Shows
Policing MattersWhat women in policing told us about harassment — and why so few feel safe reporting itOn this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley tackles one of the most painful — and often avoided — topics in law enforcement: the sexual harassment and discrimination women still face on the job. Drawing on a national Police1 survey of more than 500 female police officers, the conversation explores what the data shows about repeat offenders, fear of retaliation and the toll on trust, morale and public confidence when agencies fail to act.
To unpack the findings, Jim is joined by Professor Terry Dwyer — the attorney, former New York State Trooper and Police1 columnist who authored the su...
2025-12-0354 minPolicing MattersLife after the badge: Preparing for the quiet that comes nextFor most officers, retirement is a finish line they measure in days and years, but few are ready for what happens when the radio goes silent and the badge comes off for good. And recently, that reality hit home nationwide when a Police1 article on police retirement went viral, striking a nerve with thousands of current and former officers.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks with a retired deputy chief about the fear, isolation and loss of relevance many officers feel after they leave the job, and what agencies and officers...
2025-11-1949 minPolicing MattersTraining under pressure: Making every dollar — and decision — countTraining police officers for real-world encounters requires more than classroom instruction — it demands safe, repeatable and cost-effective tools that prepare officers for high-stress situations. This special episode of the Policing Matters podcast, part of Police1’s Police Training Week series, showcases how agencies can expand training opportunities that sharpen skills, strengthen readiness and fit within limited budgets.
In this episode, host and Police1 columnist Warren Wilson talks with Mike McCaslin, law enforcement and government channel manager for T4E – Training for Engagement. With more than 23 years of experience across municipal, county, tribal and federal policing, McCaslin brings a deep...
2025-09-1815 minPolicing MattersStop checking the box: How to make police officer wellness part of the jobIn law enforcement, wellness can’t be an afterthought — it must be part of the foundation of operations. That means moving beyond surface-level initiatives to fully integrating mental health support into operations, training and leadership strategies. From proactive threat assessment to long-term officer resilience and retirement planning, embedding behavioral health into daily practice is key to building a healthier, more effective agency.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks with Dr. Cherylynn Lee, a police psychologist with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, about weaving behavioral science into tactical operations, threat assess...
2025-07-1629 minPolicing Matters5 threats police officers face in 2025 — and what leadership must do nowPolice1’s "What Cops Want in 2025" survey delivers a stark message: officers feel increasingly vulnerable on the job. In a wide-ranging conversation, host Jim Dudley and Below 100 founder Dale Stockton break down the survey’s key findings, exposing persistent safety threats and a growing disconnect between command staff and the realities of front-line policing.
About our sponsor
This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by Utility. Utility is transforming how law enforcement captures, manages and shares critical data through body-worn cameras, in-car video, and a fully integrated digital evidence platform. Our mission is to empower offi...
2025-05-3051 minPolicing MattersCritical connections: The challenges and solutions in public safety communicationWhether responding to a medical emergency, coordinating disaster relief or ensuring officer safety in high-risk situations, public safety radio systems provide mission-critical communications that enable first responders to fulfill their missions.
What does it take to ensure these systems remain functional, interoperable and adequately funded?
This special episode of the Policing Matters podcast, sponsored by Kenwood, features a panel discussion on public safety radio systems. Guest host Police1 Editorial Director Greg Friese speaks with three emergency management and communications experts about the vital role of radio communications in emergency response, the obstacles agencies face in...
2025-03-2753 minPolicing MattersUniting forces: How police and fire collaborate during disaster responseIn a special crossover edition of Police1’s Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley joins forces with Aaron Zamzow, a firefighter from Madison, Wisconsin, and host of FireRescue1’s Better Every Shift podcast, to explore the critical intersections of police and fire department roles during emergencies. From the recent wildfires in California to active shooter scenarios, their conversation highlights the importance of cross-agency communication, training and shared resources to address evolving public safety challenges.
About our sponsor
This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at pric...
2025-01-2940 minPolicing MattersCordico's Dr. David Black on officer wellbeing: Insights from Police1's 'What Cops Want in 2024' surveyPolice1’s "What Cops Want in 2024" survey focused on officer wellness and behavioral health. This year’s findings reveal the profound impact of mental wellness struggles among law enforcement officers, with many reporting issues such as sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress. The survey brings attention to the widespread effects of work-related stress, including alarming rates of suicidal thoughts and burnout. The results emphasize the pressing need for comprehensive wellness initiatives within police departments to help officers manage the emotional and psychological toll of their demanding roles.
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley sits...
2024-10-2343 minPolicing MattersPolice1 reports from Axon Week: A preview of Axon Training Pods, developed to enhance VR trainingThis episode was recorded at Axon Week 2024. Axon Week 2025 will take place April 22-25 in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://www.axonweek.com/.
In this special episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks with Thi Luu, vice president and general manager of virtual reality for Axon, and Andy Wrenn, head of training for Axon, during Axon Week 2024. The three meet to discuss a standout innovation: a self-contained, portable virtual reality (VR) training pod designed to address the common challenge of limited training space.
Axon VR includes specialized controllers that simulate the TASER...
2024-10-0120 min
Trust The Badge28: Police1 Columnist, Kathleen DiasKathleen Dias, a monthly columnist for PoliceOne and the voice behind 'The Rural Badge' on social media joins this episode. Ms. Dias discusses her journey into writing about rural policing, shedding light on the challenges faced by officers in remote areas, from funding issues to safety concerns. She also shares personal anecdotes and research findings that highlight the significant risks and obstacles these officers encounter. This episode is for anyone interested in understanding the often-overlooked aspects of rural policing. Tune in for an insightful conversation and learn more about the vital role these officers play in ensuring community safety...
2024-09-3042 minPolicing MattersPolice1 reports from Axon Week: Axon's Draft One brings AI to police report writingThis episode was recorded at Axon Week 2024. Axon Week 2025 will take place April 22-25 in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://www.axonweek.com/.
In this special episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley interviews Noah Spitzer-Williams, senior principal product manager of generative AI at Axon, about the company's new tool, Draft One, at Axon Week 2024. This tool, Spitzer-Williams tells Dudley, can significantly reduce the time officers spend on paperwork. The conversation dives into the capabilities of Draft One, its potential impact on officer efficiency and morale and the future possibilities for this technology in polic...
