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Imagine law enforcement enjoying the education only hands-on experiences can offer, networking new ideas in the industry and previewing the possible technologies that could change, shape and revolutionize the future of law enforcement — and that was only last year.
A key attraction of Enforcement Expo is the learning environment with many opportunities to network and update officers and attendees on new techniques that enhance performance and officer safety.
"The expo focuses on any type of law enforcement agency from police departments to the Coast Guard, and ATF offices in the regional Midwest geographic area," says Dave Caplin, show manager. "The idea is to bring together a variety of law enforcement communities to network and learn from each other."
"Enforcement Expo is unique in the fact that there are so many hands-on opportunities for the people attending," says Jay MacDonald, state secretary of the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). "The expo is the best chance in the Midwest to see the newest equipment."
Rockin' Ohio
Law enforcement's fastest growing regional industry event promises to continue delivering innovative hands-on activities, demonstrations and insightful seminars. Growing to nearly 400 booths, Enforcement Expo's reputation in the law enforcement community can only grow stronger.
Admission to the 2007 expo, which will take place July 11 and 12 at the I-X Center in Cleveland, Ohio, grants access to the expanded conference including new sessions focusing on school safety issues. A half-day workshop, led by nationally recognized school safety expert Ken Trump, is planned for the opening day, July 11.
A two-day seminar and conference pass is $75, with a special $50 rate for FOP members from any state. Admission to the exhibition and access to the hands-on interactive demonstrations continues to be free.
"According to a survey during last year's expo, 96 percent of attendees said they'd highly recommend co-workers to attend this year," says Caplin.
Hands-on
Enforcement Expo provides more opportunities for officers and attendees to participate than a more traditionally focused event.
So many exciting indoor and outdoor activities are planned for the expo that attendees will have to decide whether to test their vehicle control skills, shooting skills or test drive new patrol squad models from major vehicle manufacturers.
Expansion of the Live Drive, sponsored by Ford, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler, and the skid car driving skills course, presented by DriveTeam, allows attendees to test drive new squad car models and test vehicle control skills in a safe and controlled environment.
The Live Fire shooting trailer returns. New to the Live Fire experience is the expansion to high-caliber weapons through the participation of the Cleveland Police Department and its shooting range located only 10 minutes from the show location.
"Given the limited budgets facing many police departments and agencies," says Caplin, "offering realism to attendees for free makes it that much easier to add to the experience and makes it that much more compelling and fun."
The conferences and seminars, organized by co-sponsor the Ohio FOP, will be focusing on a variety of issues such as: tactical, homeland security, labor relations and school safety issues. The program is currently in development and details will be announced shortly.
"The Cleveland Police are excited to have Enforcement Expo in Cleveland once again," says Lt. Thomas Stacho, public information officer of the Cleveland PD. "The opportunities to review the latest in law enforcement technology is certainly a benefit to us and to the area's police agencies."
Innovation
Brand new to the expo is the display and judging of the Cygnus Law Enforcement Group's 2007 Innovation Awards. The Innovation Awards recognizes those outstanding companies whose products respond to law enforcement market challenges with creativity and innovation.
The 2007 Innovation Awards products are distributed into 17 categories: communications, computers, corrections, firearms, firearms accessories, forensics, hazmat/WMD, less-lethal, security, software, surveillance, tactical, traffic enforcement, training, uniforms and body armor, vehicles, and vehicle accessories. A new recognition also will be given this year — a "People's Choice" award based upon Enforcement Expo attendee judging.
The 2006 Innovation Awards winning products also will be highlighted in a pavilion for viewing at the expo.
A special thanks goes to the Cleveland Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Buckeye State Sheriffs' Association and the Ohio Tactical Officers Association for assisting in the enhancement and growth of Enforcement Expo.
For more information about the 2007 Enforcement Expo seminars, conferences or hands-on activities, visit www.enforcementexpo.com.
author: By Jonathan Kozlowski