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FEBRUARY 12TH and 13TH

Current Trends and Best Practice in Prevention, Intervention, and Enforcement

Agenda

Please note that all times are in PST. All sessions will be available to livestream viewers.

Speakers and sessions are subject to change.

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Welcome & Opening Remarks

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM

Theresa Campbell

Theresa Campbell

President & Chief Executive Officer
Safer Schools Together

Gordon Stokes

Constable
Vancouver Police Department

chief-steve-rai

Steve Rai

Chief of Police
Vancouver Police Department

Current Gang Landscape

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

CFSEU

Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU)

Introduction to Radicalization

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Colton-Easton

Colton Easton

Director of Project Development
Safer Schools Together

Frank Grosspietsch

Frank Grosspietsch

Consultant & Firearms-Related Investigations
Safer Schools Together

Morning Break

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM

KEYNOTE

Street to School: Detecting, Disrupting, and Defusing Gangs in Schools

10:15 AM – 11:30 AM

Rudy Perez

Assistant Chief of Police
Golden Valley Police Department

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Lunch

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Hidden in Plain Sight: Identifying Vehicle Voids and Hidden Compartments

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Brian Shally

Detective
Calgary Police Services

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Drill, Clout, and the Streets: Culture, Crime, and Social Media

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Norman Miller

Lead Instructor
FGIA

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Afternoon Break

1:30 PM – 1:40 PM

1:40 PM – 2:40 PM

Hybrid Gangs and Social Media: Modern Strategies for Gang Investigation and Enforcement

1:40 PM – 2:40 PM

Dr. Christopher Felton

Detective Sergeant & Trainer
Safer Schools Together

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Project Chrome

1:40 PM – 2:40 PM

Peel Regional Police

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Afternoon Break

2:40 PM – 2:50 PM

2:50 PM – 3:50 PM

Emerging Gang Trends in Edmonton

2:50 PM – 3:50 PM

Emma Schlegl

Constable
Edmonton Police Services

Franky Sauve

Constable
Edmonton Police Services

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Disrupting Zone 43: Project Talonner’s Tactical Approach and Investigative Gains

2:50 PM – 3:50 PM

Marissa Antoniazzi

Sergeant
Organized Crime Section, Vancouver Police Department

Shawn Kane

Detective
Organized Crime Section, Vancouver Police Department

+

Opening Remarks

8:00 AM – 8:15 AM

Harm Dosang

Harm Dosang

Officer-in-Charge (OIC)
Langley RCMP

Genesis and Evolution of Youth Gangs in Canada

8:15 AM – 9:15 AM

Jacob Cheung

Corporal
RCMP Youth Unit

Rob Rai

Executive Senior Manager
Safer Schools Together

Criminal Organization Activity in Central Canada

9:15 AM – 10:15 AM

Justin Parry

Sergeant
Winnipeg Police Service

+

Morning Break

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM

KEYNOTE

Escalation of Youth Violence: The Americas

10:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Lawrence Lujan

Commander
Major Crimes Division – Homicide, Crimes Against Children, Financial Crime, and the Crime Scene Unit, Texas Police Department

+

Lunch

11:45 AM – 12:30 PM

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Immigration and Criminal Gang Activity

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Robert Mateo

Retired Detective
FGIA/NAGIA

+

South Asian Community & Gangs – Canadian Perspective

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Raj Jaswal

Inspector (WSE)
Vancouver Police Department

+

Afternoon Break

1:30 PM – 1:40 PM

Public Safety Canada: Role, Research and Resources in the Canadian Gun and Gang Violence Landscape

1:40 PM – 2:40 PM

Juli-Symata Stoneberg

Manager, Policy and Program Development Initiatives
Crime Prevention Branch at Public Safety Canada

+

1:40 PM – 2:40 PM

Subduing the Investigative Imperative: Examining Alternatives and Holistic Solutions to a Rise in Gang Violence

