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Law Enforcement and Policing Speaker Series

Join us for a conversation on law enforcement and policing and actions that are being taken to gain trust in our communities. Our speakers will be Benjamin F. Brooks, retired Major of the Pennsylvania State police, Susan Slawson, retired Lieutenant of the Philadelphia Police Department, and John Gooley, Chief Security Officer at Cardinal Point Homeland Security Group and former supervisor of patrol and commander of special investigations for the Lower Merion Police Department. Scroll down to read their bios.

Benjamin F Brooks is a retired Major of the Pennsylvania State police, Management Consultant, and founder of Major Ben’s Consulting Agency, specializing in providing assistance to companies to more effectively implement their Cultural Diversity programs. Specific areas of expertise include: a common sense approach to Understanding, Valuing, and Managing Diversity, Inclusion with a strong emphasis on the impact of Unconscious Bias, Dealing with Difficult People, Policing Your Image, Preventing Sexual Harassment in The Workplace, and Workplace Violence. As a former licensed private investigator, with three decades of experience, he has a keen awareness of sensitive workplace issues.

Brooks is a native of Elizabethtown North Carolina. In 1979, he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Kutztown University, Kutztown Pennsylvania. He completed the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Management Training Program for Senior Managers, the FBI National Academy, Pennsylvania State University Police Supervisor in-service training and Police Executive Development Program. He is certified by the US Department of Justice for Diversity Training.

Brooks is yearning for social justice led him to enlist in the Pennsylvania State Police in 1961. He was one of the first African-Americans in the history of the state police. Ben rose through the ranks to become the first African-American Captain/Troop Commander.

In 1987, Brooks became the first enlisted member of the Pennsylvania State Police to head the Affirmative Action/Contract Compliance Division. In that capacity, he developed the State Polices Sexual Harassment Policy and Training Program, and redefine the concept of Affirmative Action, and its relationship to Cultural Diversity. He joined a multi-agency task force which was responsible for training Police and Correction Departments throughout Pennsylvania in the Ethnic intimidation laws relating to hate crimes.

Brooks appeared on “About the Law”, a program at WHAG-TV and NBC affiliate, Hagerstown, Maryland on “Affirmative Action” in law Enforcement” and “Sexual Harassment in the Workplace”.

Brooks, as an International speaker is a member of the National Speakers Association, American Seminar leaders Association, Dale Carnegie Group, NSA Philadelphia, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBE). He is a published author.

Susan Slawson is a retired Lieutenant of the Philadelphia Police Department, Management Consultant, and Executive Coach. As a 30-year veteran and a civil service employee of the City of Philadelphia, she is keenly aware of diversity and inclusion issues, particularly law enforcement.

Susan earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Geneva University. She received a certificate as an executive coach from Concordia University, Irvine, California.

Susan Slawson’s yearning for social justice led her to join the Philadelphia Police Department, where she rose through the ranks to attain the position of Lieutenant.

Her first assignment was the first district in South Philadelphia. Her professionalism and community involvement positioned her to be selected as a representative for the Department in the public affairs division. In that capacity, she was responsible for the public release of information about the Department’s activities.

Because she yearned for a comprehensive, futuristic view of law enforcement and community engagement, she accepted an assignment as the commanding officer of the Police Athletic League. In that capacity, she commanded over 50 employees, civilian and sworn. She led the opening of three new PAL facilities, which created more athletic, recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities for the youth, especially girls. She was able to raise millions of dollars through federal grants, which provided computer labs to serve underserved communities throughout the park and recreation system

She was appointed recreation Commissioner for the City of Philadelphia in 2008 by Mayor Michael Nutter. she oversaw a seven-million-dollar capital renovation of the Dell Music Center, which hosts concerts during the summer months.

The police athletic league, the Philadelphia Tribune, the Philadelphia Business Journal, the National Congress of black women, and many other organizations recognized Susan for her work making a difference in the lives of youth and contributing to the overall quality of life in Philadelphia.

John Gooley, CPP, is the Chief Security Officer at Cardinal Point Homeland Security Group. Since 2013, he has served as a security consultant and director, overseeing the successful completion of facility security assessments and emergency management plans. In 2019, he became partner and Chief Security Officer (CSO) at Cardinal Point Homeland Security Group.

Mr. Gooley is a twenty-eight-year veteran of the Lower Merion Police Department in Montgomery County, PA. During his police career, he was a supervisor of patrol and commander of special investigations. Mr. Gooley is a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) through the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS). The CPP certification an internationally recognized, globally accredited program and recognized Safety Act Designation from the US Department of Homeland Security.

Mr. Gooley holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Leadership from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.

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Voting Rights Speaker Series

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September 27

Speaker Series: Understanding Racial Bias in Sports Administration