2024-09-2410 minPolicing MattersPolice1 reports from Axon Week: The evolution of law enforcement with drone technologyThis episode was recorded at Axon Week 2024. Axon Week 2025 will take place April 22-25 in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://www.axonweek.com/.
Please note that the first five minutes of this episode features a visual drone demonstration. To view the video of this, visit https://www.police1.com/drones/police1-reports-from-axon-week-the-evolution-of-law-enforcement-with-drone-technology.
In this special episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks with Adam Bry, CEO of Skydio, and City of Miami Beach Police Department Sergeant Anthony Loperfido about the revolutionary role of drones in modern law enforcement. The discussion, recorded l...
2024-09-1724 minPolicing MattersPolice1 reports from Axon Week: Rick Smith on how Axon's latest innovations enhance policingThis episode was recorded at Axon Week 2024. Axon Week 2025 will take place April 22-25 in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://www.axonweek.com/.
In this special episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Rick Smith, the visionary founder of Axon, formerly known as TASER International. Smith talks about the advancements discussed during Axon Week, including the TASER 10, virtual reality-based training and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on policing.
The conversation delves into how these innovations are poised to enhance officer safety, increase efficiency and reduce critical incidents. With real...
2024-09-1024 minPolicing MattersUnlocking the secrets of cold case investigations: The power of DNA and dedicationIn the realm of criminal investigations, cold cases have always presented unique challenges and frustrations for law enforcement and affected families. Yet, the advent of advanced forensic technologies, especially DNA analysis and genealogy, has revolutionized our ability to solve cases that were once thought to be lost to time.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Lindsey Wade, a Senior Law Enforcement Specialist at RTI International, about the intricacies of cold case investigations, highlighting the critical role of emerging technologies and the unwavering dedication of investigators in bringing long-awaited justice.
2024-02-2827 minPolicing MattersTerrence Dwyer on SCOTUS actions impacting law enforcement in 2023Every year, Police1 columnist Terry Dwyer breaks down United States Supreme Court rulings of significance to law enforcement. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, Terry joins host Jim Dudley to discuss this year's summary.
Terry retired from the New York State Police after a 22-year career as a Trooper and Investigator. He is now a tenured Professor in the Justice and Law Administration Department at Western Connecticut State University and an attorney in private practice representing law enforcement officers in disciplinary cases, critical incidents, and employment matters. He is the author of the forthcoming "Legal...
2023-12-2747 minPolicing MattersAI in action: Enhancing school security with ZeroEyes’ gun detection systemArtificial intelligence technology is impacting all aspects of our lives. In today's episode, sponsored by Lexipol, host Jim Dudley speaks with ZeroEyes' Chief Customer Officer and Co-Founder Dustin Brooks about how his company uses AI to detect firearms.
ZeroEyes is a proactive visual gun detection and situational awareness software platform based on computer vision and advanced machine learning AI. It is layered on existing digital security cameras at schools, businesses and government offices. The technology is designed to identify illegally brandished guns and instantly send images to the ZeroEyes Operation Centers, which are staffed by military and law en...
2023-08-1628 minPolicing MattersHow the Metropolitan Police Department uses technology and process restructuring to reduce hiring inefficienciesLaw enforcement recruiting is an issue we have been scrambling to address across the country. Our guest today has some ideas that have been put into action with some great initial results.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, sponsored by Staccato, host Jim Dudley speaks with Marvin "Ben" Haiman, who serves as the Chief of Staff for the Metropolitan Police Department, about how the agency is using data-driven initiatives to improve recruiting. Mr. Haiman oversees the daily operations of the Executive Office of the Chief of Police and is responsible for broad agency management and imp...
2023-06-2937 minPolicing MattersMinute by minute: How the GBI handled the social media response to the Ahmaud Arbery murderA critical incident can happen at any time, in any community, across the country. Sharing information about these incidents is one cog in the overall response wheel, but it’s one that cannot be overlooked. It’s crucial to effectively communicate both during and after a critical incident. Police1 is launching a new feature that dives into the communication response to some of the most significant incidents law enforcement agencies have recently faced.
Julie Parker, President of Julie Parker Communications, specializing in law enforcement media relations and social media, is spearheading this spotlight on crisis communications. In this...
2023-05-2321 minPolicing MattersMelissa Stone on the benefits of embedding social workers in police departmentsMany law enforcement agencies have seen the benefits of having social workers in police departments as social workers can increase law enforcement effectiveness when dealing with subjects experiencing mental illness. The Bloomington (Indiana) Police Department began an embedded police social worker program in 2019. Funded by the department budget, the program started with one social worker and has grown to three full-time social workers.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Bloomington PD senior social worker Melissa Stone, MSW, LSW, about the benefits a fully embedded social worker model offers for both...
2023-01-2529 minPolicing MattersDr. Tamara Herold on how place network investigations address micro hot spots of persistent violent crimeEvery cop in every city can name a dozen spots within their jurisdiction that might call a hot spot or the place where drugs are sold, burglaries occur, or maybe where the next shooting will happen. It may not be so easy to articulate why, off-hand, but concepts like Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), and of course, crime maps can help.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Dr. Tamara Herold, an associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and senior research advisor at the Na...
2023-01-1838 minPolicing MattersUse of force, officer morale, navigating Gen Z & more: Counting down 10 of the biggest issues facing law enforcement in 2022In this special year-end episode, Policing Matters podcast host Jim Dudley is once again joined by Janay Gasparini, Ph.D., to take a deep dive into the critical issues impacting law enforcement in 2022. Jim and Janay discuss the following 10 key areas:
1. Emerging forms and strategies in use of force
Top quotes from this segment:
"I think we are seeing a lot is this change in our hands-on strategies to better reflect controlling subjects as opposed to anything that might look like excessive use of force."
"When do you think we are going to see a...
2022-12-211h 15Policing MattersThe body won’t go where the brain hasn’t beenIs there enough good technology to help police officers train for better outcomes? Are virtual simulators the answer or a supplement to live training?
In a recent Police1 article, this week's guest, Captain Warren Wilson – a writer, firearms instructor and training commander at the Enid (Oklahoma) Police Department – addressed how simulator technology improves police cadet training and more.
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley discusses with Captain Wilson – who has over 3,000 hours of documented training, 1,000 of which are directly related to firearms and firearms instruction, and is a published author of over 130 magazine articl...
