MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police (AACOP) met this week in Montgomery for a winter conference. Topics covered included how to work with federal authorities in a tense environment amid nationwide immigration operations.
The conference serves as a chance for top law enforcement leaders across the state to network, learn about new technology and complete top-level training.
AACOP president Justin Lovvorn, the Greenville police chief, told 1819 News he knows firsthand how important the conference is for new chiefs.
“When I first became chief, I would go to these conferences and be able to talk with other chiefs and have direct contact with them in a little bit more casual setting,” Lovvorn said. “We can talk about the issues we've had and something that you may be working on, so it is very beneficial in that aspect.”
Lovvorn said it is important for chiefs to meet and discuss the challenges facing law enforcement.
“It's good for us, as leaders of law enforcement, to come together and get on the same page and make sure we're working in the same direction and we're focused in the same areas that will best improve public safety,” Lovvorn added.
“The main reason behind this organization is to make sure that law enforcement is being held accountable and that we're meeting standards that the public would agree with,” Lovvorn said.
With law enforcement laws constantly changing, Lovvorn said it is crucial to communicate those changes and develop legislation.
“Just like, vehicle pursuits are one of the hot topics right now, and then we just went to argue a bill and voice how we as law enforcement feel about it,” Lovvorn said. “We can try to improve and help reduce the risk to innocent civilians in vehicle pursuits, but there is a certain way to go about doing that that is beneficial for not just us, but the civilians.”
Lovvorn said AACOP is currently in negotiations with the legislature and the governor’s office to improve public safety bills.
The AACOP Education Committee conducts year-round research to identify the most relevant training topics. This year, participants learned more about the Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS), a tool used to run tags, driver’s licenses and criminal histories. Representatives reviewed legal ways to handle sensitive information and an attorney reviewed civil cases involving law enforcement.
Participants also received updates and required training from the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC).
The main training block was on Wednesday with an officer safety presentation by the FBI.
“They use data and research that's collected from incidents where officers were feloniously killed, either accidentally or on purpose, killed or ambushed, assaulted in the line of duty, and it focuses on why these incidents occurred,” Lovvorn explained. “And their goal is to prevent deaths and serious injury by helping law enforcement identify areas to supplement current training.”
The training also covered interoperability with ICE and current legislation that would clarify what local law enforcement can do to assist federal authorities in detaining possible illegal immigrants.
The AACOP conference is one of the largest law enforcement vendor shows in the state. Companies present the latest tools in crime-fighting and prevention.
Over 300 chiefs were among 500 participants. High-ranking leadership was also invited to benefit from executive-level training to prepare for a possible promotion to chief.
The conference ended Thursday morning with an executive board meeting.
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