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics include Group Supervisor of Special Operations, Captain of Special Operations, Captain of the Hattiesburg District, Captain of the Jackson Enforcement Team, Major of the Central Region, Major of the Southern Region, Lieutenant Colonel of Enforcement, Deputy Director, Interim Director, Director of MBN, Mississippi Department of Public Safety Administrative Officer and now Mississippi Department of Corrections Investigations Division Director.
Steven has received numerous accolades, including the MBN Claude Stuckey Award for a sustained and superior record of service, along with the MBN Director’s Award for outstanding performance and contributions in furtherance of the Agency’s mission. Steven has fielded hundreds of requests for presentations on a variety of topics ranging from leadership, education, substance use prevention, and various others that have been attended by thousands.
A lifelong resident of Mississippi, Steven is a graduate of Stone County High School in Wiggins. Steven continued his education by attending Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, where he obtained an associate degree followed by a bachelor’s degree in Corrections from Langston University. He also holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Steven is a graduate of the FBI 252nd National Academy Class and served as an adjunct faculty member of William Carey University from 2013-2018.
Phillip Pope
Clay McCombs
John Harles
Lisa Haber
Jenn Odom
Jenn Odom is a Forensic Scientist specializing in DNA analysis in the Bioscience Section of the Mississippi Forensics Laboratory in Pearl, Mississippi, where she received certification in DNA analysis. Prior to her employment there in 2022, she received a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science with an emphasis in Biology from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is currently working on her master’s degree in Pharmacology with a concentration in Forensic DNA and Serology.
Lori Massey
Lori Massey is the CEO of Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers and a member of the Mississippi Crime Stoppers Advisory Board. On a national level, Lori serves as Secretary for CSUSA, and in the past, she has held the position of Regional Director for Regions 5 (MS, AL & LA) and 6 (KY, TN, AR). In 2020, she was honored with the Crime Stoppers USA Chairman’s Award.
As a frequent speaker at community events and conferences, she is dedicated to educating people on the operations of Crime Stoppers. She played a crucial role in initiating the University Cold Case Project on the Coast and the #9PMRoutine. She considers securing the state’s first Community and Crime Fighting kiosks, along with implementing the Cold Case Playing Cards for inmates, as her most significant accomplishments to date.
As a trainer at the Harrison County Law Enforcement Training Academy, she addresses cadets regarding the mission of Crime Stoppers.
Lori serves on the boards of the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence, Tunnels to Towers Biloxi, and Reunite Mississippi. A proud seventh-generation Jackson County resident, she is married and has three children.
Andy Kahan
Andy Kahan served as the Victim Advocate for the Mayor’s Office and Houston Police Department for 26 years before retiring and joining Crime-Stoppers of Houston to resume his career as the Director of Victim Services and Victim Advocacy.
Andy Kahan received his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 1983 from the University of Houston. He worked as both a Parole and Probation Officer before becoming the first victim advocate in the country to work in a Mayor’s Office. Some of his responsibilities included working with local crime victim’s rights organizations to facilitate the pooling of resources and the exchange of information. In addition, he will accompany and represent victims before the Parole Board. He also put crime victims in touch with local crime victims support and advocacy groups in addition to court accompaniment.
Kevin Boehm
Having retired in Oct. 2021 with 28+ years of service with the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, my experience included Patrol, Bicycle Patrol Officer, Planning and Research, C.A.T. Team, Regional Police Academy, Community Oriented Policing and Problem-Solving Instructor, Detective and Aid to the Chief of Police. From December through October 2021, I had the honor of serving as Coordinator of the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline, a program covering two states, 12 counties and 64 law enforcement jurisdictions. I currently serve as at-large board member for CS USA. I have also served as treasurer of the Kansas Crime Stoppers Association and was recognized as “Crime Stoppers Coordinator of the Year” in 2013 and received the “Lifetime Service Award” at the 2021 CS USA National Conference in Omaha, NE. I am currently serving in a civilian capacity at the KC Metro Crime Commission as Scholastic Crime Stoppers Coordinator.
The Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers program originated in October 1982 and has cleared over 25,707 cases, helped solve 679 homicides, recovered over $39,913,370.17 in property and narcotics and paid out $1,735,280.00 in reward monies (as of July 1, 2024).
Gregory Bell
Gregory Bell is a native of West Point, Mississippi, and resides in Starkville, MS. Gregory is a proud graduate of Mississippi State University and holds a bachelor's degree in communication. With almost two decades of distinguished law enforcement experience, Gregory has served in various critical roles throughout his career.
Beginning as a Conservation Officer with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, Gregory later worked as a patrol officer with the Starkville Police Department. In 2011, Gregory graduated from the prestigious Mississippi Highway Patrol Academy and was assigned to Clay County in central Mississippi as a Trooper. During his tenure with the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Gregory served in various capacities within MHP, including the Special Operations Group and Public Affairs. Gregory was selected and served as a member of the Mississippi Highway Patrol Interdiction Team, and served as a K9 officer, contributing to vital interdiction efforts against Mexican cartels while disrupting narcotics and human smuggling into Mississippi.
In 2020, Gregory was promoted and transitioned to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) as a field agent assigned to District 2, Greenwood, in the Mississippi Delta. In March of 2022, Gregory was assigned to MBI Special Operations and Major Crimes, specializing in technology-related crimes and forensic cellular mapping. Gregory’s expertise in these areas has played a crucial role in solving several high-profile, complex cases.
