NYS DCJS 2026 Public Safety Symposium

Registration is now open for the 2026 Public Safety Symposium: Building Safer and Stronger Communities, scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 22 through Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany, New York.

The DCJS Public Safety Symposium is New York State's premier public safety conference, bringing together nearly 1,500 professionals from across the criminal justice and public safety fields for three days of learning, collaboration and networking.

Attendees will have access to more than 100 presentations and panel discussions, networking opportunities with public safety professionals from across New York State and beyond, an exhibit hall featuring programs, services and resources that support public safety efforts, and the presentation of the 2026 Police Officer of the Year and DCJS Lifesaving Awards.

Featured Speakers:

• John J. Mueller – A former MTA Police Chief and Yonkers Police Commissioner, Mueller is a respected public safety leader known for building strong organizations, developing frontline leaders, and fostering collaboration.
• The Honorable John P. (“Sean”) Coffey – Coffey is a former General Counsel of the U.S. Navy and retired Navy captain whose distinguished career includes service as a military officer, federal prosecutor, and nationally prominent trial lawyer. He is widely respected for his leadership in law, government, and national security.
• Josh Goldberg – Goldberg serves as CEO of the Boulder Crest Foundation, where he leads a national effort to help veterans, first responders, and their families thrive in the aftermath of trauma. He is a leading advocate for Posttraumatic Growth and co-author of the bestselling book Struggle Well.
• Alex R. Piquero – Piquero is one of the world's most influential criminologists, whose research on crime, violence, and justice has shaped policy and practice around the globe. He previously served as Director of the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics and is currently Professor and Chair of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Miami.
• A.J. and Madalena DeAndrea – A.J., a retired deputy chief and nationally recognized active shooter response expert, joins his daughter Madalena, an active shooting survivor and school safety leader, to share a powerful message about preparedness, resilience, and growth in the aftermath of trauma.

Register for the 2026 DCJS Public Safety Symposium.

Preview the full 2026 Symposium Schedule.

Please email PublicSafetySymposium@dcjs.ny.gov with any questions. We look forward to seeing you in September!