2022-10-1129 minPolicing Matters‘Never forget’: Meaning, purpose and emphasisIn this special crossover episode, public safety leaders come together to reflect on the 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and the legacy of 9/11 in the emergency services.
Policing Matters host Jim Dudley is joined by Inside EMS host Chris Cebollero and Gary Ludwig, of the Champaign (Illinois) Fire Department, the 2022 IAFC Career Fire Chief of the Year.
Together, they discuss how first responders have continued to move forward for over 20 years now and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11 as recruits enter public safety who were not even born yet at the time...
2022-09-0748 minPolicing MattersHow teaching styles impact the success of today’s police recruitsAre we doing the best job in teaching the current era of law enforcement recruits? Should we change styles and methods of pedagogy to focus on techniques that resonate with Generation Z candidates?
These are some of the questions Policing Matters host Jim Dudley and his co-presenter Janay Gasparini, Ph.D., discussed at the recent National Association of Field Training Officers conference in Louisville, Kentucky. In this episode, Jim and Janay continue their discussion, addressing the types of instruction that can help recruits be successful both during the police academy and when undergoing field training with an a...
2022-07-1933 minPolicing MattersPrepping public safety leaders to respond to national security threats and catastrophic eventsEveryone remembers where they were on September 11, 2001. In the aftermath, do you remember the urgency to strengthen our national defenses, plans and intelligence to prevent another such attack on our country, our infrastructure and our cyber systems? Are we doing that today?
For law enforcement, fire, EMS and military personnel, there is an excellent opportunity to share your expertise to contribute toward protecting our country and systems and obtain a free master’s degree in the process. The Center for Homeland Defense and Security programs at NPS focus on leadership development to transform how public safety officials vi...
2022-07-1324 minPolicing MattersJohn S. Hollywood on RAND’s Mass Attacks Defense ToolkitThere is no national model of police response to active shooter and mass shooting incidents and sometimes we get a less-than-optimum response that invites criticism. It doesn’t help that the public has a dichotomy of expectations from law enforcement: rush in ready to shoot or de-escalate and negotiate, and some agencies are even folding up operations and leaving barricaded suspects if they pose no threat to the public.
A new toolkit, supported by a grant from the National Institute of Justice and developed by the RAND Corporation, provides practical strategies and guidance on deterring, mitigating and res...
2022-07-0627 minPolicing MattersKathleen Dias on the threats facing rural officers in 2022Policing is hard work, but when working in an urban environment, backup is usually relatively close by. Other resources like fire and EMS are only a few minutes away as well.
In rural settings, things are very different. Back-up may be miles away – and we are talking country miles away – so too are other resources. Even a quick trip to book a prisoner or process evidence may take an hour or more.
Is it more dangerous to be a cop in a rural setting? Find out from today’s guest, Kathleen Dias, who is returning to Policing Matters to talk about her...
2022-06-2932 minPolicing MattersDan Greene on the evolution of field training"One of the biggest evolutions in field training is that the program molds to the student as adults learn in different ways," says Dan Greene, the executive director of the National Association of Field Training Officers (NAFTO). As a former FTO and FTO supervisor, Dan knows what FTOs need to become better trainers and educators. At the recent NAFTO conference in Louisville, Kentucky, Policing Matters host Jim Dudley spoke with Dan about the evolution of FTO training in law enforcement.
This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is sponsored by the Master of Science in Law Enforcement...
2022-06-2216 minPolicing Matters’What we really do out there on the streets’Police officers are often terrific storytellers. Many express an interest in writing a book about their experiences, but life can get in the way and few cops sit down to begin the process.
This isn't the case for a guest on this episode of Policing Matters. Jim Calams, a retired member of the Phoenix Police Department and LAPD, recently published “Unwavering Honor,” a book about his career in those departments and also about personal tragedy. He is joined by his daughter, Sarah Calams, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in news/editorial journalism from the University of Nort...
2022-06-1539 minPolicing MattersUnderstanding stress injuries and resiliency in law enforcementLaw enforcement officers are exposed to more tragedy and trauma than the general population. What impact does this have on the mental well-being of cops?
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with Chief Joel Shults, who operates Street Smart Training and is the founder of the National Center for Police Advocacy, about some of the complex issues around officer PTSD and resiliency. Contact Joel Shults here.
2022-06-0846 minPolicing MattersInvestigating trends in catalytic converter theftsCatalytic converter thefts have soared in recent years, thanks largely to the spiking prices of precious metals contained within them. This sudden rise has created an urgent need for police to find ways to deter thefts.
To help law enforcement agencies address the crisis, CARFAX for Police compiled a Catalytic Converter Replacement Report that identifies the most-targeted vehicles nationally, regionally and by state. In addition to the report, CARFAX for Police is hosting a free digital event for law enforcement on Tuesday, June 7 at 1 p.m. ET on Investigating Trends: Catalytic Converter Theft.
In this...
2022-06-0133 minPolicing MattersTroy Anderson on effective peer support following a mass shooting responseFollowing the tragic school shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut on December 14, 2012, Troy Anderson managed the Connecticut State Police CISM teams that were deployed on-site and tasked with providing interventions and debriefings for the affected members of the State Police, municipal and federal law enforcement partners, first responder staff, support personnel, embedded clinicians, and state senior executives.
In this episode of Policing Matters, Troy speaks with podcast host Jim Dudley about the key lessons learned from the critical incident stress management and peer support process following the Sandy Hook shooting, plus recommendations for...
2022-05-2518 minPolicing MattersThe eyes don’t lie, and new technology shows whyMany of the technologies we have seen in movies about law enforcement in the future are now part of everyday life. "Westworld" featured autonomous cars, while individually focused branding and advertising featured in "Minority Report." In "Blade Runner," retinal scans are used as a means of interview and interrogation.
As life sometimes imitates art, we now have EyeDetect from Converus, an eye scanning device used much the same way that a polygraph measures physical responses during an interview or interrogation.
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with Converus President and CEO Todd Mickelsen about the possible app...
2022-05-2531 minPolicing MattersTV news reporter Caroline Torie on becoming a digital forensic investigatorDigital forensics has been a specialty science in law enforcement for several years now, with emerging technology and investigative revelations happening every year. The science behind digital evidence recovery, be it from a cell phone, computer or even the cloud, takes a skilled investigator who knows what they are doing.
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with Deputy Director Caroline Torie of the St. Joseph County Cyber Crimes Unit in Indiana. Caroline started her career as a law enforcement officer in September 2021 after five years as a television reporter for WSBT-TV, a CBS...
