Lassen Peak Welcomes Dean Kueter to Its Advisory Committee Enhancing Law Enforcement Solutions
Lassen Peak, a Seattle-based pioneer in the field of submillimeter-wave technology, has made a significant appointment by welcoming Dean M. Kueter, Jr. to its advisory committee. This move comes as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance law enforcement solutions. Mr. Kueter, co-founder of Black Alpha International, boasts extensive experience that spans the realms of federal law enforcement policy, agency operations, and national association leadership. This expertise will be instrumental for Lassen Peak as it seeks to develop and commercialize innovative technologies aimed at improving officer and community safety.
Prior to his appointment, Mr. Kueter led a pivotal examination of the U.S. criminal justice system as the executive director of the President's Commission on Law Enforcement. This comprehensive review was the first of its kind in over half a century and produced over 150 actionable recommendations, particularly some that focus on the adoption of new technologies in law enforcement practices. During the tumultuous period from 2019 to 2022, which saw heightened awareness of the need for police reform amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Kueter coordinated input from hundreds of expert witnesses to inform the Commission’s findings.
His previous roles include advising two U.S. Attorneys General at the Department of Justice and establishing the State and Local Law Enforcement Coordination Section, which reports directly to the Attorney General. His position as Chief of Staff at the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), the department responsible for administering federal grants for police technology, has provided him both insights into policing needs and key relationships within law enforcement communities nationwide.
Kueter’s career also includes nearly ten years as the Director of Government Affairs at the National Sheriffs' Association, where he represented over 3,000 elected sheriffs across the country, along with serving as the Washington representative for the Major Cities Chiefs Association. He was behind the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act, helping provide more than $573 million for equipping law enforcement officers with necessary safety gear.
Hatch Graham, the Co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of Lassen Peak, praised Kueter's vast experience and connections, indicating that his background in federal policy, grant funding, and law enforcement operations is set to greatly benefit Lassen Peak's initiatives as it moves toward piloting projects with law enforcement agencies. "Dean's insights will be critical in navigating the complexities of law enforcement requirements and incorporating innovative technology that aligns with the needs of our officers on the ground," Graham stated.
In response to his new role, Mr. Kueter expressed his commitment to improving law enforcement practices, highlighting the importance of providing officers with the necessary tools to operate safely. He noted that the physical pat-down remains a particularly hazardous aspect of policing and emphasized how Lassen Peak’s technology aims to address these risks by enhancing officer safety while upholding the constitutional rights of communities.
In summary, Lassen Peak's strategic expansion of their advisory committee with a leader like Dean Kueter exemplifies their commitment to strengthening the intersection of technology and policing. The company is uniquely positioned to innovate and address the most pressing issues faced by law enforcement today. With a robust advisory team that includes individuals with extensive backgrounds in both law enforcement and civil rights, Lassen Peak is poised to make meaningful changes in public safety and policing practices. The addition of Kueter to the team reflects a forward-thinking approach to the safety and efficacy of law enforcement in the modern era.