1:40 PM – 2:40 PM

Ryan Ferry

Sergeant
Edmonton Police Service

+

Afternoon Break

2:40 PM – 2:50 PM

Redirecting Youth off the Pathway to Gang-Associated Behavior

2:50 PM – 3:50 PM

Jonathan Mubanda

Producer, Writer, & Safe School Liaison

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Closing Remarks

3:50 PM – 4:00 PM

Theresa Campbell

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Safer Schools Together

Theresa Campbell is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and founder of Safer Schools Together (SST), an organization focused on promoting a climate and culture of safety in schools. Theresa established SST in 2008 to provide law enforcement agencies, school districts, and community partners with comprehensive violence prevention/intervention training. In 2018, she expanded her role to include CEO and founder of the International Center for Digital Threat Assessment® (ICDTA). Previously, Theresa served as the Executive Director of the International Center for Threat Assessment (ICTA). As a Subject Matter Expert in School-Based Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment, violence prevention, and trauma response, Theresa regularly consults on high-profile cases throughout North America.

Panel Session

February 14, 2025 • 12:45 PM – 2:00 PM PST

Emerging Threat Assessment Landscape

Stay tuned for details regarding the Panel Session with panelists Theresa Campbell, Dr. Peter Langman, James Murray, Dr. Melissa Reeves, & Steven MacDonald.

Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU)

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia is British Columbia’s (CFSEU-BC) “integrated anti-gang police agency”. CFSEU-BC is the largest integrated police program in Canada, made up of members from every police department in B.C., including the RCMP, and is the third largest police ‘force’ in the province with over 400 officers.

February 12, 2026 • 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM PST

The Current Gang Landscape

Stay tuned for CFSEU’s session details.

Colton-Easton

Colton Easton

Director of Project Development

Safer Schools Together

Colton joined Safer Schools Together (SST) in 2016 after receiving his Diploma in Law Enforcement Studies at the Justice Institute of British Columbia. In his current role as the Director of Project Development, Colton works closely with SST CEO/Founder Theresa Campbell in the development and implementation of trainings such as Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment® (BDTA) which is based on the USSS/NTAC model, Digital Threat Assessment® (DTA), and many more.

Colton is an accomplished trainer, having presented to thousands of individuals from organizations across North America including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and numerous other law enforcement agencies and both K to 12 school districts and higher education campuses.

Colton began his time at SST as a Threat Analyst where he gained invaluable experience and knowledge collecting social media data that is used to assist Safety/Threat Assessment teams in conducting accurate threat assessments. He has been involved in several high-profile cases relating to school safety in Canada and the US.

February 12, 2026 • 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM PST

An Introduction to Radicalization

Stay tuned for more details regarding Frank Grosspietsch and Colton Easton’s session on Radicalization.

Frank Grosspietsch

Frank Grosspietsch

Consultant & Firearms-Related Investigations

Safer Schools Together

Frank Grosspietsch, a retired RCMP officer, offers expert consultation services for SST, specializing in firearms investigations and enforcement. With 14 years as a firearms investigative and enforcement support specialist, Frank has supported SST’s Annual Gangs and Guns Conference. His qualifications include firearm identification, criminal use of firearms, and international firearms trafficking. Frank is also a UN-recognized expert in small arms and light weapons, contributing his vast expertise to enhancing public safety.

February 12, 2026 • 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM PST

An Introduction to Radicalization

Stay tuned for more details regarding Frank Grosspietsch and Colton Easton’s session on Radicalization.

