Police1 will host a webinar on July 27 focused on how law enforcement leaders can introduce and govern emerging public‑safety technologies while maintaining or rebuilding public trust. The online session brings together chiefs and senior command staff to discuss practical steps for adopting tools such as license plate readers, drones, real‑time crime centers and artificial intelligence.
Why the session matters
Public‑safety technology has advanced rapidly, offering departments capabilities to prevent crime, assist investigations and enhance officer safety. At the same time, those same tools have drawn scrutiny from residents, advocacy groups and elected officials worried about privacy, oversight and transparency. The webinar promises to focus less on product features and more on the policies and communications that determine whether a technology is accepted.
What attendees will learn
Organizers say the session will offer concrete guidance for leaders who must justify, govern and explain new systems to diverse audiences. Learning objectives listed for the webinar include:
- Understanding why even widely used technologies can generate public concern.
- Identifying governance and communication strategies that support successful implementations.
- Preparing for discussions with city councils, community groups, media and the public.
- Explaining emerging technologies in transparent, accessible ways.
- Building confidence through proactive leadership, accountability and transparency.
Session details and leadership
The event is scheduled for Monday, July 27, at 2 p.m. ET (1 p.m. CT; 11 a.m. PT). Organizers encourage registration even for those who cannot attend live; a recording will be provided to registrants.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday, July 27 |
| Time | 2 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. CT / 11 a.m. PT |
| Format | Webinar (recording available) |
Moderator background
The panel will be moderated by Ken Wallentine, who recently retired as chief of the West Jordan, Utah, Police Department and served as the attorney general’s chief of law enforcement in Utah. Wallentine has more than three decades in public safety, edits a national criminal procedure newsletter and serves on the board of the Institute for the Prevention of In‑Custody Death. He also provides use‑of‑force consultation in state and federal litigation.
Organizers frame the event as a candid discussion that will draw on real‑world examples from agencies that have rolled out technology while attempting to maintain or strengthen community trust. The emphasis on governance — how policies, oversight and explanation shape public reaction — reflects growing recognition that technical capability alone does not determine whether a system gains legitimacy.
For departments considering sensors, automated data systems or AI, the webinar aims to offer practical steps for anticipatory engagement with elected officials and residents, including how to document oversight, privacy protections and channels for accountability.
Registration is available on the Police1 website; those who register but cannot attend live will be sent the recording after the event.
