2025 Conference Topics | Continuing Education

Disasters Happen: Understanding How Our Nationwide Incident Command System is Utilized for a Coordinated Disaster Response

Description: When disasters such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other emergencies strike, an effective response is critical. This keynote session explores how the Incident Command System (ICS) ensures that first responders, including police, fire, paramedics, and the National Guard, coordinate effectively to manage disaster response and recovery.

Speaker: Greg Shuping

Speaker Bio: Greg Shuping has over 30 years of experience in fire, rescue, EMS, and emergency management across the U.S. His extensive expertise includes incident management training and response operations at a national level. Greg owns Elevated Training and Consulting, LLC, working with clients nationwide to enhance emergency preparedness and disaster response strategies.

Florida Bar CLE: General

Updates from the State of Florida Division of Licensing: Legislative and Licensing Insights

Description: This session provides key updates from Florida’s Division of Licensing, covering recent legislative changes, regulatory updates, and licensing processes impacting the Concealed Weapon licenses and the Private Security, Investigative, and Recovery professions. Compliance requirements, enforcement priorities, and application processing changes will also be discussed.

Speaker: Karen Hansford & John Raymaker

Speaker Bio: Karen Hansford is the Chief of the Bureau of License Issuance, overseeing operations related to security, investigative, and recovery licensing. John Raymaker is an attorney and Director of Florida’s Division of Licensing, with over 16 years of experience, including work in compliance enforcement and legal oversight.

Florida Bar CLE: General

Understanding and Investigating Internal Fraud Cases

Description: Fraud can severely impact businesses, and investigators play a key role in detecting and preventing financial crime. This session covers strategies for identifying internal fraud, conducting interviews, and using forensic techniques to gather evidence effectively.

Speaker: Robert “Jerry” DeFatta, CFE, BAI, CRT

Speaker Bio: Jerry DeFatta is a Board Accredited Investigator and Certified Fraud Examiner with over 25 years in corporate security and investigations. He has expertise in internal theft investigations, deception detection, and fraud prevention, and has authored multiple publications in security and investigative management.

Florida Bar CLE: General

OSINT and FOIA (Open Source Intelligence & Freedom of Information Act)

Description: Investigators rely on Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and FOIA requests to uncover critical information. This session provides insights into using online tools, government records, and data analysis techniques to strengthen investigations and legal research.

Speaker: Hal Humphreys

Speaker Bio: Hal Humphreys is a licensed private investigator and owner of [FIND] Investigations in Nashville, TN. With nearly 30 years of experience, he specializes in criminal defense investigations and has worked on high-profile cases. He is also a writer and editor for Pursuit Magazine.

Florida Bar CLE: Technology

OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) – Parts 1 & 2

Description: As digital investigations evolve, OSINT is becoming increasingly valuable. This two-part session, led by industry experts, explores how open-source data, social media analytics, and AI-driven intelligence are transforming modern investigative practices. Attendees will gain insights into effective tools, ethical considerations, and strategies for leveraging publicly available information in their investigations. This session explores how open-source data, social media analytics, and AI-driven intelligence are transforming modern investigative practices. 

Speaker: Buddy Jericho & Heather Perez

Speaker Bio: Buddy Jericho has extensive experience in intelligence operations, having completed 16 combat deployments supporting special operations. He founded Echo Analytics Group and Indago Technologies, where he pioneers intelligence software solutions. 

Heather Perez is a recognized expert in Open-Source Intelligence with a deep background in cyber investigations, social media analysis, and intelligence gathering. She is a frequent speaker and educator on OSINT techniques and serves as an advocate for ethical investigative practices in the digital age.

Florida Bar CLE: Technology, Ethics

Complex Investigations and Special Investigative Techniques

Description: Complex investigations require specialized techniques and a deep understanding of investigative methodologies. This session delves into advanced strategies such as forensic statement analysis, deception detection, handwriting analysis, and non-verbal cues in interviews. Attendees will learn how to identify critical evidence, locate hard-to-find witnesses, and recognize patterns of deception that can make or break a case. Whether handling major criminal cases or corporate investigations, this session equips investigators with the tools necessary for uncovering the truth efficiently and effectively.

Speaker: William Losefsky

Speaker Bio: William Losefsky is a retired law enforcement professional with extensive experience in both defense and prosecution strategies. He is a Board-Certified Criminal Defense Investigator (CCDI) and a Certified Master Investigator (CMI), bringing decades of experience in corporate security, healthcare investigations, and law enforcement.

Florida Bar CLE: General

School Massacres – Why They Continue to Occur and How to Finally Stop Them

Description: This thought-provoking session takes an in-depth look at the history of school massacres, uncovering patterns and root causes that continue to fuel these tragedies. Using real-world examples, research studies, and unique perspectives, Frank DeAndrea examines the effectiveness of current policies, the gaps in prevention strategies, and what truly needs to be done to stop these attacks. Attendees will gain valuable insights into proactive security measures, early warning signs, and how law enforcement, educators, and communities can collaborate for meaningful change.

Speaker: Frank V. DeAndrea, Jr. – B.A.I. V.S.M.

Speaker Bio: Frank DeAndrea is an accomplished private investigator with four decades of experience in forensics, homicide investigations, and security consulting. He is a Board Accredited Investigator (BAI) and a member of the Vidocq Society (VSM), known for solving cold cases.

Florida Bar CLE: General

Making Money from CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design)

Description: Learn how investigators and security professionals can implement CPTED principles to reduce crime, enhance safety, and create new revenue opportunities in security consulting.

Speaker: Russell Kolins

Speaker Bio: Russ Kolins is a renowned security consultant with expertise in premises liability, liquor liability, and risk management. A former Chairman of ASIS International Hospitality, Entertainment & Tourism Council, he teaches CPTED at the University of Louisville.

Florida Bar CLE: General

Know Your Client and Business Marketing

Description: Understanding your client's true intentions is crucial in private investigations. This session explores due diligence techniques to uncover red flags, manage client influence, and maintain ethical investigative practices. Learn how to safeguard gathered information from misuse while ensuring professionalism, control, and legal integrity in your work.

Speaker: Kelly E. Riddle

Speaker Bio: Kelly E. Riddle is the President of Kelmar Global Investigations with over 43 years of experience. A recognized industry leader, he has authored 14 books and has been named PI Magazine’s "#1 PI in the United States."

Florida Bar CLE: General

The 'Fog in Plain Sight' Strategy – The UN Investigation into Their Own Staff's Involvement in the October 7 Hamas Terrorist Attacks in Israel

Description: A critical analysis of the UN’s internal investigation process regarding accusations of staff involvement in the October 7 attacks, exposing political and operational challenges in international investigations.

Speaker: Peter Gallo

Speaker Bio: Peter Gallo is a qualified lawyer and former UN investigator, known for exposing corruption and investigative failures within the organization. He has testified before U.S. Congress and appeared in international media.

Florida Bar CLE: General

Note: CLE credit areas are assigned based on session content. For final CLE credit approval, please refer to the Florida Bar.