The Speaker

Alaina is a proud native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has dedicated her life to service, education, and advocacy. She began her academic journey at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing in 2001. Recognizing the need to expand her impact, Alaina pursued advanced studies, earning a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management with a concentration in Terrorism in 2014. In 2024, she achieved yet another milestone by earning a Master’s Degree in Social Work, becoming a Licensed Therapist.

Since 2015, Alaina has been an Adjunct Professor at Prince George’s Community College, inspiring and shaping the next generation of professionals in the Public Safety and Law Department. She currently serves as a Behavioral Health Licensed Clinician with iMIND Behavioral Health in Landover, Maryland, where she leverages her expertise to support individuals facing mental health challenges.

Alaina’s career is built on a robust foundation of over 20 years in law enforcement. She began her journey with the Baltimore City Police Department before transitioning to the Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff, where she served for 16 years. During her tenure, Alaina distinguished herself as a member of the Honor Guard, a Hostage/Crisis Negotiator, and an integral part of the Peer Support Team. Her leadership as the Police Academy Liaison enabled her to mentor and train aspiring officers, instilling in them the values of integrity and excellence. Certified as an EVOC, Defensive Tactics, Mental Health First Aid, Active Shooter, and Taser Instructor, Alaina embodies a commitment to safety and preparedness.

Currently, Alaina serves as a Police Officer with the Maryland National Capital Park Police, furthering her dedication to public service. Her unwavering passion lies in helping others and raising awareness about the critical impact of mental health on daily functioning. With a career that seamlessly blends law enforcement, mental health advocacy, and education, Alaina is a testament to the power of compassion, resilience, and leadership.

The Workshop

Mental Health in Today’s Policing : Wednesday, September 24, 2025 10:30A

In today's policing, mental health is a significant concern, with police officers experiencing high rates of stress-related mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD due to the constant exposure to traumatic events, high-pressure situations, and a culture that often discourages seeking help, leading to potential impacts on job performance, personal relationships, and overall well-being; there is growing emphasis on better mental health support systems within law enforcement agencies, including increased training, access to counseling services, and reducing stigma around seeking help.

Public safety personnel have been found to have a higher rate of psychological health problems. One in every seven police officers worldwide were found to have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression, and one in every ten struggled from other mental illnesses. Their reluctance to actively seek assistance, combined with a lack of mental health resources tailored to the law enforcement community, means that many officers suffer in silence. As depression worsens, it can affect an officer's ability to perform their job and maintain personal relationships, often compounding the problem.