2022-05-1822 minPolicing MattersChief Robert McNeilly on how early intervention can identify issues before they become problemsManaging police officers is a difficult task since the job is so multi-faceted and often fast-paced. We ask officers to do so many things, and in the process to be smart, thoughtful, judicious, efficient and thorough.
Some people make assumptions that an officer has complete control over their environment. Of course, this is not true. Officers can be well trained, yet may be challenged in dealing with individuals under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or in a mental health crisis. They are often asked to go into situations where people are in conflict or combative. In these case...
2022-05-1142 minPolicing MattersSalah Czapary on strategies to solve D.C.’s violent crime crisisSince the D.C. Council voted in 2020 to cut the police budget by $15 million, there has been a 28% increase in violent crime, a 55% increase in robberies, an 18% increase in carjackings and, as of 2021, the highest number of homicides in nearly two decades. On April 15, 2022, Salah Czapary published an op-ed in The Washington Post titled "No one asked for fewer DC police doing more work." Salah is a Democrat, a candidate for his party's nomination for D.C. Council Ward 1, a former D.C. police officer and special assistant to the Chief of Police.
In this episode of Pol...
2022-05-0422 minPolicing MattersPredicting the future of policingWe are at a crossroads in policing. What are the long-term effects on law enforcement of defunding, COVID-19, the recruitment crisis, and public perception? What about AI? Technology? Less lethal weapons? How do all these things impact officer safety and morale? Wouldn’t it be great to get a glimpse into the future to give assurance to our veteran officers and their families to stay the course and to let new candidates know policing is still a noble profession worth entering?
Today’s guest on Policing Matters is Scott A. Cunningham, a 38-year police professional with 12 years as a...
2022-04-2735 minPolicing Matters‘Keeping names off the wall’: How NLEOMF works to prioritize officer safetyIn this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley sits down with Troy Anderson, the executive director of officer safety and wellness at NLEOMF to discuss officer safety trends nationwide.
Each year, in preparation for Police1's coverage of National Police Week, we speak with someone from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), the organization that built and continues to maintain the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. NLEOMF is a principal organizer of National Police Week events, including the annual Candlelight Vigil held each May 13 to honor all fallen officers. In addition, the Fund maintains...
2022-04-2028 minPolicing MattersSergeant Dalton Webb on how a real-time crime center arms officers with informationSergeant Dalton Webb is a 17-year veteran of the Fort Worth Police Department and founder of Fort Worth's Real-Time Crime Center, which he began when he was an officer assigned to the intelligence section. Since then, the Fort Worth RTCC has grown into a 24/7 operation with 16 sworn officers and is the information and intelligence hub of the Fort Worth Police Department.
Sergeant Webb is now a national expert on the concepts of integrating technology into a policing agency and effectively using these tools to drive the policing mission. He is currently writing his first book on technology-driven...
2022-04-1339 minPolicing MattersThe why behind law enforcement relationship problems (and how to fix them)Relationships are difficult to maintain in the best of times. Add the stress of current times, including the economy and the pandemic, and you have a recipe for stressed-out relationships. And if one or both partners are in law enforcement presents a whole array of additional issues.
Do law enforcement couples have a higher rate of divorce than the general public? Are there tried and true ways of making relationships work even in these high-stress times? Today's guest on Policing Matters may have some answers. Cyndi Doyle is the wife of a law enforcement officer and a li...
2022-04-0633 minPolicing MattersJason Lehman on ”Why’d you stop me?”Retired Long Beach Police Department Sgt. Jason Lehman's mission is to reduce violence between peace officers and community through education. In this episode of Policing Matters, he chats with host Jim Dudley about how education and effective communication can improve both officer and community safety.
This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is sponsored by the Master of Science in Law Enforcement & Public Safety Leadership Program at the University of San Diego. Learn how this nationally ranked online program can help you be a force for change at sandiego.edu/police1.
2022-03-3043 minPolicing MattersAndy Borello on the daily practices that improve law enforcement leadership skillsWe are all leaders and we are all followers. Whether your police career plan is to stay on patrol or to promote to sergeant or above, there are daily practices you can adopt to improve your leadership skills. In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with retired Police Captain Andy Borrello on how to develop a toolkit of effective leadership traits.
2022-03-2343 minPolicing MattersJonni Redick on developing police leadership potentialIn this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with retired Assistant Chief Jonni Redick, leader, mentor and author of The Survival Guide to Law Enforcement Promotional Preparation,” about how officers can prepare for promotion and how law enforcement agencies can (and must) build leadership pipelines.
This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is sponsored by the Master of Science in Law Enforcement & Public Safety Leadership Program at the University of San Diego. Learn how this nationally ranked online program can help you be a force for change at sandiego.edu/police1.
2022-03-1540 minPolicing MattersSgt. Jamie Borden on use-of-force investigations and analysisSo many factors are involved before the use of force by a police officer. Officers are training in de-escalation and defensive tactics, and then there are the behaviors exhibited by the subject that officers must respond to. In the aftermath, the critics come out from internal and external review boards, the public, elected officials, the media and even other law officers. Certainly, some use-of-force incidents may be decided by a judge and jury.
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with police veteran and force analysis expert Sergeant Jamie Borden, founder of Critical Incident...
2022-03-0857 minPolicing MattersGordon Graham on how all roads lead to effective communicationIt is no surprise that most respondents to Police1’s second annual State of the Industry survey indicated that communication is key to being a good supervisor. Along with that, the 2,376 respondents indicated that they want law enforcement leaders who:
Care about their officers;
Have technical knowledge of the job;
Ensure equal distribution of workload among all their officers;
Acknowledge the efforts of their subordinates;
Support them in doing their job.
To help decipher what cops want and how law enforcement leaders can accommodate their requests, there can be no better advisor than Gordon Graham, who has be...
2022-03-0130 minPolicing Matters’Homicide Hunter’ Lt. Joe Kenda on what it takes to be a great detectiveAsk any new cop what they want to be doing after they do their time in patrol. Some will say to go to narcotics, or K-9, or maybe to promote up the ranks. Chances are a lot will say they want to be a detective, but not just any kind of detective, they want to work homicide. However, is it really all it’s cracked up to be? This week's Policing Matters guest will answer that question and provide a good look into the life of a homicide detective.
