Public Safety Emergency Communications

Bennet M. Bolton

Policy Analyst

*********@*******.*** • 703-***-****

LinkedIn • South Riding, VA, 20152

Detail-oriented professional with 13+ years of experience in policy analysis with expertise in conducting comprehensive research and analysis to craft impactful, evidence-based reports for strategic decision-making.

Skilled in identifying trends and developing innovative solutions to complex societal issues, particularly in emergency communications. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement effective policy initiatives while evaluating legislative proposals and assessing impacts on diverse stakeholders. Proven ability to communicate policy recommendations with clarity and influence change through data-driven advocacy efforts. Strong background in cybersecurity, operational risk management, mission assurance, and enhancing interoperability and security within public safety communications.

Areas of Expertise

Policy Analysis Planning

Data Collection & Analysis

Technical Assistance

Public Safety Communications

Emergency Communications Analysis

Stakeholder Engagement

Interagency Collaboration

Project & Program Management

Risk Analysis & Mitigation

Facilitation & Coordination

Mission Assurance

Analytical Problem-Solving

Professional Experience

Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, VA

Risk Management, Mission Assurance & Emergency Planning Specialist

2019 — 2024

As a policy analyst at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s Emergency Communications Division, delivered technical, policy, and strategic analyses on public safety and emergency communications systems to federal, state, local, and tribal agencies. Led technical assessments of public safety communications technologies and drafted reports on issues such as encryption, interoperability, and cybersecurity. Facilitated meetings, webinars, and workshops on interoperable communications for all 56 U.S. states and territories. Defined project requirements, coordinated data collection, and provided technical support for pilot projects. Supported transition to Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption for land mobile radio systems.

Improved federal emergency communications interoperability by identifying key progress and challenges for Congress’s Annual Strategic Assessment.

Shaped future federal coordination and actions by outlining opportunities in Congressionally mandated reports, meetings, and workshops.

Enhanced security and operability in public safety communications systems by supporting transition to AES encryption.

Influenced critical policy decisions on emergency communications technologies through strategic insights and comprehensive technical assessments.

Fostered greater interoperability across federal, state, and local agencies by developing strategic analyses and contributing to major reports.

Leidos, Gaithersburg, MD

Senior Operations Researcher

2013 — 2019

Served as Outreach and Technical Services Coordinator at National Institute of Justice (NIJ), providing expert technology assistance to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and corrections agencies on emerging technologies, including emergency communications, school safety, drones, body-worn cameras, and body armor. Led management of JustNet and School Safety Info websites and National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC)-National Facebook page. Represented NIJ at national and regional conferences, delivering presentations and conducting site visits to promote technology adoption. Supported NIJ project managers on technology-related projects and facilitated focus groups to guide research priorities. Acted as subject matter expert on communications for DHS TechSolutions Program and NIJ.

Strengthened visibility and expanded reach of NIJ's technology initiatives by delivering impactful presentations on advanced law enforcement technologies at national and regional conferences.

Promoted widespread adoption of emerging technologies and built strong trust with agencies by conducting strategic site visits to law enforcement departments nationwide.

Influenced research direction and development by organizing and facilitating focus group meetings, driving NIJ's key research priorities.

Contributed to development of national standards by providing expert technology insights and guidance on communications issues for DHS TechSolutions Program and NIJ.

Shaped future advancements in law enforcement and corrections technology by authoring comprehensive reports on various emerging technologies for NIJ.

Additional Experience

Law Enforcement Ambassador, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Washington, DC

Practitioner Advisor, National Institute of Justice, Washington, D.C.

Police Officer Sergeant, Alexandria Police Department, Alexandria, VA

Education

Master of Public Administration

George Mason University, Fairfax, VA

Bachelor of Science

George Mason University, Fairfax, VA

Clearances & Certifications

NIMS ICS 100, 200, 700 (DHS/FEMA), FEMA

Public Trust (DHS)

Publications

Author, NIJ’s Justice Technology Information Center publication “Law Enforcement Vehicle Lighting and Reflectivity Studies: An Overview”

Author, article appearing in January 2015 edition of Law Enforcement Technology magazine, “What You Need to Know About Body-worn Cameras: A Primer”

Co-author, publication for NIJ series dated October 2010, National Institute of Justice In-Short, “10-4 No More? Law Enforcement Agencies Are Phasing Out Old Radio Codes”

Author, article, appearing in October 2007 edition of Sheriff magazine,” Lessons Learned: Planning for and Executing an Interoperable Communications Exercise”

Awards

Horace Small Positive Force Award, 2010

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