Rudy Perez

Assistant Chief of Police

Golden Valley Police Department

Assistant Chief of Police Rudy Perez, an immigrant from Guatemala, has dedicated over two decades to a distinguished career in law enforcement, most notably within the Los Angeles School Police Department (LASPD). His journey with Los Angeles encompassed a broad spectrum of roles, underscoring his versatile expertise in the field. From patrolling communities to leading high-profile units such as the gang detail and the Threat Assessment Unit/Mental Health team as a detective, his contributions have been integral to safeguarding over half a million students and tens of thousands of employees across more than 1,500 locations in Los Angeles County. Ascending to the role of Lieutenant, Perez not only served as the Adjutant to the Chief of Police, but also commanded operations across two pivotal divisions, ensuring the safety of schools and communities in east and south-central Los Angeles County. His leadership extended beyond tactical duties, playing a crucial role in interagency collaborations and fostering a culture of safety and prevention within the educational ecosystem and the community. In 2023, Perez’s career took a significant turn as he was appointed Assistant Chief of Police at the Golden Valley Police Department in Minnesota, marking a new chapter in his commitment to public safety in a suburb of Minneapolis. Beyond his operational achievements, Perez has also excelled as a leader in national school safety efforts. His tenure as president of the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) since July 2022, following his role as Vice President, showcases his dedication to advancing school safety on a national and international scale. His advocacy and drive for excellence in training law enforcement officers have made him a respected figure in the community and a sought-after speaker across various platforms.

KEYNOTE SESSION

February 12, 2026 • 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM PST

Street to School: Detecting, Disrupting, and Defusing Gangs in School

Gangs in and around school settings pose complex safety and equity challenges for students, families, and educators. This session brings together school leaders, researchers, law enforcement, and community partners to explore practical strategies for early detection, effective disruption, and compassionate diffusion of gang-related activity within schools.

Brian Shalley

Detective

Calgary Police Services

Brian has 14 years of service with the Calgary Police Service (CPS), working in general patrol, the mountain bike unit, offender management, surveillance teams, and, most recently, spending 4.5 years with the Organized Crime Enforcement Team before being promoted to Detective in July 2025. In 2022, Brian discovered his first aftermarket hidden compartment, sparking a strong interest in vehicle concealment methods. He completed Pipeline/Convoy and aftermarket compartment training with the Vancouver Police Department and the RCMP in 2023. Since then, he has identified numerous sophisticated hidden compartments and voids, leading to the seizure of several firearms, large quantities of drugs, and currency. His expertise has supported various units’ investigations within CPS and Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT). Currently serving in the CPS General Investigations Unit, Brian continues to lead training efforts within CPS on detection and concealment techniques. He remains committed to refining his skills in locating and sequencing compartments while assisting investigators across the service. Brian is passionate about advancing awareness surrounding hidden compartments. He shares his knowledge to enhance officer safety and operational success and is excited to share these insights.

BREAKOUT SESSION

February 12, 2026 • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM PST

Hidden in Plain Sight: Identifying Vehicle Voids and Hidden Compartments

Criminals are increasingly using sophisticated concealment methods to transport and store drugs, currency, and weapons. While hidden compartments are not new to organized crime, law enforcement is encountering them more frequently. This presentation will highlight this growing trend, focusing on common vehicle voids and outlining the key indicators that will help officers detect hidden compartments during investigations.

Norman Miller

Lead Instructor

FGIA

Mr. Miller is a highly respected expert in the field of gang investigation. He has presented internationally and domestically on various topics related to gangs. He is also the lead instructor for the Florida Gang Investigators Association, where he has taught thousands of law enforcement professionals across the state in their specialist courses.

BREAKOUT SESSION

February 12, 2026 • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM PST

Drill, Clout, and the Streets: Culture, Crime, and Social Media

Dive into the complex relationships between music, identity, and social media in contemporary youth culture. Focusing on drill music, clout chasing, and street culture, attendees will examine how online platforms shape and amplify images of authenticity, fame, and violence. Through case studies, engaging discussions, and media analysis, this session will explore whether drill music reflects social realities or drives conflict, and how digital spaces blur the line between art, performance, and real-life consequences.

