Online registration for the 2026 MDIAI Educational Conference has closed. In-person registration will begin at 7:30a.m. on Monday, Aprill 13th.
Hotel Information
Hotel Information
Hilton Garden Inn, Pascagoula
2703 Denny Ave Pascagoula, MS 39567
Room Rate: $130/night
Click below or call (228)762-7182 to book your stay.
Speakers
Speakers
Sarah Mormino
Dr. Sarah Mormino has served as a forensic investigator and forensic supervisor for a local agency in central Florida.
Dr. Sarah Mormino has served as a forensic investigator and forensic supervisor for a local agency in central Florida. She holds a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Forensic Science. She has worked in crime scene for over six years, accruing over 400 hours of forensic training beyond her formal education. She also serves as adjunct faculty at two universities.
Dr. Mormino began scuba diving in 2014, joined a law enforcement recovery team in 2020, and founded The Forensic Diver, LLC in 2023. Since then, she has logged over 85 dives and completed more than 150 hours of various dive training. Over the last five years, Dr. Mormino has researched and taught how to apply forensic land methodologies to aquatic scenes, ensuring a thorough investigation from the start. She has applied her skills to several criminal cases and trained forensic and dive professionals worldwide. Her certifications include open water, advanced open water, NITROX, adventurer, and rescue diver. Additionally, she is a certified underwater photographer and a member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences.
Candace Young
Candace Young is a Lieutenant with the Biloxi Police Department, where she serves as the Public Information Officer and Supervisor of the Professional Standards & Training Unit.
Candace Young is a Lieutenant with the Biloxi Police Department, where she serves as the Public Information Officer and Supervisor of the Professional Standards & Training Unit. With over 12 years of law enforcement experience, Lieutenant Young’s background is rooted in investigations, with 8 of those years dedicated to that discipline. She served as a Detective at her previous agency before transferring to Biloxi in 2018. Lieutenant Young spent a number of years in the Crime Scene Unit, ultimately overseeing the unit as Sergeant before transitioning to her current role, which includes supervising Internal Affairs and Administrative Investigations as part of her broader responsibilities within the Professional Standards & Training Unit. In addition to her investigative work, she is a certified instructor in multiple disciplines, including Active Shooter Response and Tactical Emergency Medical Care.
Lieutenant Young holds a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science with an emphasis in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is a Certified Master Public Information Officer (PIO), Certified Crime Scene Investigator, Certified Internal Affairs Investigator, and an Advanced CVSA Examiner. She is also a 2024 graduate of the School of Police Staff & Command at Northwestern University.
Committed to continuous professional growth, Lieutenant Young now leads several core functions within the department. Her responsibilities include overseeing Internal Affairs, Training, Field Training, Accreditation, Recruitment & Retention, and Public & Media Relations. She also supervises the department’s CVSA Examiners, leads the Bicycle Team as a collateral duty, and mentors local youth through the Public Safety Cadet program, helping them build leadership skills, discipline, and community awareness.
With a passion for bridging the gap between law enforcement and the public, Lieutenant Young focuses on transparent, timely, and strategic communication; especially when it matters most.
Jason DuCré
Jason DuCré began his law enforcement career in 2008 at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections.
Jason DuCré began his law enforcement career in 2008 at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections. His commitment to public safety led him to the Gulfport Police Department in 2014.
During his tenure at the Gulfport Police Department, Jason has had various roles, including Patrol Officer, Street Crimes, the Criminal Investigative Division, and Public Information Officer. He has been a member of the entry team for SWAT, the Marine Unit, and DRIVE team, showcasing his commitment and dedication. Jason was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2024.
Jason carries out a wide array of responsibilities. These encompass managing traditional media and social media outreach, actively participating in recruitment efforts, and orchestrating community events that foster positive interactions between the police department and their community.
Jason dedicates his time and knowledge to educating future law enforcement professionals by teaching a diverse range of classes at the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department Training Academy, molding the next generation of officers with his experience.
Jason is also a mentor in the “Before the Bullet Program,” initiated by the Gulfport Police Department in July 2021. This program serves as a crucial intervention and mentorship initiative, helping guide young individuals away from potential troubles. The fruits of his labor are evident, with three program participants choosing to serve their country in the military. Many others have been positively influenced, steering clear of adverse paths through constant contact and guidance from Jason.
Ben Derrick
Ben Derrick serves as the Chief Operating Officer of HOLOS, a human performance and wellness organization focused on supporting high-stress, mission-critical professions.
Ben Derrick serves as the Chief Operating Officer of HOLOS, a human performance and wellness organization focused on supporting high-stress, mission-critical professions. His work centers on helping tactical professionals improve resilience, decision-making, and long-term operational readiness through an integrated approach to mind, body, and mission.
