International Police Bicycle Assn. Hosts Annual Conference In May

A federal law enforcement official will deliver the keynote address at the International Police Mountain Bike Association's (IPMBA) conference in May, the group announced.

Joshua Ederheimer, principal deputy director of the U.S. Department of Justice's office of Community Oriented Policing Services (C.O.P.S.), will discuss the relationship between law enforcement agencies and their communities, emphasizing the role of bicycle officers. Ederheimer, who is also a 23-year veteran of the Metropolitan (D.C.) Police Department, will give the speech at 8 a.m. May 3 during the conference's opening ceremonies.

The conference will be at the Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront hotel, 11 E. Kellogg St., in St. Paul, Minn.

Following the opening ceremonies, funding specialists from the C.O.P.S. office will present the "Funding Opportunities for Bike Teams" workshop. Specialists will provide details about 2012 public safety grants, including the C.O.P.S. hiring program, Secure Our Schools program, and the Community Policing Development program.

The 9:30 a.m. workshop will highlight new initiatives and offer tips for navigating the federal grant writing process. Attendees will receive the latest C.O.P.S. resources and publications, including information about providing security at special events, developing community partnerships, and collaborating with the private sector to address public safety issues.