Lt. Joe Kenda, a 23-year veteran of the Color...
2022-02-2231 minPolicing MattersWhy cops should consider getting a graduate degreeThe benefits of higher education for law enforcement officers can include improving a better understanding of laws and policies, to becoming a better communicator, both verbally and on the written page, to becoming more socially aware from interaction with professors and peer students.
The University of Virginia has long been linked to law enforcement practices through the association with the FBI National Academy In Quantico, Virginia and with respected law enforcement leaders on faculty, such as Lexipol's Gordon Graham. In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with Bryon Gustafson, assistant professor and director of...
2022-02-1832 minPolicing Matters’Care not cuffs’: Redefining mental health outreachThe past few years have shed light on what may be described as “mission creep” in policing. Law enforcement officers have been asked to do an awful lot of duties that may have not been on the original job description of being a cop. Things like dealing with drug addiction and homeless issues certainly stretch the expertise of professional law enforcement personnel.
The "defund" movement may have actually been good in outsourcing some of those duties. Most of us can agree that dealing with people afflicted with serious mental health issues has been problematic and vexing. Solutions are app...
2022-02-1136 minPolicing MattersHow to stand up an electric police fleetTechnology has had a huge impact on policing. We have automated record keeping, organized evidence facilities with RFID, enhanced forensics and crime labs with new science, and using virtual reality to enhance police training. Is the next wave of technology coming in the form of fleet improvements? Over the past few years, some law enforcement agencies have started to add electric vehicles (EVs) to their fleets. So, how will American law enforcement venture into the use of EVs in everyday policing?
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with Michael Benson about the infrastructure...
2022-02-0146 minPolicing MattersThe value of human behavior pattern recognition and analysis for law enforcementThe public has a high expectation that law enforcement officers should be able to see in the future and know what is going to happen on a call for service. We have seen new legislation that is based upon this presumption, especially in situations where force is used. How exactly are officers supposed to learn how to see into the future, much less through clothing and concealed areas to know if there is a weapon present on a suspect or not?
Today’s guests on the Policing Matters podcast may be able to show us how we can...
2022-01-2845 minPolicing MattersDr. Renée Mitchell on evidence-based policing in practiceWe hear the term “evidence-based policing” tossed around a lot these days. Exactly what does it mean? Does it mean that the results of a program are deemed the decider in whether or not it is replicated and funded? Do we then package it up and institutionalize those evidence-based practices at law enforcement agencies across the country?
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley asks Dr. Renée J. Mitchell to discuss evidence-based policing in practice. Dr. Mitchell served in the Sacramento Police Department for 22 years, is a senior police researcher with RTI International, and is th...
2022-01-2136 minPolicing MattersWhy your agency is stronger with reserve officersCould part-time officers help solve the police recruitment crisis? That is the question Policing Matters host and Police1 columnist Jim Dudley recently debated with fellow columnist Joel Shults as part of their State Your Case column.
The article elicited lots of reader responses, including one from Dr. Ross Wolf, who has over 30 years of experience as a full-time and reserve deputy and currently serves as president of the Volunteer Law Enforcement Officer Alliance (VLEOA). In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley chats with Dr. Wolf about the many benefits reserve officers bring to law enforcement.
2022-01-1433 minPolicing MattersSexual exploitation, human trafficking and the decriminalization of prostitutionFounded in 1962, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) is the leading national non-partisan organization exposing the links between all forms of sexual exploitation such as child sexual abuse, prostitution, sex trafficking and public health harms of pornography.
On this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley chats with Dr. Michael Shively, who is the senior advisor on research and data analysis for NCOSE. Throughout his 30-year career in applied research, Dr. Shively has provided practitioners, legislators, agency managers and advocates with information and tools to advance their efforts to address human trafficking, sexual violence and other f...
2022-01-0752 minPolicing MattersThe many benefits of police chaplainsLaw enforcement officers are often called on to provide counsel and comfort for people in need, colleagues and even their own friends and families. It is difficult for law officers to ask for help in return. Having a chaplain available for difficult times can be a blessing, whether it is with a religious affiliation or not.
On this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley chats with Jared Altic, who is the kind of person you can count on to lend an ear - and maybe some sage advice and guidance. Jared has worked full-time in the chu...
2021-12-3031 minPolicing MattersCritical issues in policing in 2021On the annual year-end episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley is joined by fellow Police1 columnist, criminal justice professor and former law enforcement officer Janay Gasparini, Ph.D.
During this special episode, Jim and Janay discuss some of the biggest issues law enforcement faced in 2021, including:
COVID-19 vaccination mandates
Women in policing
Recruitment and retention
Officer support systems
Active bystandership in law enforcement
Evolving police defensive tactics training
Opioid epidemic
Procedural justice
Use of force
2021-12-1655 minPolicing MattersDispatches from the FBINAA National Annual Training ConferenceIn this compendium of interviews from the FBINAA National Annual Training Conference, held in Orlando, Florida, July 7-10, Policing Matters host Jim Dudley speaks with:
Former New York City Police Commissioner and former LAPD Chief Bill Bratton, about the challenges of policing today;
Bensalem Township Police Department's Director of Public Safety Fred Harran about his agency's use of Thermo Fisher's Rapid DNA to solve property crimes;
Doug Monda, founder of Survive First, about the barriers that prevent public safety personnel from getting help for mental health issues.
2021-12-1028 minPolicing MattersUnderstanding the crime rate in AmericaCrime in America is either rising, or is low, depending on where you get your news and information. One source that disseminates crime rates, statistics, reports and other information is CrimeinAmerica.net run by Leonard A. Sipes, a former police officer who worked his way through top positions within the justice system.
Sipes retired in June 2016 as the Senior Public Affairs Specialist and Social Media Manager for a federal criminal justice agency. He was the primary spokesperson for crime prevention for the federal government for 10 years as the Senior Specialist for Crime Prevention for the National Criminal...
2021-12-0348 minPolicing MattersThe importance of mentoring candidates through the police recruitment processLong before we hit the wall with police officer recruitment, Sgt. Justin Collins, an 18-year veteran of the Rochester Police Department, co-founded Police Exam Career Prep (PECP) with the goal of mentoring and guiding a new generation of law enforcement officers.
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley chats with Sgt. Collins about how PECP has been able to help more than 75 dedicated men and women prepare for the police hiring process and make their dream of becoming a police officer come true.
