IACA 2006 Training Conference - New Orleans, LA
 The 16th Annual IACA Conference was held on September 11-14 at the New Orleans Marriott at the Convention Center. Over 150 attendees from 9 different countries helped to make the conference successful in many ways. Over forty speakers presented on topics ranging from fundamental skills to advanced techniques. Each presenter received superior evaluations, and attendees left the conference with more tools for their analyst toolbox. IACA was proud to have David M. Kennedy, the Director of the Center for Crime Prevention Strategies and professor of anthropology at John Jay College, as the keynote speaker.
The IACA decided early last year that the conference would remain in New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina, primarily so that it could help the city in its revitalization efforts. The conference attendance was smaller than years past, but seemed to have a warm, welcoming feeling among not only the members, but locals from the area. Superintendent Warren Riley of the New Orleans Police Department discussed his Katrina experience and how the city came back. Captain April Overman, the Crime Analysis Supervisor in New Orleans, portrayed the unit’s experiences of trying to analyze new crime, different crime, displacement and disaster in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The IACA received many heart felt thanks that it decided to stay in the Big Easy, and provide the city with much needed economic revenue.
A new feature added to the conference agenda this year was the volunteer opportunity. Conference attendees were able to volunteer their time and efforts to help build homes in Musician’s Village, a Habitat for Humanity Project. Twenty-three members hammered, sawed and painted in the brightly colored homes. Not only was the project helpful to the home recipients, it was a rewarding experience for the attendees. This volunteer opportunity is slated to become a staple at future IACA conferences.
The IACA also recognized several members at this year's conference. The Board gave its annual Meritorious Service Award to Sgt. Mark Stallo of the Dallas (TX) Police Department, the outgoing Past President. Mark has served on the Board of the IACA since the organization was founded 16 years ago. From Vice President of Membership (1991-1994) to President (1994-2000) to Past President (2000-2006), Mark has put an incredible amount of time and effort into the IACA and the crime analysis community. We thank Mark for his leadership and service, and we hope he remains close by.
Noah Fritz delivered the President's Award to Richard Sevieri (MA) of the Cambridge Police Department. With 30 years as a crime analyst, Rich may have the longest service record of anyone in the profession. Several current IACA members began their careers working with Rich, and his fundamental, street-level approach to crime analysis has been an inspiration to many of us. In addition to the usual award, Noah unveiled a three-foot statue of Merlin during his presentation to recognize the "wizardry" Rich has shown in his long career.
Julie Wartell received the 2006 IACA Membership Award. Over the past year, Julie has been an outstanding contributor to the growth of the crime analysis profession in the San Diego area. As Vice-President of the San Diego Crime and Intelligence Analysis Association, Julie has coordinated a wide range of training opportunities for San Diego County analysts. At monthly meetings, SDCIAA members have been provided with specialized instruction through presentations and workshops. This training program has included presentations on topics such as auto theft and identity theft, overviews and instruction on newly accessible investigative software such as “Coplink”, and hands-on training in the use of ArcGIS for crime mapping. In a law enforcement environment where training specific to crime analysis is not easily accessible, Julie has done great work to ensure that local analysts are afforded the opportunity to grow in their profession.
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