Dr. Christopher Felton

Detective Sergeant/Trainer

Safer Schools Together

Dr. Christopher M. Felton, a Detective Sergeant with over 19 years of comprehensive law enforcement experience, is dedicated to gang and violent crimes. In addition to leading the Gang and Violent Crimes Unit within his police department, he oversees the department’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center and is also a homicide team supervisor. Additionally, he serves as an Adjunct Professor and Subject Matter Expert at Trine University and Adjunct Professor at Indiana Institute of Technology, teaching courses in Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology. He also serves as a Trainer for SST, providing insights into criminal justice and first responder mental health. Dr. Felton also founded and leads his department’s Police Officer Peer Support/Critical Incident Stress Management Team. He has presented at international conferences on violent crime, procedural justice, and first responder mental health. His academic achievements include a BS in Criminal Justice, a Masters in Forensic Psychology, a Masters in Philosophy, and a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice – Law and Public Policy. He is also a U.S. Army veteran.

BREAKOUT SESSION

February 12, 2026 • 1:40 PM – 2:40 PM PST

Hybrid Gangs and Social Media: Modern Strategies for Gang Investigation and Enforcement

In this session, Detective Sergeant Dr. Christopher M. Felton will present an overview of gangs in the U.S., including the distinctions between traditional gangs and hybrid gangs – the latter representing the predominant challenge for most U.S. cities. This presentation will examine both prevention and enforcement strategies used by gang units nationwide to combat and dismantle hybrid gangs, highlighting practical approaches for practitioners. Additionally, Det. Sgt. Felton will present specific social media tools and other investigative techniques that aid in gang investigations, such as preservation requests, exigent requests, and geolocation (ping) search warrants and related capabilities. Finally, a brief discussion on undercover social media accounts and relevant general legal considerations will be held. 

Peel Regional Police

Peel Regional Police is committed to their vision of ‘A Safer Community Together’. Everything they do is driven by their mission, vision, and values, and pride themselves in being accountable to our community. They are the second-largest municipal police service in Ontario and the third-largest municipal police service in Canada. One of their objectives is to address crime through call response, investigations, enforcement, and police visibility. With almost 2,421 police officers and over 1,000 civilian employees, their solvency rates are some of the highest in the country, and crime rates are below provincial levels.

BREAKOUT SESSION

February 12, 2026 • 1:40 PM – 2:40 PM PST

Project Chrome

Project Chrome was a Joint Forces Operation led by investigators from Peel Regional Police focused on firearms possession and firearms trafficking throughout the Greater Toronto Area. This investigation resulted in the seizure of 71 firearms, making it the largest seizure of illegal firearms from a single investigation in Peel Police history.

Emma Schlegl

Constable

Edmonton Police Services

Constable Emma Schlegl has been a police officer with the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) for over 10 years and is currently assigned to the Firearms Investigation Team of the Organized Crime Section of the EPS. The Firearms Investigation Unit was created in 2019 and has since grown from one to two teams, which are mandated to reduce gun crime by investigating criminal organizations, street gangs, and other individuals involved in gun crime. These investigations include illegal possession, trafficking, manufacturing, and use (shootings) of firearms.

BREAKOUT SESSION

February 12, 2026 • 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM PST

Emerging Gang Trends in Edmonton

Constable Franky Sauve and Constable Emma Schlegl will be presenting on emerging gang trends in Edmonton involving the violent street gang, 32 Street Bloods. In 2024, the EPS Firearms Investigation Unit identified a rise in gun violence associated with the 32 Street Bloods gang and, as a result, was tasked with identifying members of the group with the goal of proactively disrupting their criminality and access to firearms. Their presentation will focus on how investigators can utilize open-source social media intelligence and music videos as usable police intelligence to identify gang members and their movements. They will also cover the identification and growing understanding of the group’s deep ties to the drug pipeline in the Northwest Territories, as well as several investigative challenges that were met in an investigation that relied heavily on open-source social media intelligence.

Franky Sauve

Constable

Edmonton Police Services

Constable Franky Sauve has been a police officer with the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) for over 10 years and is currently assigned to the Firearms Investigation Team of the Organized Crime Section of the EPS. The Firearms Investigation Unit was created in 2019 and has since grown from one to two teams, which are mandated to reduce gun crime by investigating criminal organizations, street gangs, and other individuals involved in gun crime. These investigations include illegal possession, trafficking, manufacturing, and use (shootings) of firearms.

