Dr. Kevin Gresham’s Post

Different Audiences Need Different Motivation   I routinely speak and teach to different audiences: business people, educators at primary and secondary schools, staff at houses of worship, law enforcement officers, media professionals and college students. One of the biggest challenges for me has been how to get the audience to buy in to the “Why” of my subject.    Different organizations have different reasons for having me speak to their teams. I might be discussing leadership and resiliency, active shooter preparedness and response, tactical medicine, crisis communications, or any of the courses I teach to undergraduate students at the University of Tampa. Regardless of the audience, I have to connect with them and help them see the reason that the class is valuable to them.    One thing I try to do is just put myself in their shoes. If this was my business, how would this information help me succeed (increase profits or efficiency, protect my team members, etc.)? If I helped manage this house of worship, how could I remain welcoming and inviting to the public that we serve and yet still keep our facility safe for all of our members and staff? If I was a college student in this class, how would this information help me in my future career in the criminal justice field?   I admit that I don’t always have the perfect answer, but I always try to find that connection. That’s my starting point. I believe that looking at teaching through that lens, keeps me focused on serving the people to whom I’m speaking. It’s not about me, it’s about them. Like I said, I’m sure I don’t always get it exactly right, but I always try.  #readiness #resilience #education #training #startwithwhy #servantleadership

Minnesota legislature and governor correct flawed law handcuffing School Resource Officers (#SRO) from necessary student restraints. Numerous police departments had pulled SROs from schools under a law passed last year. The new law will require SRO training, certification, and clarification of roles. It will prohibit SROs from being involved in #student disciplinary actions that are the responsibilities of #schoollleaders. In other words, it will basically require the same best practices for #SROs that have been recommended in the #schoolsafety field for a couple of decades. It will require SROs to undergo special training and obtain state certification. According to the story: "Under the new law, school resource officers are explicitly barred from enforcing campus rules. Instead, each agency that provides school resource officers to a nearby district must adopt a policy based on a set of regulations developed by the POST Board. Campus officers' duties will include fostering a positive school climate; protecting students and educators from criminal activity; serving as a liaison between law enforcement agencies and school officials; providing input on school safety drills; educating students and staff on law enforcement topics; and enforcing criminal laws on school grounds." Learn more in the story linked below: https://lnkd.in/eEPD2dHU #schoolsecurity #principals

I have news that I am excited to share: I am expanding my practice to include special education law! If you or someone you know needs help getting educational services from their school, please keep me in mind. TL;DR version: A long time ago, someone told me (and I wish I could remember who this person was) that anyone who is interested in juvenile justice must also be interested in education law. That thought has been living in my brain ever since then. When I first started practicing criminal law, I immediately knew that I wanted to focus on juveniles. I wanted to help kids who had made a mistake, but whose mistake was just a small bump in a long road. I hoped that I would have clients who, after their court involvement, would go on to live their lives and become adults with an interesting story to tell about their childhood. But you know what would be as good as (better than???) helping kids to get out of a tight spot with the law? Helping them to never get into that tight spot to begin with. A disproportionate percentage of children involved in the juvenile legal system have emotional disturbances and/or learning disabilities. What can we do about that? Well, let's start by making sure that they have the services that they need to succeed in school. Now that I have years more experience with administrative bodies and civil appeals of administrative decisions, I am ready to take the step of representing families to help their children get the services that they need. Let's make part of my practice--juvenile defense--obsolete! Let's get kids services to help them succeed in school.

Sixteen State Courts Participate in #GroundbreakingWorkshop for Racial Justice Education Funded by the State Justice Institute, the National Center for State Courts hosted a first-of-its-kind racial justice judicial education workshop. Sixteen teams of judges, judicial educators, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) directors participated in a racial justice capacity-building education workshop earlier this year in Arizona, gaining valuable tools and best practices for developing and facilitating productive training initiatives. “The workshop fostered collaboration,” explained Juli Edwards-McDaniel, curriculum developer with NCSC’s Education and Professional Development Group. “By including all three roles from each state, our goal was to strengthen their ability to work together on racial justice education.” This pioneering workshop is one of many ongoing efforts by the Conference of Chief Justices, the Conference of State Court Administrators, and the #BlueprintforRacialJustice initiative, funded by SJI, which are aimed at assisting courts in advancing productive education efforts in this important learning area. The workshop focused on equipping teams with the knowledge to maximize the impact of their #racialjustice education efforts. Learning objectives included increasing team effectiveness, utilizing best practices, and evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs. #RacialJusticeEducation #DEI #diversityequityandinclusion #statecourts #SJI #NCSC #justicesystem #collaboration #workshop #courts

