(Our presenters and panelists are drawn from law enforcement, academia, public service, and corporate America. Each brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in their individual fields of endeavor.)
The Speaker
Director Elliot Boyce (Ret.) began his distinguished 33-year career with the New York State Police in 1987. In 1996, he was appointed to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation as an Investigator, where he was assigned to the Community Narcotics Enforcement Team, working multiple level narcotics cases. Boyce was cross-designated a U.S. Customs Officer by the U.S. Department of Treasury. In 1999, he completed the New York State Police Basic Hate/Bias Criminal Investigations School to become a Bias Crimes Investigator. Boyce completed Crisis Negotiations School to join the elite group of New York State Police Crisis Negotiators. He was deputized as a Drug Enforcement Agent Task Force Officer to assist with major narcotics investigations. In 2005, he started his tenure as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Public Justice at the State University College of New York at Oswego. In 2015, Boyce was accepted into the distinguished New York State Police Employee Assistance Program and subsequently promoted to Senior Investigator / Director.
A proud member of Zeta Psi Sigma Chapter, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Director Boyce earned his Bachelor of Science in Public Justice from the State University of New York at Oswego, a Master’s in Criminal Justice from the School of Criminal Justice at the State University of New York at Albany and a Master’s in Public Administration at Marist College.
The Workshop
Tobacco Harm Reduction: Vaping-vs-Smoking : Wednesday, September 24, 2025 01:00P
Today, many people remain in the dark on the difference between vaping and smoking, The debates between vaping and smoking have gained significant attention in recent years as smokers explore alternatives to traditional cigarettes. Most smokers are aware of the harmful effects of cigarette smoking. Some experts consider vaping less harmful than smoking. Regulations for vapes and electronic cigarettes are complex and vary across states.
Some states have no regulations, while others ban vapes completely. These restrictions are part of an ongoing effort to curb the rise in vaping among adolescents and teens, whose use has skyrocketed in recent years.
Given the ongoing debates and regulatory challenges, this discussion seeks to clarify the differences between vaping and smoking to address the misinformation and misconceptions, and will expound on the lived experiences and expertise of a panel of leading Black law enforcement and medical professionals on the unintended consequences of bans and prohibitions.