BREAKOUT SESSION

February 12, 2026 • 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM PST

Emerging Gang Trends in Edmonton

Constable Franky Sauve and Constable Emma Schlegl will be presenting on emerging gang trends in Edmonton involving the violent street gang, 32 Street Bloods. In 2024, the EPS Firearms Investigation Unit identified a rise in gun violence associated with the 32 Street Bloods gang and, as a result, was tasked with identifying members of the group with the goal of proactively disrupting their criminality and access to firearms. Their presentation will focus on how investigators can utilize open-source social media intelligence and music videos as usable police intelligence to identify gang members and their movements. They will also cover the identification and growing understanding of the group’s deep ties to the drug pipeline in the Northwest Territories, as well as several investigative challenges that were met in an investigation that relied heavily on open-source social media intelligence.

Marissa Antoniazzi

Sergeant

Organized Crime Section, Vancouver Police Department

Sergeant Marissa Antoniazzi has been a member of the Vancouver Police Department since April 2012 and began her career in the Operations Division. Sergeant Antoniazzi worked in Vancouver’s Downtown Core in District 1 and then became a member of the Beat Enforcement Team working in the Downtown East Side. As a Beat Officer, she gained significant experience in drug enforcement and intelligence-led policing. In September 2019, Sergeant Antoniazzi joined the Organized Crime Section, where she worked in command roles for numerous high-liability investigations, including murder conspiracy cases and undercover operations.  In June 2025, Sergeant Antoniazzi returned to the Operations Division, where she now leads a patrol team in District 4.

BREAKOUT SESSION

February 12, 2026 • 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM PST

Disrupting Zone 43: Project Talonner’s Tactical Approach and Investigative Gains

In February 2022, a violent street-level crime group from North Montreal emerged and began operating in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, a location known across Canada as a volatile open-air drug market with several competing crime groups in conflict over drug territory. The Vancouver Police Department Organized Crime Section commenced Project Talonner in April 2023. This 13-month investigation utilized complex investigational techniques, including a multi-phased undercover operation. This project became VPD’s only undercover drug trafficking investigation involving multi-kilogram fentanyl purchases. This operation secured over 30 charges against 15 individuals, seizing over 24 kilograms of illicit drugs, two prohibited automatic handguns, and $163,000 in cash. Project Talonner reinforced VPD’s proactive stance against high-level drug traffickers linked to organized crime, gang violence, and the distribution of tainted substances amid the opioid crisis.

Shawn Kane

Detective 

Organized Crime Section, Vancouver Police Department

Detective Shawn Kane has served in law enforcement for 18 years and is currently assigned to the Organized Crime Section of the Vancouver Police Department. He began his policing career with the Toronto Police Service in 2006, where he served in the Patrol Unit, the Community Response Unit, and the Major Crime Unit at 14 Division. He was also a member of the Toronto Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy (TAVIS), a specialized uniform gang unit. In 2016, Detective Kane transferred to the VPD, where he worked in the Patrol Unit in the Downtown East Side before joining the Organized Crime Section. Detective Kane is proficient in file coordination, working with confidential informants, and is the department’s Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Coordinator.

BREAKOUT SESSION

February 12, 2026 • 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM PST

Disrupting Zone 43: Project Talonner’s Tactical Approach and Investigative Gains

In February 2022, a violent street-level crime group from North Montreal emerged and began operating in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, a location known across Canada as a volatile open-air drug market with several competing crime groups in conflict over drug territory. The Vancouver Police Department Organized Crime Section commenced Project Talonner in April 2023. This 13-month investigation utilized complex investigational techniques, including a multi-phased undercover operation. This project became VPD’s only undercover drug trafficking investigation involving multi-kilogram fentanyl purchases. This operation secured over 30 charges against 15 individuals, seizing over 24 kilograms of illicit drugs, two prohibited automatic handguns, and $163,000 in cash. Project Talonner reinforced VPD’s proactive stance against high-level drug traffickers linked to organized crime, gang violence, and the distribution of tainted substances amid the opioid crisis.