Navigating Educational Challenges: The Role of an Education Attorney Near Me Education is the cornerstone of personal and societal growth, providing individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in life. However, the educational landscape is not always smooth, and individuals may encounter various challenges that require legal intervention. This is where the services of an education attorney become invaluable. In this article, we will explore the role of an education attorney and discuss the importance of having one nearby to address the unique challenges that may arise in the pursuit of education. Understanding the Role of an Education Attorney: Education attorneys specialize in legal matters related to the field of education. They are well-versed in educational laws and regulations, advocating for the rights of students, parents, and educational institutions. Here are some key areas where education attorneys play a crucial role: 1.   Special Education Advocacy: Education attorneys often work closely with families of students with special needs. They ensure that these students receive the appropriate educational services and accommodations mandated by law. This may involve navigating the complexities of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and advocating for a suitable learning environment. 2.   Disciplinary Issues: When students face disciplinary actions, an education attorney can provide guidance and representation. Whether it's a suspension, expulsion, or other disciplinary measures, the attorney works to protect the student's rights and ensure fair due process. 3.   School Negligence Claims: In cases where a student suffers harm due to negligence on the part of a school or educational institution, an education attorney can help pursue legal action. This may include instances of bullying, unsafe conditions, or failure to provide adequate supervision. 4.   College Admissions and Disciplinary Matters: Education attorneys can assist with college admissions challenges, such as disputes over admission decisions or financial aid. Additionally, they may represent students facing disciplinary proceedings at the collegiate level. 5.   Teacher and Faculty Issues: Education attorneys also handle legal matters involving teachers and other school staff. This may include employment disputes, tenure issues, and allegations of professional misconduct. 6.   Education Policy and Advocacy: Education attorneys may engage in broader issues related to education policy and reform. They can advocate for changes in educational practices and policies at local, state, or national levels. #legaleducation #law #lawstudent #lawschool #legal #lawyer #lawyers #legalknowledge #lawstudents #legalupdates #legalnews #richmondva #rva #richmond #virginia #richmondvirginia #vcu #rvaphotographer Top of Form  

Interested in a career in Law Enforcement? Lets talk about the importance of preparation before joining a police academy. Joining a police academy is a significant step toward a rewarding career in law enforcement. It is a journey that demands physical fitness, mental resilience, academic knowledge, and a commitment to serving and protecting the community. Preparation before entering the academy is crucial for ensuring success and resilience in the face of challenges. - Physical Readiness Police academy training is physically demanding, involving rigorous physical training that includes running, strength exercises, and defensive tactics. Preparing physically before joining the academy ensures recruits can meet fitness standards and avoid injuries. Regular exercise, strength training, and cardiovascular workouts build the necessary stamina, strength, and agility. - Academic Preparedness The police academy curriculum covers criminal law, constitutional law, ethics, report writing, and investigative techniques. Prospective cadets should familiarize themselves with various studying techniques to improve material retention and improve reading and writing skills. -Mental Resilience Cadets face stressful and high-pressure situations during the academy and in the field. Building mental resilience before entering the academy is vital. Techniques such as mindfulness, stress management, and scenario-based training help develop the mental toughness needed for the job. Understanding emotional intelligence is also critical for effective policing and community relations. -Understanding the Role and Responsibilities It is important for recruits to understand the responsibilities, challenges, and ethical considerations of being a sheriff's deputy or police officer. Engaging with current law enforcement officers, participating in ride-along programs, and researching the job demands provide valuable insights. This understanding ensures recruits enter the academy with realistic expectations and a genuine commitment to the profession. Preparation before joining a police academy involves building a solid foundation in physical fitness, academic knowledge, mental resilience, and understanding the role and responsibilities of a police officer. By investing in these areas, prospective cadets can confidently face the challenges ahead and serve their communities with excellence and integrity. Interested in a career in law enforcement? We're hiring! head to www.joinhcso.com to find out more. #teamHCSO #police #lawenforcement #lawenforcementtraining #deputy #corrections #cop #cops #florida #hillsboroughcounty #werehiring

