2025 Conference Information

Stan Burke
Unit Chief (Retired), Federal Bureau of Investigation

Stan’s law enforcement career spans over three decades, beginning as a police officer and investigator with the Maryland National-Capital Park Police. His journey subsequently led him to the FBI, where he served as a special agent across the Phoenix, Dallas, and Albuquerque Divisions. There, he tackled a wide array of complex cases including internal affairs investigations, homicides, robberies, kidnappings, sexual assaults, murder-for-hire plots, and organized crime.

In 2005, Stan transitioned to the FBI Academy, joining the distinguished University of Virginia faculty to instruct Interviewing and Interrogation Through Statement Analysis to both undergraduate and graduate students. Working with the FBI’s legendary Behavioral Science Unit, Stan co-created the FBI’s Joint Communication Exploitation Research Team (JCERT), a pivotal resource that analyzed and profiled statements for law enforcement agencies across the country, contributing significantly to the resolution of countless investigations.

Stan's contributions were recognized in 2010 when he received the FBI Director’s Award for successfully resolving major cold-case investigations throughout the United States. Following his retirement from the FBI in 2011, Stan leveraged his expertise and currently provides specialized training and consultation services in interviewing, interrogation, and forensic linguistics to law enforcement, intelligence, military, and private security sectors globally.

Stan's influence extends beyond his consulting work; he has lectured at prestigious institutions such as University of Virginia, Brigham Young University, and Georgetown University. In addition, he has provided his insight and expertise to national television programs and podcasts. He has been published in numerous law enforcement-related journals and magazines, and in 2024 he released his first book, Where Truth Lies: A Guide to Understanding What People Really Are Saying.

Eric Daigle
Attorney, Daigle Law Group

Eric practices civil litigation in federal and state courts, with an emphasis on municipalities and public officials. His experience includes municipal clients in civil rights actions, including police misconduct litigation and employment actions, as well as premises and general tort liability. Eric acts as a legal advisor to police departments across the Country. He provides legal advice to law enforcement command staff and officers in the areas of legal liability, internal affairs, discipline, policy drafting, employment issues, use of force, laws of arrest, and search and seizure. His experience focuses on officers’ use of force, specifically in the training, investigation, and supervision of force, as well as deadly force incidents involving law enforcement. From 1992 to 2002, Eric worked for the Connecticut State Police, during which time he spent many years as a detective assigned to investigative units. His experience included leading investigations; processing crime scenes for the collection of forensic evidence; and preparing cases for prosecution. Eric is currently assigned as a reserve officer and maintains his Connecticut Police certification.

Jim Dugan
Director, Josephson Exemplary Policing Initiative, Drake University

Jim's professional journey is both distinguished and multifaceted, reflecting a career marked by excellence and dedication in law enforcement, corporate leadership, and ethical training. During his distinguished law enforcement career, Jim thrived in the highly specialized and demanding field of narcotics enforcement. As an undercover operative and team supervisor, he led his team in skillfully infiltrating drug networks, dismantling complex criminal enterprises, and earning widespread recognition for their professionalism and effectiveness. Jim's expertise in narcotics investigations established him as an expert witness in New Jersey Superior Court, where his testimony was pivotal in securing convictions against drug offenders.

At the remarkable age of 32, Jim was promoted to Captain of Detectives and appointed Director of a New Jersey State Certified Police Training Academy. In this role, he revolutionized police training by emphasizing ethics, leadership, and professional development, leaving a lasting impact on countless law enforcement professionals. Jim's contributions to policing were recognized through numerous awards and commendations, and he was a sought-after speaker at state and regional law enforcement conferences across the Northeast.

In 1997, Jim transitioned to the private sector, where his leadership acumen flourished. As a Senior Executive specializing in sales leadership and mergers and acquisitions, he achieved over two decades of success across diverse industries, including publishing, student travel, extraordinary events, and consumer products.

Today, as Director of the Josephson Exemplary Policing Initiative at Drake University, Jim dedicates his efforts to supporting the policing community. He provides critical resources and insights in police ethics, professional development, and organizational excellence, reinforcing his lifelong commitment to improving law enforcement standards. Jim holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Pfeiffer University in North Carolina and a Master of Education from Seton Hall University in New Jersey. Married for 38 years to his wife Beth, Jim is the proud father of three children: Joey (Pastor), Jayson (Business Owner), and Alexa (Special Agent, USAF). He enjoys biking, fishing, golfing, spending time with his two grandsons, and serving in the Men’s Ministry at his church.

Shawn Ross
Lieutenant (Retired), Rockford IL Police Department
Versaterm Product and Training Specialist

 Shawn is a retired Police Lieutenant with the Rockford, Illinois Police Department, with over 25 years of extensive training and experience. He is also a Partner Success Product and Training Specialist with Versaterm Public Safety.

Shawn enjoyed a diverse career in law enforcement, serving as a patrol officer, field force officer, field training officer, SWAT team member/sergeant, detective, patrol sergeant, Lieutenant, and Acting District Commander.  As an officer, detective, and supervisor, he gained a wide variety of experience conducting criminal investigations, which included conducting hundreds of drug investigations and participating in the execution of over 500 drug search warrants as a narcotics detective.

As a Lieutenant, Shawn served as the commander of the Office of Professional Standards, where he conducted or was involved in hundreds of administrative investigations, as well as administrative reviews of officer involved shootings and major use of force incidents. He has conducted audits and inspections of high-risk areas in the police department. He was part of the police department’s Executive Use of Force Review Board and part of the negotiation team for collective bargaining.

Shawn has over 3,300 documented training and certification hours. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 243, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board’s 200-hour Police Executive Role in 21^st Century Course, the Northwestern University Center For Public Safety Supervision of Police Personnel Course and the Force Science Institute Certification Course. He also received certifications as a Hostage Negotiator, a Hostage Negotiator Supervisor, and for SWAT / Advanced SWAT.

Shawn is a United States Army Gulf War Combat Veteran, having served with the 24^th Infantry Division as part of Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991.  Shawn earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice Management from Judson College, a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Illinois.

HOTEL INFO

Omni Louisville

400 South Second Street, Louisville, KY

Conference Rate: $209/night 

Phone:  502.313.6664

Click HERE to make hotel reservations

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