Jacob Cheung

Corporal

RCMP Youth Unit

Corporal Jacob Cheung has served in the RCMP for 21 years with a diverse background in frontline policing, Technological Crime, and Youth Services. He has dedicated the last 18 years to the RCMP Youth Unit, where he has worked as a School Resource Officer in inner-city schools and contributed to award-winning youth gang prevention and intervention programs, where he supported gang-entrenched youth by reducing risk factors and the trajectory of negative police contacts. Corporal Cheung has also fostered strong partnerships with local and national community organizations to support vulnerable youth by creating opportunities through sports and pro-social initiatives.

February 13, 2026 • 8:15 AM – 9:15 AM PST

Genesis and Evolution of Youth Gangs in Canada

Stay tuned for details regarding Cpl. Jacob Cheung and Rob Rai’s session. 

Rob Rai

Executive Senior Manager

Safer Schools Together

Rob Rai is an Executive Senior Manager with Safer Schools Together. An innovative thinker with more than 25 years of experience working with vulnerable youth in school systems, Rob has been at the forefront of developing culturally responsive gang intervention programming for diverse youth. Rob has been recognized for his contributions to redirecting criminally involved adolescents by municipal, provincial and national governments including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pin and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to Canadian schools. Rob continues to advance the movement of supporting all youth realize their full life potential.

February 13, 2026 • 8:15 AM – 9:15 AM PST

Genesis and Evolution of Youth Gangs in Canada

Stay tuned for details regarding Cpl. Jacob Cheung and Rob Rai’s session. 

Justin Parry

Sergeant

Winnipeg Police Service

Justin Parry is a 20-year member of the Winnipeg Police Service and is currently the Sergeant of the Secure Operations Unit, which oversees the Witness Protection Program, Member Security, Informant Control, Intelligence, and Counter-Terrorism/National Security.  Additionally, Justin is the manager and a contributing member of the Winnipeg Police Gang Expert Program.  During his assignments with the Homicide Unit, Major Crimes Unit, and Organized Crime Unit, Justin has gained extensive experience with gangs and gang-motivated offences.  He has conducted complex investigations that focused on gang-related activities, including several large-scale wiretap investigations.  In 2012, Justin was first qualified as an expert in the Manitoba Provincial Court to provide testimony on two Indigenous-based criminal organizations.  In 2024, Justin was qualified as an expert in the King’s Bench court to provide testimony on two “Non-Traditional” criminal organizations.

February 13, 2026 • 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM PST

The Evolution of Criminal Organization Activity in Central Canada

Sergeant Parry will focus on the current trends and landscapes of criminal organizations operating in Central Canada, with a focus on their use of technology to expand membership and control. This presentation will include several case studies that will articulate the efforts undertaken by criminal organizations to exploit and radicalize Indigenous youth, as well as those from newcomer communities, to commit drug trafficking, murder, and more.

Lawrence Lujan

Commander

Major Crimes Division – Homicide, Crimes Against Children, Financial Crime, and the Crime Scene Unit, Texas Police Department

Lawrence Lujan is a seasoned law enforcement executive, having accumulated an impressive 35-year tenure with the El Paso, Texas Police Department. Currently serving as the Commander of the Major Crimes Division – Homicide, Crimes Against Children, Financial Crime, and the Crimes Scene unit, Commander Lujan has honed his skills in the field of gang investigations, leadership, critical incident management, officer safety, firearms instruction, mobile field force, and specialized tactical units, such as SWAT.  A graduate of the FBI National Academy (NA) – Session 274 and the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT) Class 58, Commander Lujan has shared his expertise internationally, presenting in El Salvador, Canada, and South Korea. His military operational experience spans across Honduras, Canada, Panama, and Colombia. In 2021, Commander Lujan was recognized for his superior service with the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award by the National Gang Crime Research Center (NGCRC). He has also contributed to the Organization for National Gang Information & Awareness (ONGIA) events in Calgary and Kingston, and spoke at SST’s GGSVP 2025 conference in Vancouver. With a unique and highly sought-after skill set, Commander Lujan’s contributions to the law enforcement sector are truly exemplary. 