In April 2024, Gregory was promoted to the position of Resident Agent in Charge of MBI District Five, overseeing critical investigations and operations. Gregory has provided expert-level testimony and consulting in both state and federal legal systems, further cementing his role as a leader in law enforcement.
Anastatia Holobinko
Since joining the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office in 2016, Dr. Anastasia Holobinko, State Forensic Anthropologist, has been involved with multiple operational areas under the purview of the State Medical Examiner. In addition to overseeing all technical and administrative aspects of the Forensic Anthropology Division and performing daily case work, Dr. Holobinko developed a multi-functional
Human Identification Program designed to offer an increased level of support to coroners, law enforcement, and state residents. The program is dedicated to the resolution of unidentified and missing persons cases statewide, and integrates the scientific identification of unidentified human remains with a comprehensive investigative approach. She has lectured at universities in the United States and Canada, presented at scientific conferences and law enforcement training events, and is published in several journals. Dr. Holobinko holds a PhD in Physical Anthropology and a Master of Science in Zoology.
Kristi Johnson
As an Instructor of Forensic Science at The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security, Ms. Kristi Johnson, utilizes her education and practical experience to instruct students in introductory and advanced forensic topics. Ms. Johnson’s practical experience stems from 12 years as a Crime Scene Investigator and Evidence Custodian on the MS Gulf Coast. As a CSI, Ms. Johnson spearheaded efforts to advance investigative techniques for cold cases, especially missing and unidentified persons, across the coast and beyond and continues these efforts at USM. She is a board member for the Mississippi Division of the International Association for Identification, a professional organization for law enforcement and forensic scientists. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice.
Todd Frier
Todd Frier was named Interim Director of the Mississippi Analysis and Information Center by Mississippi Office of Homeland Security Executive Director Baxter Kruger on July 1, 2022 and was named permanently to the role in July 2024. Todd has worked for the MS Office of Homeland Security for over 14 years. He has extensive experience in communications, emergency response training and community outreach. His duties now focus on guiding the Mississippi Analysis and Information Center (MSAIC). MSAIC serves as the integrated multi-discipline sharing network for situational awareness and is a key component of the state's homeland security and crime prevention efforts.
The mission of the MSAIC is to provide Mississippi with a centralized location for the gathering, analysis, and sharing of information from local, state, tribal and federal resources to prevent criminal activity including acts of terrorism or other threats to public safety.
In 2004, Todd Frier earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Mississippi. He earned his Master’s Degree from the University of New Mexico in 2011.
Jim Brinson
Mr. Brinson is a Specialist in Terrorism and Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) Weapons of Mass Destruction. Mr. Brinson is an instructor in activeshooter preparedness and response, training military, law enforcement and civilians in responding to and surviving active attacks. Prior to working for the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security, Mr. Brinson worked for the U.S. Air Force where he responded to terrorist incidents and countering terrorism operations worldwide. He oversees the protection of the State of Mississippi’s Citizens, Critical Infrastructure, and governmental institutions.conducts training for major sporting events on security measures and trains law enforcement agencies across the country in various counterterrorism areas. Mr. Brinson presents at many local, state, national and international audiences on terrorism and targeted violence.
James Brinson is employed as the Deputy Director of the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security and The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. He has been employedwith the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security since 2004. Responsibilities include managing response assets for Terrorism related responses, oversees active shooter preparedness and training program for Mississippi, along with State Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, as well as being a sworn law enforcement officer that also works cases that are either potentially or actual terrorism or threats of violence related.
Lodging
Conference participants are responsible for making their own individual room reservations. Make online reservations by going to the IP website or by calling the IP Reservations Department at 888-946-2847 and using the Group Code CSTJ24C. To get the special room rate, all registrants must use the group code stated above.
All guests are required to post a mandatory $100 deposit at check-in. Credit card or cash is the only valid form of payment accepted at check-in. Note: The hotel does not take personal or company check as method of payment at check-in. Credit card or cash is the only form of payment accepted at check-in. Hotel policy for cancellation of an individual guaranteed reservation is at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to arrival. Rooms released less than forty-eight (48) hours prior to arrival time will be subject to a cancellation penalty equivalent to the first night’s room and tax.
The last day to make a reservation will be Thursday, September 19, 2024 or until rooms run out, whichever comes first.
HOTEL CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT TIMES: Check-In: 4:00 p.m. Check-Out: 11:00 a.m.
HOTEL ROOM RATE: The special room rate is $89.99 single or double occupancy plus resort fees and applicable taxes per night. Credit card will be charged at the time of making reservation for the first night's room and tax.
HOTEL RESERVATION CUT-OFF: All reservations must be received at the hotel by Thursday, September 19, 2024. Reservations made after the cut-off date will be honored on a space-and-rate availability basis.
General Information
Accommodating Special Needs
If you require special assistance relating to a disability, please contact (662) 915-7847 or (662) 915-7158 or email pdlljac@olemiss.edu prior to October 6, 2023.
Cancellations
In order to receive a full refund of registration fee, cancel registration in writing no later than Thursday, September 19, 2024.
No refunds will be issued for cancellations after Thursday, September 19, 2024. You may substitute another person from the same agency.
Conference Coordination
The University of Mississippi
Office of Professional Development, Events and Services
Division of Outreach and Continuing Education
P.O. Box 1848
1111 W. Jackson Avenue, Suite L
University, MS 38677-1848
O: 1+662-915-7847 or 3121 | F: 1+662-915-5138
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
MS Department of Public Safety Commissioner, Sean J. Tindell
Jackson, MS 39205-0958
Telephone: (601) 933-2637