Prior to his role with HOLOS, Ben worked extensively alongside the Human Performance and Wellness program within the National Guard Special Forces community, supporting soldiers navigating the cognitive and emotional demands of sustained operational environments. His experience in that space informs his practical, field-tested approach to performance, recovery, and leadership under pressure.
Ben brings a grounded, real-world perspective to human performance—one that prioritizes sustainability, clarity under stress, and the ability to operate well over time, not just in moments of peak demand.
Therese Apel
Therese Apel is the founder and CEO of Darkhorse Press, a statewide digital news media company based in Flowood, after a journalism career that spans three decades.
Therese Apel is the founder and CEO of Darkhorse Press, a statewide digital news media company based in Flowood, after a journalism career that spans three decades.
Therese started writing sports and features for the local weekly Copiah County Courier at age 15, then went to Ole Miss where she reported sports for the campus newspaper and television station as well as the coaches’ shows on SportsSouth. She graduated with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and Criminal Justice. She eventually worked at the Southern Sentinel in Ripley; the Daily Leader in Brookhaven; and the statewide paper of record, The Clarion-Ledger, where she worked for almost a decade.
After a brief stint as the Communications Director at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Therese took a job at WLBT in Jackson as a general assignment reporter for two years. When her contract was up, she decided to try a fresh look at journalism by starting her own company, Darkhorse Press.
Darkhorse Press covers community news and crime statewide, with the mission of informing Mississippians of important news they need to know, balanced with serving as a positive part of Mississippi communities by telling positive news stories and spreading joy where possible. The brand promise is “We promise to report the unfiltered truth regardless of personal or political consequences. We will not sacrifice integrity to win the favor of any audience.”
Therese has appeared on national news, crime shows, and documentaries on several networks.
Kayce Lowe
Kayce Lowe is a Crime and Intelligence Analyst at the Dunwoody Police Department in Metro-Atlanta, where she manages the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC), launched in late 2024.
Kayce Lowe is a Crime and Intelligence Analyst at the Dunwoody Police Department in Metro-Atlanta, where she manages the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC), launched in late 2024. In this capacity, she ensures the seamless integration and functionality of advanced technologies, such as Flock Safety systems and a vast network of surveillance cameras. Additionally, Kayce contributes significantly to the Drone First Responder (DFR) program, serving on its national committee. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science and a master’s in Criminal Justice from The University of Southern Mississippi.
Mary Katharine Sullivan
Mary Katharine Sullivan is a Criminal Intelligence Analyst with over two decades of experience supporting local, state, and federal law enforcement operations.
Mary Katharine Sullivan is a Criminal Intelligence Analyst with over two decades of experience supporting local, state, and federal law enforcement operations. Since 2016, she has served as the lead Intelligence Analyst for the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, providing investigative support across Criminal Investigations, Narcotics, Criminal Interdiction, and Patrol Divisions. Sullivan oversees the Realtime Operations Center (ROC), conducting digital forensics and delivering real-time intelligence through advanced analytical tools, including license plate recognition (LPR) systems. Prior experience with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics includes supporting state and federal investigations, wiretap and financial analysis, and statewide intelligence-sharing initiatives. Sullivan holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Mississippi and has received multiple awards for outstanding service.
Joshua Gibbs
Joshua Gibbs is a Sergeant with the Mobile Police Department (MPD) in Alabama. He works with the MPD Dive Team, Bomb Squad, Firearms Training Staff and serves as a Patrol Supervisor in Central Precinct that covers Downtown Mobile.
Joshua Gibbs is a Sergeant with the Mobile Police Department (MPD) in Alabama. He works with the MPD Dive Team, Bomb Squad, Firearms Training Staff and serves as a Patrol Supervisor in Central Precinct that covers Downtown Mobile. In addition to his paid duties with MPD he also volunteers with Daphne Search & Rescue where he is the unit Captain.
He is a Public Safety Diving trainer for both departments and holds PSD Instructor ratings through Dive Rescue International, Emergency Response Diving International and PADI. He is a trained Cave Recovery and Technical Diver in addition to being an FBI Firearms Instructor, Armorer, Certified Alabama Peace Officer Standards and Training Instructor, Dive Med Specialist and Emergency Medical Technician.
He has earned accommodations for life saving, excellent police duty, meritorious service and was WKRG’s First Responder of the month for November 2020, as well as the Alabama Association of Rescue Squad’s 2025 Rescuer of the Year . Gibbs maintains technician and trainer level certifications in dive rescue, water rescue, underwater investigations, water survival, firearms tactics, and critical incident response.