KEYNOTE SESSION

February 13, 2026 • 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM PST

Escalation of Youth Violence - The Americas

Escalating incidents of lethal aggression, including shootings, stabbings, and murders, both isolated and gang-related, are posing significant challenges to the safety and stability of our urban and rural communities. These acts, frequently perpetrated by our youth, have devastating consequences on family units, educational institutions, public spaces, and social gatherings. The role of radicalization, extremist ideologies, and cultural norms will be explored in this discussion on youth violence across the Americas, as well as the implementation of strategic initiatives to mitigate this escalating concern. 

Robert Mateo

Retired Detective

FGIA/NAGIA

(Ret). Detective Robert Mateo was assigned to the Bureau of Special Investigation with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Polk County, Florida, where he served as a Deputy Sheriff since 1995. Robert Mateo was assigned to the FBI’s Safe Streets Violent Gang and Violent Crime Task Force. Robert has provided instruction on criminal gangs for the Florida Attorney General’s Office, St. Petersburg College, and Polk State College. He has provided in-service training to law enforcement throughout the state of Florida and trained law enforcement officers in 27 states throughout the U.S., as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands.  Robert Mateo is the President of the Florida Gang Investigators Association and has held a Board position since 2003.  He is also the President of the National Alliance of Gang Investigators Association. Robert is a former Co-Chairman of the Tampa Bay Area Multi-Agency Gang Task Force. Robert has been recognized as one of the top gang experts in the nation by the National Gang Crime Research Center in Chicago, IL. Robert has been involved in a variety of investigations relating to criminal gangs, including robbery, homicide, and wiretap investigations targeting violent criminal gang activity. He is also a 3-time recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal awarded by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

BREAKOUT SESSION

February 13, 2026 • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM PST

Immigration and Criminal Gang Activity

This training provides criminal justice professionals with a historical and modern overview of the complex relationship between immigration and the rise of transnational criminal organizations. The curriculum examines how gangs exploit migration patterns and policy changes while equipping law enforcement with strategies for inter-agency cooperation and improved investigative techniques.

Raj Jaswal

Raj Jaswal

Inspector (WSE)

Vancouver Police Department

As a member of the Vancouver Police Department, with over 18 years of experience in the criminal justice field, Raj has excelled in frontline, investigative, and administrative roles, earning recognition for his leadership and commitment to community service. Raj has gained expertise in proactive intelligence gathering, gang enforcement, intervention, and suppression, being acknowledged through numerous awards and commendations. Notably, Raj was recognized as one of the top 40-under-40 police officers internationally by the International Association of Chiefs of Police in 2023. Raj’s dedication to combating organized crime has been consistently demonstrated through systematic, intentional, and deliberate work. In 2025, Raj worked with Dr. Andy Bain on an academic feature titled: Targeting Transnational Crime: The growing influence of Southeast Asian gangs, which was featured in the National Blue Line Police Magazine.

BREAKOUT SESSION

February 13, 2026 • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM PST

South Asian Community & Gangs – Canadian Perspective

This presentation explores the South Asian community and gang strategies to improve public safety. It covers community vulnerabilities exploited by gangs, their organized criminal activities, and transnational connections that enable violent operations. We will examine how these groups use violence to maintain control and the impact on victims and communities. Participants will gain insights into law enforcement approaches, community engagement, and measures to disrupt these networks.

