For Immediate Release

Friday, Dec. 16, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Wakefield Police Chief Appointed Vice Chair of IACP Task Force to Address Global Violence Against Law Enforcement

WAKEFIELD – Town Administrator Stephen P. Maio and the Wakefield Police Department are pleased to announce that Chief Rick Smith has been appointed as Vice Chair of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Task Force to Address Global Violence Against Law Enforcement.

“I’m honored to have been appointed as Vice Chair of the IACP task force,” Chief Smith said. “I look forward to working with chiefs throughout the country to address this prevalent issue affecting communities, families and police officers all over the world.”

The task force is newly formed by the members of IACP, which will bring together committed members in the field to evaluate felonious assaults on police and make concrete recommendations in order to prevent further tragedies. The recommendations will include guidance for law enforcement agencies, as well as policy changes, that can be adopted by the new U.S. administration and Congress.

Meetings and work of the task force will commence in January and continue until a document of recommendations is produced.

“We are extremely proud and honored that Chief Smith has been selected to help chair this very important international task force. All too often we have read and seen the horrible violence perpetrated upon police officers throughout the country. Here in Wakefield, the community’s commitment to the men and women of the Wakefield Police Department has been publicly on display with the numerous blue ribbons all over town,” Town Administrator Maio said. “We look forward to Chief Smith lending his expertise to this task force and bringing back practices that, along with the support of our community, will help end this recent pattern of violence on the local, national and international level.”

About the IACP:

The International Association of Chiefs of Police is a dynamic organization that serves as the professional voice of law enforcement. Building on our past success, the IACP addresses cutting edge issues confronting law enforcement though advocacy, programs and research, as well as training and other professional services.  IACP is a comprehensive professional organization that supports the law enforcement leaders of today and develops the leaders of tomorrow.

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