CLEAT Convention & Leadership Academy

Senator Huffman started her career as a public servant in 1981. Upon earning her undergraduate degree from LSU, she worked for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, where she was inspired to pursue law. While working full time, she attended South Texas College of Law and later became a prosecutor. She rose through the ranks as Chief Felony Prosecutor, Special Crimes Gang Prosecutor, and Legal Counsel to the Organized Crime Narcotics Task Force. She built a reputation as a fair but tough enforcer of the law and was twice elected Judge of the 183rd Criminal District Court in Harris County. Elected to the Texas Senate in 2008 and re-elected five times, Senator Huffman currently chairs the Senate Committee on Finance and serves on both the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice and the Legislative Budget Board. Known for her pragmatic approach, she has been recognized for her work on behalf of children and crime victims, earning honors such as the “Hero for Texas Children,” “Big Voice for Little Texans,” and the Texas District and County Attorneys Association’s “Law and Order Award” three times.

Governor Abbott has consistently championed public safety and law enforcement throughout his career. As the longest-serving Attorney General in Texas history and a former State Supreme Court Justice, Abbott’s legal and executive leadership has shaped state policy with a strong emphasis on upholding the rule of law. Under his direction, Texas enacted legislation to penalize cities that defund police departments, fought to keep violent offenders behind bars, and prioritized funding for border security. Governor Abbott’s leadership has also focused on strengthening economic opportunities, educational access, and the rights of Texas families. His commitment to a secure, prosperous Texas includes efforts to cut property taxes, expand healthcare services, and invest in critical infrastructure like the state’s energy grid. Governor Abbott’s support for law enforcement goes beyond policy—he has made clear that protecting Texas means backing the brave men and women who wear the badge.

Dennis Benigno is the founder and CEO of Street Cop Training, a well-known law enforcement training company that provides education to police officers across the U.S. His training focuses on proactive policing, criminal interdiction, officer safety, and legal knowledge. Benigno, a former law enforcement officer, built a strong following through his no-nonsense teaching style, social media presence, and emphasis on real-world police work. His company offers in-person and online training sessions covering various aspects of policing, including case law, search and seizure, drug interdiction, and leadership development.

His impact has expanded beyond the U.S., with several officers from other countries discovering and engaging with Street Cop Training and working with Benigno to improve their own police training programs. Through his training programs, podcast, and advocacy, he continues to push for a more knowledgeable, skilled, and well-prepared police force both in the U.S. and internationally. His commitment to revolutionizing police training is shaping the future of law enforcement.

Full Bio Here