Juli-Symata Stoneberg

Manager, Policy and Program Development Initiatives

Crime Prevention Branch at Public Safety Canada

Juli-Symata Stoneberg is a Manager at Public Safety Canada with responsibility for policy and program development in the area of gun and gang violence. Over the past six years, she has gained expertise in the area of policy development and program delivery relating to gun and gang violence, crime prevention and community safety, Indigenous community safety planning, and evidence-based prevention programming. Her work supports federal leadership and collaboration with provinces, territories, municipalities, community partners, prosecutorial services, law enforcement, and academia. She brings three decades of experience as a community organizer, frontline immigration officer at Canada’s largest airport, overseas visa officer and diplomat, and intelligence analyst on border issues to the Public Safety role.

February 13, 2026 • 1:40 PM – 2:40 PM PST

Public Safety Canada: Role, Research and Resources in the Canadian Gun and Gang Violence Landscape

This session outlines Public Safety Canada’s leadership role in addressing gun and gang violence through coordinated policy, research, and targeted federal investments. It examines how national initiatives, including the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence and the Building Safer Communities Fund, are aligned to support provinces, municipalities, and Indigenous communities. The presentation highlights how evidence, intergovernmental collaboration, and sustained funding are shaping Canada’s long-term response to gun and gang violence.

Ryan Ferry

Sergeant

Edmonton Police Service

Sgt. Ryan Ferry is in his 20th year with the Edmonton Police Service and is currently the supervisor of the Organized Crime Branch Intelligence Hub. He has spent the majority of his career pursuing public safety and violence reduction relative to gang members and firearms. His time as a police officer has taken him to a variety of work areas, including the Whyte Avenue Entertainment Zone Beats, Public Safety Compliance Team, and he was the founder of Uniformed Gang Suppression Teams in Edmonton. He has also spent time as a detective in the Downtown Division and as the supervisor of the Downtown Division Community Crime Management Team. Sgt. Ferry has been tapped in the past to conduct both recruit and in-service member training on topics including proactive policing strategies, bias awareness, police legitimacy, and effective communications. In addition to training police members, he has instructed and guest lectured at several post-secondary institutions on the history of gangs and effective gang intervention strategies. In addition to his policing duties, Ryan sits on the ONGIA (Organization for National Gang Information and Awareness) Board of Directors, where he has delivered lectures, presentations, and training symposiums on gang-related topics.

BREAKOUT SESSION

February 13, 2026 • 1:40 PM – 2:40 PM PST

Subduing the Investigative Imperative: Examining Alternatives and Holistic Solutions to a Rise in Gang Violence

Attendees will be provided with theory, qualitative analysis, and case studies of effective gang interventions used by municipal police agencies in a Canadian context, with applications to other jurisdictions facing a rise in gang participation and gang activity. 

Jonathan Mubanda

Producer, Writer, & Safe School Liaison

Jonathan Mubanda is a dedicated youth worker with nearly 20 years of experience. His passion for changing lives stems from a transformative experience he had with a high school coach. Alongside his commitment to youth work, Jonathan has a deep passion for film. He has acted in numerous films and TV shows and recently participated in an award-winning documentary. This success gave him the confidence to produce his own film, which will debut as a TELUS original. Jonathan focuses on telling impactful stories through film, continuing to inspire and make a difference in the lives of young people through his dual passions for youth work and filmmaking.

February 13, 2026 • 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM PST

Redirecting Youth off the Pathway to Gang-Associated Behavior

Stay tuned for more information regarding Jonathan Mubanda’s session. 

Which cyber behaviors pose security threats to schools?

  • Cyberbullying and Harassment
  • Signs of Radicalization
  • Data Breaches and Privacy Violations
  • Sextortion and Exploitation
  • Scams Targeting Students or Staff
  • Hacking Tools and Phishing Campaigns

ALL OF THE ABOVE!

Proactive cybersecurity is not just an IT concern—it is a shared responsibility. Our Cybersecurity in Education training equips you with practical tools to address cyber risks with no technical jargon.

Learn More