CPD hosts seminar on anti-government extremism

On Wednesday, October 2, Protecting the Homeland Innovations, LLC, in partnership with the Canton Police Department, hosted a seminar on anti-government extremism and related domestic terrorism threats at the Bank of Canton headquarters on Turnpike Street.

The keynote speaker was retired Chief Robert Paudert from the West Memphis (AK) Police Department, a national expert on the anti-government Sovereign Citizens Movement. Chief Paudert’s son, Sgt. Brandon Paudert, and Officer Bill Evans were gunned down in 2010 by Joe and Jerry Kane — a father and his 16-year-old son who subscribed to the Sovereign Citizen ideology.

The seminar was well attended, attracting law enforcement officials from federal, state and local agencies. Also presenting at the seminar was retired State Trooper Todd McGhee, former lead trainer of the Massachusetts State Police Anti-Terrorism Unit. McGee, who is one of the principals of PHI, spoke about the lone wolf phenomenon.

In the last five years, the Sovereign Citizens extremist group has experienced a resurgence in membership and violent activity. Self-proclaimed sovereign citizens believe they are above most state and federal laws. Many of these lawless citizens have committed lone acts of violence or used deadly force against public safety officials. Law enforcement officials must be trained to detect the high-risk behavior associated with “lone wolf” extremists while on patrol.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Oct 10 2013. Filed under News, Police & Fire. Both comments and pings are currently closed.