I often wonder whether The Legal Accountability Project reaches law students early enough to make the greatest impact. When we launched in June 2022, we immediately planned a fall Fixing Our Clerkship System law school tour of 20+ schools, to: 🏛Change #clerkship messaging from uniformly positive and overly optimistic, to balanced and realistic; 🏛Ensure students were clear-eyed (including about potential downsides) and asking the right questions before clerking (and knew what to ask); 🏛Pitch our Clerkships Database - a #legaltech solution to a historically intractable social problem - for law students and their administrations, and to do customer research; 🏛Increase visibility with students and #lawschools; and 🏛Ensure students heard about a negative #clerkship experience (as these are not rare, but rarely shared publicly), as well as an experience of triumph and #empowerment. We accomplished that, visiting 25+ schools last year. The student leaders handling programming are typically 2Ls. This means: ⚖️ For fall, many haven’t started the application process: they aren’t necessarily aware of gaps in their schools' resources. ⚖️ By spring, they’re more attuned to these gaps. In fall 2022, some 2L student leaders hosting LAP programming had done judicial externships. They understood the issues LAP highlights about the clerkship work environment: physically isolated judicial chambers and enormous power disparity between clerk/judge that can lead to abuses. 📢LAP encourages students to advocate to their administrations to participate in the Clerkships Database. Depending where students are in the application cycle when they attend our programming, it might be too late for them - they might have already accepted a #clerkship. This doesn’t mean they can’t advocate to improve the system for their peers (and themselves, if seeking a second #clerkship), but timing is everything. Sadly, I hear from many clerks - including some who attended LAP’s programming - that they’ve still found themselves in negative #clerkship situations, despite asking the right questions, because they didn’t have candid, #transparent clerkship information. Now, their peers will. 📢This spring, I’ll visit more #lawschools. LAP will be signing up law students for our first cohort of Clerkship Database student users THIS spring for THIS clerkship application cycle. We’ll share more info soon. In the meantime, join LAP’s mailing list via our website to stay up to date, and reach out to me to get yourself on the waiting list. LAP is #democratizing clerkship information THIS spring, circumventing #lawschools in the process. Students nation-wide are about to benefit from what LAP built. #clerkships #transparency #legaltech #innovation

EDUCATION AFTER JAIL AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM My educational journey began uniquely at UNISQ (formerly the University of Southern Queensland) with a Tertiary Preparation Pathway. This program helped me raise my GPA enough for a Bachelor of Arts majoring in legal studies. From there, I continued my education at the University of New England. I am close to completing my Bachelor of Legal Studies this trimester, with just one more. Once my GPA improves, I plan to transfer to a Bachelor of Laws. Coming from a past marked by crime, drugs, alcohol, and gang involvement, I was initially worried about how people would perceive me. I often doubted whether I was good enough or capable enough. Even now, I sometimes feel out of place. However, I am incredibly grateful for the positive change in direction, as studying has opened numerous doors that would have remained closed without formal education. My high school years were difficult, and I wasn't even allowed on school grounds during my last term. After high school, I ended up in Brisbane Boys Yard, with a decade-long string of offences starting in Sydney and culminating in Bidura Children's Court. This ten-year period of offending concluded in 2019 at Southport District Court. At my lowest, I was facing the prospect of 20+ years in segregation. Despite these challenges, I am proud of my educational journey and where I am today. I have big goals and ambitions, including someday owning my own law firm. #abouttimeforjustice #injuryprevention #injury #benefit #healing #mentalhealth #selflove #ptsd #lawstudent #law #lawschool #legal #advocate #lawstudents #supremecourt #court #judiciary #livedexperience #studygram #lawstudentlife #justice #lawmemes #lawlife #study #lawschoollife #student #legalupdates #une #livedexperience #universityofnewengland

Foundation Program: Foundation in Law Enforcement. This program equips students with essential knowledge and skills for investigative and law enforcement careers. It offers a blend of theoretical understanding and practical application, fostering comprehensive industry comprehension. Students develop vital character traits necessary for effective functioning in the workforce. The program supports career advancement and provides a strong foundation for further academic pursuits or professional growth in the field of investigation. #elmuedu #lawenforcement #universitylifestyle #collegelifestyle #HigherEducation #studentlife #campuslifestyle #universityexperience #studentsuccess #academiclife

As you settle into the new school year, take a moment to learn about the dedicated individuals who work to keep your campus safe. Understanding your campus police's role and building a positive relationship with them can enhance your college experience and provide a sense of security. Why Get to Know Your Campus Police? Safety First: They’re here to protect and assist you. Knowing who they are and how they can help is crucial. Community Building: Building trust and communication fosters a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone. Career Insights: For those interested in law enforcement, campus police officers can provide valuable insights and mentorship opportunities. What They Can Do to Keep You Safe? Escort students safely to their dorm on late nights Respond to blue light emergency towers. Provide safety workshops and self-defense classes. How to Connect? Attend campus safety events and workshops. Introduce yourself to officers when you see them around campus. Follow your campus police department on social media for updates and safety tips. International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators #BackToSchool #CampusSafety #KnowYourCampusPolice #CollegeLife #ASPIRE #CampusLawEnforcement