2021-11-2327 minPolicing MattersDr. John Violanti on building healthy, resilient police officersAcross public safety, personnel work in conditions that range from boredom to sudden periods of extreme stress. In addition, it’s no secret that officers don’t get enough quality sleep or meals and work ungodly hours, as well as excessive overtime. But what are the lasting, long-term effects of these occupational hazards?
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with Dr. John Violanti, noted police wellness researcher and LE veteran, about the increased risks police officers face from stress and cardiovascular disease.
2021-11-1936 minPolicing MattersChief Carmen Best on the challenges facing police leadersIn this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with Chief Carmen Best, who recently released her memoir, “Black in Blue: Lessons on Leadership, Breaking Barriers, and Racial Reconciliation,” about the leadership lessons she learned as Seattle’s first Black woman police chief charged with steering the agency through some of the most critical events in policing history.
2021-11-1223 minPolicing MattersHow to be a cop and be happyOn this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley is joined by attorney and former deputy sheriff Bridget Truxillo, who now works to bring wellness and support to the public safety community as founder and CEO of Protective Wellness. Jim and Bridget chat about how law enforcement officers can apply wellness principles to improve their emotional health.
2021-11-0533 minPolicing MattersLife as a rural law enforcement officerAccording to Bureau of Justice statistics, nearly half of all local police departments have fewer than 10 officers. Three in four of the departments (75%) have no more than two dozen officers. And nine in 10 employ fewer than 50 sworn officers.
Policing is tough, but even more challenging when you consider the many responsibilities officers face in smaller departments, often responding to calls without backup and across large geographical distances.
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley chats with Police1 columnist Kathleen Dias, who writes features and news analysis on topics of concern to law enforcement...
2021-10-2930 minPolicing MattersBook and release: 12 reads for a cop‘s next book clubWe are all better off reading books, whether to expand our knowledge learn or just to relax. On this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley is joined by fellow podcaster, detective and Police1 columnist Christopher Littrell to share some book recommendations, both texts that will improve your performance as an LEO and recommended books to read for leisure. What books would you add to this list? Email editor@police1.com.
Check out Police1.com for the full list of books mentioned in this episode.
2021-10-2235 minPolicing MattersBuilding leadership capital with your cops and your communityIn this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley chats with Pocatello Police Department Chief Roger Schei about how this mid-sized agency in the fifth largest city in Idaho is addressing defensive tactics training, police recruitment, law enforcement leadership and community engagement.
Chief Schei has a widespread training background that includes the FBI National Academy, FBI Command College, and several other leadership courses. His management certificate in high liability instruction through Idaho Police Officers Standards and Training (POST) has assisted in implementing several progressive programs for the department, including training from Rener Gracie and embracing the leadership pr...
2021-10-1536 minPolicing MattersHow ‘Shop Talk’ is building bridges between the police and the communityThe City of Irving (Texas) Shop Talk program is a community outreach program designed for residents who would not normally attend community town halls but have a desire and need to have their voices heard. The program provides police officers with the opportunity to talk with barber shop clients and workers to facilitate honest and genuine dialog and may be a vehicle that helps build trust in communities.
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley chats with Irving PD Officer Jon Plunkett who oversees the program and facilitates opportunities to use barber shops and beauty...
2021-10-0833 minPolicing MattersAxon President Luke Larson on how virtual reality is democratizing police trainingOn this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with Axon President Luke Larson about the cutting-edge technology that is bringing relevant, realistic and efficient virtual training to law enforcement. Luke joined Axon in 2008 and has filled a variety of executive and management roles before being appointed president in April 2015. Prior to joining Axon, Luke served two tours in Iraq as a Marine Corps infantry officer and was awarded the Bronze Star with V for valor on his first tour.
2021-09-2125 minPolicing MattersWhy police departments must streamline the recruitment processRecruitment and retention are huge issues in policing and whether you are trying to get into law enforcement, applying as a lateral transfer to another agency, or if you are a recruitment officer, this is a show you will not want to miss.
Rob Cate is the CEO and co-founder of Interview Now, a modern recruitment system for law enforcement. The company makes it easy for agencies to recruit, communicate and manage the next generation of law enforcement officers using automation, modern communication tools and analytics. Interview Now’s text-message-based software is already helping agencies both large and...
2021-09-1738 minPolicing MattersPublic safety leaders reflect on the 20th anniversary of 9/11In this special episode of the Policing Matters podcast, law enforcement, fire and EMS leaders from across the Lexipol media sites come together to reflect on the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks.
Policing Matters podcast host Jim Dudley looks back on the industry-altering event with Inside EMS host Chris Cebollero, Side Alpha Podcast host Fire Chief Marc Bashoor and EMS One-Stop host Rob Lawrence.
2021-09-0344 minPolicing MattersDr. Ervin Staub on active bystandership in law enforcementDr. Ervin Staub studied the roots of violence between groups after living through the horrors of Nazism and then communism in Hungary. His best-known book is “The Roots of Evil: The Origins of Genocide and Other Group Violence,” in which he explores the psychological, cultural and societal roots of group aggression.
After the Rodney King incident in 1991, Dr. Staub was invited to create a peer intervention training program for the LAPD with the goal of lowering the number and degree of uses of force. Then in 2014, he and other consultants assisted the New Orleans Police Department’s in developing EPIC (Ethical...
2021-09-0236 minPolicing MattersBack to school: The challenges SROs face as children return to the classroomOver the past year, we’ve seen school districts nationwide scrutinize the deployment of school resource officers, with several cities moving to remove SROs from schools.
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley chats with Mo Canady, executive director of the National Association of School Resource Officers, about the critical role SROs play, including addressing student mental health issues as children return to the classroom following a year of virtual education.
2021-08-2625 minPolicing MattersAssessing fentanyl exposure risks for law enforcement officersFentanyl is a synthetic opioid that has contributed to many of the 91,000 overdose deaths in America over the past year. This Schedule II drug is said to be 80-100 times more potent than morphine. A recent video of a San Diego sheriff deputy who collapsed after he was exposed to fentanyl in the field went viral and led to much discussion about the risks of exposure. In this episode of Policing Matters host Jim Dudley chats with John M. Williams, Sr., MD, MPH, about the hazards of fentanyl and how officers can minimize risks.
