Chuck Wexler

PERF's Annual Meeting in LA covered a host of topics. This week we look at how agencies are effectively using real-time crime centers, the decline in violent crime in cities across the country, and how federal immigration enforcement is affecting local agencies.

From AI debates to national security discussions and major event planning for the World Cup and Olympics, this meeting marked 50 years of PERF’s impact on policing.

For 50 years, PERF has excelled at seeing what is on the horizon, anticipating emerging issues, and having the capacity to respond quickly. Here are some of the major contributions PERF has made to policing in the past 50 years.

A new PERF report highlights “Law Enforcement and Society,” a program using the tragic lessons of the Holocaust to help police reflect on ethics, responsibility, and their role in a democratic society. A cautionary tale of how police must always be mindful.

Robert Mueller took over the FBI just days before the attacks on 9/11 and quickly pushed to transform a culture that resisted sharing intelligence with local police. His quiet determination and character left a legacy that many of us will long remember.

The conflict with Iran could inspire violence on U.S. soil—such as lone wolf and drone attacks. This highlights the renewed risks that local police face and the importance of operational plans and reaching out to potential targets.

PERF was founded in 1976 on a bold idea: Policing should evolve through research, debate & questioning conventional thinking. As the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary, we reflect on the people, ideas & reforms that established PERF & change policing for the better.

This week Trending captures the questions in the news. Are chatbots responsible for reporting potential threats? How does cellphone use relate to traffic deaths? Does crime rise during major sporting events? And what happens when online misinformation affects innocent people?

In some cities, new local policies are reshaping how police interact with federal agencies, leading to complex operational & legal challenges. This week Trending looks at this emerging dynamic, as well as remembers the life & contributions of renowned criminologist Al Blumstein.

Nearly 1,500 agencies across 49 states have adopted ICAT, seeing real results: fewer use-of-force incidents and safer outcomes. PERF celebrated 10 years of ICAT at this week's 4th annual ICAT Meeting in Clearwater and learned more about how this training is changing agencies.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis discusses how Austin Police Department navigates immigration enforcement under Texas law while preserving community trust, as well as managing changes in her department and career.

A very informative and intimate interview with Minneapolis Chief Brian O’Hara, discussing the ongoing crises created by the ICE surge in his city and the day-to-day pressures he and his officers are facing. Every police chief and union leader in America needs to read this interview because the challenges may be coming to their communities. My compliments to Chief O’Hara and the men and women of his Department as they, in the midst of this chaos, continue to try to implement community policing reforms and deescalation tactics learned over the last decades that are being so challenged by the ICE initiatives. 🔗policeforum.org/trending31jan26

Following several high-profile weeks, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara discusses the federal immigration enforcement surge in his city, managing an understaffed agency, and advice he’d give other police chiefs preparing for a similar surge.

@RGIII @OuttaPocketRG3 @Patriots @DrakeMaye2 Thanks. Young and humble. How refreshing

Drake Maye faced the toughest path to the Super Bowl in NFL Playoff History. No QB has ever beat 3 Top 5 defenses to get to the Super Bowl. Until Drake Maye. Chargers were #5 Defense Texans were #1 Defense Broncos were #2 Defense PUT SOME RESPECT on Drake Maye’s name.

Policing Las Vegas isn’t like anywhere else: 50M visitors a year, 24/7 nightlife. Sheriff McMahill explains what it takes to police the world’s entertainment capital, including strategies to impact homicides, solve nonfatal shootings, reduce traffic fatalities & deploying drones.

Met Commr Sir Mark Rowley talks with PERF on how London’s homicide rate fell to 97 in 2025—the lowest per capita rate in history. From targeting drug networks to a crackdown on violence against women & drones as 1st responders, London policing is getting more precise & proactive.

The tragic shooting in Minneapolis, the 5th anniversary of Jan. 6, and a new report on officer mortality rates: We look back on challenging week for policing, plus the inspiring story of an NFL player-turned officer.

PERF to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026. I have been privileged to have been a member for 48 years, was a graduate of the second SMIP class, and have twice had the honor of serving as its President in addition to having been recognized by the organization with several of it’s highest awards. My association with this great organization has been one of the most significant highlights of my law enforcement career. Kudos to Chuck Wexler, PERF’s Executive Director, for his over 30 years of leadership. 🔗policeforum.org/trending3jan26

With the start of the new year, we look back at significant issues faced by police & a historic drop in crime. Meanwhile PERF looks ahead to a milestone 2026, as we celebrate 50 years since its founding, 100th session of Senior Management for Police, & 10 years of ICAT training.

While most of the country is opening gifts & celebrating the holiday, police often have to respond to people fighting, drinking too much, & in need of help. There are stories of police showing compassion & kindness, even during challenging moments. Here are some of those stories.