Captain Gibbs was instrumental in the formation and equipping of the Advanced Sonar Program at Daphne Search & Rescue and has taught and lectured on the successful implementation of sonar search techniques for Public Safety Teams and aquatic remains recovery and investigation.
George Chaix
George Chaix retired from a 27-year career in policing. Serving as a criminal investigator since 1996 and later in a command positions serving both the Gulfport and Biloxi Police Departments.
George Chaix retired from a 27-year career in policing. Serving as a criminal investigator since 1996 and later in a command positions serving both the Gulfport and Biloxi Police Departments. He also served in the Navy Reserve in the law enforcement career field serving as an instructor at the Military Police School, Command Chief of a Navy Security Forces Unit and as an investigator serving as the Chief of Military Police Investigations for the Country of Kuwait. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Forensic Science along with a Masters of Criminal Justice Administration, Doctoral Study at Liberty University.
Mr. Chaix currently serves as an Instructor of Criminal Justice for William Carey University and is a past president of the Mississippi Division of the International Association of Identification. He served in the past on the Board of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Veterans Day Parade, past Vice President of the Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers and is an adjunct Instructor for the Southern Regional Public Safety Academy.
Patrick Levine
Patrick currently serves as Chief of Operations for the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) and has over 20 years of law enforcement service on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, including more than 18 years in supervisory roles.
Patrick currently serves as Chief of Operations for the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) and has over 20 years of law enforcement service on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, including more than 18 years in supervisory roles.
Throughout his career, Patrick has held numerous leadership positions within MDMR, including Boat and Water Safety Coordinator, Marine Patrol Reserve Unit Manager, Criminal Investigations, and Officer Training. He has worked closely with the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement to strengthen the Joint Enforcement Agreement, increasing efficiency and funding. Patrick also led FEMA public assistance requests that recovered funds related to Hurricanes Nate and Zeta. As COO, he oversees program management, grants, procurement, budgeting, agency policy, and legislative initiatives.
Patrick has helped launch new funding opportunities, including the Department of Homeland Security Port Security Grant, securing over $1 million for the State of Mississippi. He serves on the U.S. Coast Guard Northeast Gulf of Mexico Regional Maritime Security Committee and has assisted with key legislative efforts such as the Derelict Vessel Program and the Seafood Labeling Law.
An Eagle Scout from Troop 212 in Biloxi, Patrick holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from William Carey University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Southern Mississippi. He is a graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Maritime Law Enforcement Academy and holds multiple certifications, including Incident Commander. In 2014, he served as Incident Commander following a major tornado outbreak in Winston County and has supported emergency response efforts across Mississippi.
Patrick is a graduate of several leadership programs, including the Gulf Coast Business Council Masters Leadership Program, Leadership Mississippi, and the Mississippi Leadership Excellence and Development Academy. He currently serves on the Memorial Hospital Biloxi Board of Trustees and the Biloxi Regional Medical Center Board of Directors.
Married for 25 years to his wife, April, Patrick is the proud father of seven children, including two adopted through MDCPS. Together, they have fostered and supported numerous children in need and helped advance foster care awareness through the Gulf Coast Orphan Care Alliance.
Patrick has served in ministry for over 25 years and remains actively engaged in his community. In his free time, he operates Coastal Beef Co. and Bar 2L Wagyu & Hay Farm in South Mississippi, where he enjoys ranching, fishing, and hunting, and strives to use every opportunity to glorify God.
William “Will” Freeman, Jr.
Will Freeman serves as the Captain of Criminal Investigations Division for the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and is a maritime law enforcement veteran of over 20 years.
Will Freeman serves as the Captain of Criminal Investigations Division for the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and is a maritime law enforcement veteran of over 20 years. Mr. Freeman is an International Association of Marine Investigators (IAMI) Certified Marine Investigator (CMI). In addition, he currently serves as the 2nd Vice President of IAMI. Mr. Freeman is also certified in National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) Level II Boat Incident Investigations and NASBLA GPS Forensics. As a state-certified boating safety instructor, Mr. Freeman partners with local schools to certify high school seniors in safe boating practices. During his state law enforcement career, he has served as uniformed officer, criminal investigator, patrol supervisor, investigations commander, and supervised undercover operations. As a maritime enforcement officer, he has logged over two thousand hours of vessel patrol hours as either vessel commander or boarding officer. As a state criminal investigator, Mr. Freeman investigated complex boating collisions and allisions, boating fatalities, drownings, and many other state and federal criminal violations. He also instructs boating incident response for the State of Mississippi. As a law enforcement administrator, he has conducted hiring interviews of law enforcement candidates and state employment backgrounds investigations. He serves on other multi-discipline committees that work to increase maritime homeland security and reduce fraud in the marine insurance sector. Mr. Freeman holds a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from William Carey University.