2021-08-1930 minPolicing MattersPeter Moskos on strategies to reduce violent crimeAs Lexipol’s own Gordon Graham is wont to say, “Predictable is preventable” and that is probably true when it comes to the homicide spikes nationwide in 2020 and 2021.
In a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, former Baltimore Police Department officer and professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice Peter Moskos wrote, “Civil unrest and calls for police accountability don’t directly cause an increase in murders and other violence. The danger is when antipolice sentiment rises to the point where policing is seen as the primary problem to be solved rather than as an essential part of maintainin...
2021-08-1248 minPolicing MattersErica Sandberg on the increase in property crime and retail theftYou may have seen the viral video of a masked suspect in San Francisco astride his bicycle deep down an aisle of a retail drug store, corralling armloads of expensive makeup and sundries into a plastic garbage bag on his bicycle handlebars. There is a security officer in the frame, recording the brazen grand theft burglary with his cellphone. He even takes a swipe for the bag as the criminal escapes with his loot.
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with consumer finance expert Erica Sandberg about how the increase in property crimes and retail theft...
2021-08-0424 minPolicing MattersKatherine Schweit on how to end mass shootingsIf you review the FBI report on active shooter incidents from 2000-2019, you will find that in 277 incidents, there were 2,430 casualties, including 1,546 wounded and 877 deaths. We have seen recent spikes in mass shootings in 2021 already. What is the answer? How can we limit or stop the increasing number of mass shooters?
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with attorney Katherine Schweit, who spent 20 years with the FBI as a Special Agent executive. After the Sandy Hook massacre, she was assigned to head the FBI’s active shooter program where she authored the FBI’s seminal research, A St...
2021-07-2830 minPolicing MattersChief Don De Lucca on the BolaWrapHost Jim Dudley continues his reports from the FBINAA 57th Annual National Conference in Orlando, Florida.
In this episode, Jim speaks with former past president of the IACP Chief Don De Lucca, who now serves as a public safety ambassador for WRAP Technologies, about how the company’s device – the BolaWrap – aids law enforcement officers in safely restraining resistant subjects.
2021-07-2120 minPolicing MattersHow ‘officer-created jeopardy’ is framing discussions about police use of forceThere is currently a shift away from holding suspects responsible for the consequences of their decisions to placing blame on the officer's use of force. This concept of “officer-created jeopardy” is being debated among academics and used to inform changes in police training and response.
In this episode, Jim Dudley talks with Lewis “Von” Kliem, editor of the Force Science Institute’s FSI Newsletter bulletin, about police use of force training, de-escalation, qualified immunity and other use of force issues, as well as a recent article he authored about a new report that shows San Francisco police peacefully resolved 99.9% of crisis-rela
2021-07-1536 minPolicing MattersBelow 100: A commonsense approach to officer safetyThis week, host Jim Dudley reports from the FBINAA 57th Annual National Conference in Orlando, Florida. In this episode, he chats with Below 100 instructor Sergeant Jeff Welch about the tenets of this officer safety initiative that aims to eliminate preventable line-of-duty police deaths and serious injuries through training that focuses on areas under an officer’s control.
2021-07-0810 minPolicing MattersHow emotional intelligence benefits officers both on and off dutyPolicing often involves personal communications between the officer and a variety of other actors including peers, supervisors, citizens, crime victims and offenders, yet development of communication skills receives little attention in the police academy.
Emotional intelligence is a key part of being a successful communicator, as well as providing benefits in many areas of your life. On this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley chats with Dr. Michael Goold and Dr. Obed Magny about the need for agencies to provide training for officers to develop their emotional intelligence skills.
ABOUT OUR GUESTS
Dr. Michael Goold retired as a chief o...
2021-07-0147 minPolicing MattersDr. David Black on how the Cordico app provides wellness support for copsIt cannot be overstated that 2020 was a tough year for anyone connected with public safety and 2021 seems to be on par for the same level of stress, although hopefully to a lesser extent, experienced by our police, sheriffs, 911 emergency communications personnel, firefighters, EMS providers and others.
There is good news that comes in the form of support and wellness for these heroes and their families and support groups.
Cordico is a wellness application that addresses the needs of our public safety family. On this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley chats with Cordico founder and president Dr. David Black a...
2021-06-2341 minPolicing MattersPolicy-based recording is a gamechanger for police bodycamsBody-worn cameras first began to be deployed in the mid-2000s in the UK and the early 2010s in the United States, primarily to capture on-scene statements and video evidence relating to domestic violence incidents. The use of these cameras soon morphed into a police “monitoring” tool in order to “catch” officers doing something wrong. In reality, the majority of body-worn camera videos show officers doing professional and heroic work while facing extreme danger, as well as dispute fraudulent citizen complaints against LEOs.
On this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley chats with Jason Dombkowski, who serves as director of law e...
2021-06-1734 minPolicing MattersWhy PDs must open their doors to build community trustAs the policing scrutiny continues around issues such as use of force and broken windows policing to traffic stops and other enforcement operations, communities say they are left out of the loop when it comes to how their local law enforcement agencies operate. Is it time to provide more interaction and transparency in how we deal with policing policies and the community?
On this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley chats with two experts in the field of police and public policy, Dr. Darl H. Champion, Sr., Professor Emeritus of Justice Studies at Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC, and...
2021-06-0942 minPolicing MattersHow a former LEO became part of the Tom Clancy universeHas your career been just like a crime novel? Are you working from whodunnit to whodunnit? Are there really crime masterminds, syndicates and secret organizations intent on doing harm?
Marc Cameron was a law enforcement officer and detective with the Weatherford Police Department before accepting a position with the United States Marshals Service, where he served as a deputy, fugitive task force commander, supervisory deputy, senior inspector and chief. He is also an award-winning author known for the Jack Ryan series, which is part of the Tom Clancy universe, as well as for the critically acclaimed Jericho Quinn series of acti...
2021-06-0336 minPolicing MattersHow tech can improve in-custody health monitoringOnce an individual is taken into custody it is the responsibility of officers to protect and ensure the well-being of that person. It is common for offenders to have pre-existing medical conditions, general poor health, or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, these conditions may not be apparent until it is too late. Even medical pre-screenings may not give us the full picture of an incarcerated person’s health outlook.
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with John DeFalco, CEO of 4Sight Labs in Silicon Valley, who has brought together a team of ar...
