In a first-of-its-kind gathering, the University of Virginia’s Center for Public Safety and Justice (CPSJ) is set to host the Leading Without a Badge Summit, an event tailored exclusively for professional staff leaders in law enforcement from April 13-15 2025 in Charlottesville, Virginia. This summit will provide a national platform for non-sworn public safety professionals to address the critical issues shaping the future of law enforcement and connect with peers.
The summit is expected to draw attendees from across the country and will focus on leaders who play pivotal roles in public safety operations without carrying a badge. These individuals — chief operating officers, chiefs of staff, public information officers, chief information officers, directors and program managers — often work behind the scenes to drive efficiency, innovation and trust within their organizations and broader communities. Civilian appointments to all levels of policing, including leadership positions, incorporate broader community perspectives and best business practices into policing and can positively influence police cultures, which remain siloed and guarded in many jurisdictions.
Highlighting civilian leadership in public safety
The summit will center on the vital, yet often underappreciated, contributions of professional staff leaders in modern policing. The event’s sessions and workshops will delve into pressing issues such as leveraging artificial intelligence in law enforcement, navigating internal and external agency dynamics, and fostering transparency and trust within agencies.
“This is about giving a voice to the leaders who often operate in the background but are instrumental to public safety,” said Marvin Ben Haiman, Executive Director of CPSJ. “These professionals bring unique expertise and fresh perspectives that are crucial to transforming how public safety organizations operate.”
A packed agenda of insight and innovation
The summit will kick off with an opening keynote panel titled “Beyond the Badge: The Role of Professional Staff in Transforming Public Safety.” Featuring leading voices from public safety agencies, the panel will examine the evolving responsibilities and influence of civilian leaders in law enforcement.
Over the following days, attendees will engage in workshops, case studies, and panel discussions addressing key topics, including:
- AI in policing: Exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping crime prevention and community engagement.
- Organizational culture: Strategies for professional staff to navigate complex agency dynamics and build strong relationships across the agency.
- Real-world innovations: Case studies spotlighting successful initiatives, such as mobile data projects and behavioral health collaborations.
- Transparency and trust: Building bridges between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
Networking will also be a major focus, with opportunities for attendees to connect during welcome receptions, workshops, and facilitated discussions.
Support from national leaders
The summit is backed by key sponsors, including Lexipol, and co-organized by prominent leaders in public safety innovation, such as representatives from the National Policing Institute, Seattle Police Department, Mesa Arizona Police Department, Suffolk County Police Department (New York), Sacramento Police Department, Prince William County PD (Virginia) and New York City Police Department. Their collaboration ensures that the event reflects a diverse range of experiences and best practices.
“I am thrilled to be part of an initiative that highlights the transformative power of civilian leadership in public safety,” said Ganesha Martin, a key organizer and leader in police innovation. “This summit is about empowering leaders with the tools and connections to drive change.”Ganesha previously served as the Director, Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice and multiple senior leadership positions with the Baltimore Police Department.
“The success of any public safety agency depends not just on those who wear the badge but on the civilian leaders who work tirelessly behind the scenes to drive innovation, efficiency, and trust. An event like the Leading Without a Badge Summit is critical because it shines a spotlight on these professionals, providing them with the tools and insights to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. By investing in their growth and collaboration, we elevate the entire field of public safety.” – Gordon Graham, Risk Management Expert, Co-Founder of Lexipol and Distinguished Lecturer of the UVA Master of Public Safety Program.
A vision for the future of policing
With the law enforcement landscape rapidly evolving, the Leading Without a Badge Summit aims to equip civilian leaders with the insights, strategies and networks they need to be successful. By focusing on innovation, collaboration, and actionable solutions, the event seeks to elevate the role of non-sworn leaders in shaping the future of public safety.
Brian Maxey, Chief Operating Officer of the Seattle Police Department, and a key member of the organizing committee remarked, “Civilian leaders help bridge connections with local community groups, universities, business leaders and other service providers, and strengthen organizational efficiency. In the Seattle Police Department (SPD), similar to their sworn counterparts, civilians are empowered to act in support of SPD’s service delivery efforts — they are leaders, not simply administrative support.”
The University of Virginia’s CPSJ has expressed its commitment to advance leadership through education, innovation and research and through opportunities such as this event. The summit will not only address operational challenges but also highlight the unique value civilian leaders bring to public safety agencies.
The inaugural Leading Without a Badge Summit promises to be a transformative experience for civilian leaders in law enforcement. For information and registration details, visit the conference website.