Peabody Police Chief Bruce Burke was in Alexandria, Va., on Feb. 24 and 25 to attend a training seminar specifically designed for law enforcement executives and 911 emergency center managers. The seminar was sponsored by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Burke was one of 52 police chiefs, sheriffs, and 911 emergency managers invited to attend the session and now is one of more than 5,000 who have completed the training.

The seminar was designed to provide attendees with a better understanding of the issues of missing and sexually exploited children — and how to specifically deal with a child who has been reported missing when time is critical.

“This was one of the most valuable experiences for me in my 14 years as a law enforcement officer,” Burke said. “It was an honor to be selected to attend the seminar. But more important is being able to bring the knowledge back to Peabody and put it into practice.”

The program is funded by the United States Department of Justice and the Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency (OJJDP). The training details the needed steps to implement best practices for call takers, responding officers, investigators, and the command staff.

Burke’s selection also provided funding for his travel and lodging expenses by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children through a grant by OJJDP.