A pair of local police chiefs has returned from a U.S. Department of Justice conference that teaches police departments how to deal with missing and exploited children.

Arroyo Grande Police Chief Steve Annibali and Pismo Beach Police Chief Jeff Norton attended the seminar at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Alexandria, Va., on Jan. 27 and 28.

They joined 31 chiefs, sheriffs and 911 emergency managers in what was the 139th time the course has been offered. More than 5,000 law enforcement professionals have undergone the training.

Norton called the course “one of the most valuable training experiences … in my 28 years as a law enforcement officer.” Both he and Annibali stressed the importance of bringing their newfound knowledge back to their respective departments.

“The ability to bring the knowledge and resources of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to both of our communities can be the difference that leads to a successful conclusion in a child-abduction case,” Annibali said.

The seminar focuses on how to handle the case of a missing child when time is critical.

Travel and lodging expenses were covered by a grant from the DOJ’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.