Big Impact, Small Communities: Innovative Strategies for Small and Rural Law Enforcement Agencies

Sunday, October 19, 2025

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM MT

Location: Mile High Ballroom 1EF, Colorado Convention Center

Small agencies can serve as incubators for innovation. From policy development to social media engagement and community policing strategies, small and rural departments are leading the way. Their size and staffing levels often allow for the flexible and efficient implementation of creative solutions. This panel will highlight successful strategies from small and rural agencies serving diverse populations and facing unique challenges. It will also showcase the types of resources available through the COPS Office Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center. Attendees will learn about effective practices and lessons learned in policing within small and rural law enforcement environments.

Submitter(s)

Jeremy Kommel-Bernstein

Policy Analyst
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office)
Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Speaker(s)

Jesenia Alonso, LCSW

Program Manager
IACP
Alexandria, Virginia, United States
SC

Shelly Camden, J.D.

Director
Northwestern University Center for Public Safety
Evanston, Illinois, United States
Nazmia E.A. Comrie

Sociologist, Policing Assistance and Reform
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office)
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
HD

Homer Delgado

Chief of Police
Uvalde Police Department
MM

Melvin Murdock

Chief of Police
Tulsa Community College Police Department