Arizona Association of Crime Analysts
2006 Inaugural Training Conference - Mesa, Arizona

"On The Scene and Behind the Screen: The Analyst's Role"

The Arizona Association of Crime Analysts (AACA) hosted their inaugural training conference on October 16 - 18, 2006. The conference was held at the Dobson Ranch Inn in Mesa, Arizona. Over 120 attendees from 10 states and Canada helped make our first conference a huge success! More than 30 speakers presented on topics ranging from fundamental skills to advanced crime analysis techniques. Each presenter received excellent evaluations and attendees left the conference with more business cards, skills and tools for their crime analysis unit.

The AACA was proud to have four very interesting and diverse keynote speakers: Brian Gray, Riverside County Sheriff's Department; Ron Shreves, Crunch Time Consultant Services; Mike Watkiss, News Channel 3; and Scott Decker, Arizona State University School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

The final conference attendance numbers surpassed any estimates the Conference Committee initially envisioned. With less than 60 days to go until the conference began, registration numbers were hovering around 40 people. Grassroots marketing efforts took off and for the last month we were registering more than 15 people per week.

The Conference Committee selected a conference theme early on. "On the Scene and Behind the Screen; the Analyst's Role" was a timely selection as recent technological advances have changed the ways we analyze crime in so many ways. Assistant Chief Gilbert Otanez, Mesa Police Department, provided a rousing welcome on the opening day of the conference and reminded all the attendees to continue to use these technological innovations to drive changes within their departments.

The Conference recognized Brandon Huntley as the first ever "Arizona Association of Crime Analysts Member of the Year." Brandon's work in crime analysis and geographic profiling was an important contribution to the association. He worked hard to ensure that Phoenix patrol officers and detectives understand the importance and value of crime analysis, and has spent numerous hours increasing awareness of Arizona's crime analysis efforts both locally and nationwide. This is now an annual award.

There were several different social opportunities available for attendees at the conference. The AACA sponsored a Happy Hour at T.G.I.Friday's, complete with chicken wings and Monday Night Football. The AACA and Corona Solutions also sponsored a hospitality suite on night number two that included appetizers and music and lots of informal networking. Two unique features during the AACA inaugural conference included speakers during the lunch hour both days and more than 70 door prizes and giveaways. Conference attendees welcomed two very different speakers during lunch on the first two days of the conference. Mike Watkiss, News Channel 3, offered his insight and opinions on the O.J. Simpson case, appearing in the hit motion picture "Dumb and Dumber" and also on his various brushes with the criminal element in his twenty-plus year broadcast career. Offering an academic viewpoint was Dr. Scott Decker, Arizona State University School of Crime and Criminal Justice. Dr. Decker spoke about his time in Missouri and the Midwest and the impact that certain demographics and trends had on the crime rate and law enforcement policies.

The AACA was pleased to receive more than 70 door prizes and giveaways from sponsor agencies, member agencies, local businesses and vendors. Each morning and each lunch several gift bags were given away to lucky attendees holding the winning tickets. Phoenix Coyotes' hockey tickets, mugs, pens, mouse pads and Beanie Babies were just a few of the items that were awarded to excited attendees.

The conference hosted 15 vendors who offered their expertise, software and analysis programs to interested analysts. The vendor room was located between the presentation rooms and the registration table; making it nearly impossible for attendees to come in without making a stop at the vendor booths to learn about their products and pick up some Hershey Kisses and stress balls.

Overall the success of the conference went beyond any expectations the Conference Committee had in January when conference planning began. The wide range of speakers and presenters and vendors and attendees worked together to make our inaugural conference an overwhelming success.

"Words, honestly, could not express how helpful and invigorating the conference was to me as a crime analyst."
   -Crime Analyst, Colorado, Conference Attendee

Comments like these on the post-conference evaluations energized the Conference Committee (now with some new members). Under Aimee Cardenas' direction, plans have begun for the second annual Arizona Association of Crime Analysts Conference, tentatively slated for October 2007.