Hoporenkv on the Holidays: A Merry Holiday Season Public Safety Announcement

Guest Speaker:

William Latchford, President

Native Peacekeeper Consulting Group

Co-Director FSU College of Criminology &

Criminal Justice Native American Crime

and Justice Research & Policy Institute

Episode Description:

Since we are moving full steam ahead into the Holiday Season, we sat down with William Latchford, President of the Native Peacekeeper Consulting Group and newly appointed Co-Director of the FSU College of Criminology and Criminal Justice Native American Crime and Justice Research & Policy Institute, to learn all about how you and your family can stay observant, inconspicuous, and SAFE during this merry time of year.

William shares with our hosts Ouista Atkins and Brooke Warrington, the Training and Development Coordinator and Specialist respectively of the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Native Learning Center, tips for navigating the holiday season from a public safety perspective. William digs into understanding criminal patterns, in-person and online shopping safety, further fostering community, and how to make sure your home isn’t a target a la Home Alone style this holiday season.

Listen in and spread the word to your neighbors in Indian Country, so we can all enJOY the holiday with our loved ones. From all of us at the NLC, happy holidays to you and yours!!!

Speaker Bio:

I am currently the President of Native Peacekeeper Consultant Group, LLC, and have dedicated my career to safeguarding and serving the Native American community. With over 30 years of Public Safety experience with the Seminole Tribe of Florida recently retiring as the Executive Director of Public Safety, I have been responsible for overseeing multiple departments, including the police chief, fire chief, and emergency manager. My focus on effective collaboration among these departments has maximized their collective potential to deliver superior services to the community.

As the Chief of Police, I led the police department in providing high-quality services to the community. I was responsible for implementing innovative strategies, policies, and programs aimed at enhancing public safety and reducing crime.

My experience in the gaming industry has given me insight into security and risk management for Tribal Gaming enterprises. My expertise in public safety has proven invaluable in helping to identify vulnerabilities and develop effective risk management strategies for Tribal Gaming operations.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, specializing in Emergency Management. I am currently pursuing a doctorate degree at Saint Leo University, specializing in Homeland Security.

Leadership is a cornerstone of my career, with over 26 years of positional leadership roles. I have attended top law enforcement training programs across the country, including the FBI National Academy session 241, FBI LEEDA, Command Officers Development Course from the University of Louisville, and many other leadership courses.

I am also dedicated to sharing my expertise and knowledge with others. I have trained and mentored numerous law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency management personnel throughout my career. I am a certified instructor and regularly conduct training sessions on topics such as leadership, emergency preparedness, and community policing.

In addition to my work in public safety, I am actively involved in my community. I am a member of the International Police Chiefs Association, Florida Police Chiefs Association, FBINA Associates, FBILEEDA Associates, and National Native American Law Enforcement Association.

Overall, my commitment to the Native American community and public safety is unparalleled. With my focus on concierge community service and extensive experience in public safety, I am committed to helping Native American communities across the country.