2021-05-2623 minPolicing MattersThe toughest job in law enforcement: Investigating online child sexual exploitationMegan Kanka, Adam Walsh, Polly Klass, Jacob Wetterling – these are names you should know. They are children who were abducted, assaulted and murdered, even before the ubiquity of the internet and world wide web. There have been countless other children and youth who have become victims of sexual offenders and online predators via the internet. Are we doing enough to protect our children from the risks they face online?
The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC Program helps state and local law enforcement agencies develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and internet crimes against children. This as...
2021-05-2033 minPolicing MattersDr. Frank Straub on the LAPD response to George Floyd protestsThe National Police Foundation (NPF) recently released a report of its independent assessment of the Los Angeles Police Department’s response to mass demonstrations, protests and First Amendment assemblies that occurred between May 27, 2020, and June 7, 2020 in the City of Los Angeles.
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley chats with lead author of the report, Frank Straub, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Mass Violence Response Studies at the National Police Foundation, about key findings of relevance to all agencies as they review their protest response policies and training.
2021-05-1343 minPolicing MattersCoffee with a Criminalist: New podcast highlights the work of forensic scientistsCombining their passion for forensic science with their love for educating the public about their jobs, criminalists Brittney Chilton (Bodean) and Darby Stienmetz from the Washoe County (Nevada) Sheriff's Office Forensic Science Division came up with an idea for a podcast that would explain forensics in an easy-to-understand way.
On this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley chats with Brittney and Darby about their podcast, “Coffee with a Criminalist,” which aims to take listeners on an audio tour of forensic science in Northern Nevada while highlighting notable true crime cases.
2021-05-0629 minPolicing MattersHow CALEA accreditation could benefit your agencyThe Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement’s major executive associations. The Law Enforcement Accreditation process focuses on standards that provide best practices related to life, health and safety procedures for the agency.
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley chats with Major Steve Runge, the assistant chief of police at Berkeley Police Department in Berkeley, Missouri, where he served as the CALEA Accreditation Manager for six years, about the benefits of accreditation for law enforcement agencies.
For more information on CALEA...
2021-04-2929 minPolicing MattersHow the 30x30 initiative aims to advance women in policingThere are approximately 173,000 women in American law enforcement today, but that only represents about 12% of all LEOs. The 30x30 Initiative aims to address this imbalance and is challenging police departments nationwide to recruit classes of at least 30% women by 2030.
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley chats with the co-founders of the 30x30 Initiative, Ivonne Roman, former chief of Newark (NJ) Police Department, and Maureen McGough, chief of staff at the Policing Project at the NYU School of Law, about how the initiative aims to assist departments in recruiting more female officers.
2021-04-2223 minPolicing MattersMeet Ernie & Joe, the crisis cops behind the HBO documentaryErnie & Joe: Crisis Cops is an HBO documentary showcasing the efforts of two Texas police officers who are helping change the way police respond to mental health calls. The film takes audiences on a personal journey, weaving together these two officers' experiences during their daily encounters with people in crisis as part of the San Antonio Police Department’s Mental Health Unit.
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley talks to Ernie Stevens and Joe Smarro about the origins of the Mental Health Unit, how the documentary came about and how law enforcement agencies can best tackle the me...
2021-04-1649 minPolicing MattersUnderstanding the fallacies behind the normalization of drug useBy now, everyone has told us how the war on drugs has failed so miserably. Drug advocates have convinced lawmakers and voters in some states that our only way out of our drug problems is by legalizing drugs. Some areas of the country have adopted harm reduction policies to allow for illegal or illicit drug-related behavior in order to minimize risks to the greater communities. Yet clearly those strategies leave much to be desired with drug overdose fatalities at all-time highs across America.
What is the answer? That is the question our Policing Matters host Jim Dudley poses to this...
2021-04-0953 minPolicing MattersUsing tech to build culture: New communication app connects cops and their chiefsCommunication within an organization is critical, but especially so within law enforcement, where leadership and command must convey crucial information to their officers on the street. But cops are bombarded daily with memos, bulletins and orders, so how can we make a connection that seems more personal?
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Tim Paul, co-founder and CEO of The Critical App, a messaging application that ensures leaders stay connected with all of their personnel at every location to instantly share news and updates, identify urgent issues and build the right culture for...
2021-04-0131 minPolicing MattersWhy code enforcement mattersThe Broken Windows theory, introduced by George Kelling and James Wilson in 1982, and the tenets of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Control (CPTED), demonstrate the need to address disorder, blight and low-level environmental disruption as a deterrent from larger crimes and gathering points for criminal activity. Code enforcement officers are an invaluable part of preventing those environmental disruptions from coming to fruition.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Code Enforcement Manager Justin Edson, who serves as president of the Code Enforcement Officer Safety Foundation, about how law enforcement can collaborate with code enforcement officers...
2021-03-2543 minPolicing MattersLive monitoring of 911 calls: A new tool for copsThe Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) in Southern California is a pioneer when it comes to using new technologies and tools to create a stronger and more cost-effective emergency response ecosystem.
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with Captain Don Redmond, a returning guest, who heads up support operations for CVPD including the 911 communications center, and CVPD Police Communications Manager Carla Even, about the agency’s deployment of Live911, which live-streams 911 calls to officers in the field.
2021-03-1939 minPolicing MattersWhat cops need to know about the COVID vaccine right nowIn December 2020, Police1 asked LEOs to weigh in on COVID-19 vaccination mandates, ethical obligations and whether they will be vaccinated. More than 3,300 officers responded to a survey, with 38% saying yes to vaccination.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with John M. Williams, Sr., MD, MPH, a physician and reserve deputy sheriff in southern Colorado, about some of the concerns people have expressed regarding the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine, the reasons why LEOs should consider getting vaccinated and how police leaders can improve officer vaccination rates.
2021-03-1031 minPolicing MattersCommander Sid Heal on why the concepts of less lethal force are more important than the toolsRecent high-profile events have led to legislative changes that are limiting police use of force options and the deployment of less lethal tools. Some cities, for example, have banned the use of pepper spray and tear gas at demonstrations and riots.
Now, more than ever, it is critical for law enforcement professionals to understand and deploy force options wisely and appropriately, and help educate the legislators, the media and the public about the impact of restrictions on the tools available to officers.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with a combat veteran and veteran...
2021-03-0439 minPolicing MattersHow the Denver Sheriff Department is improving in-custody mental health servicesLaw enforcement officers are often placed in situations where they encounter individuals with mental illness. There are varying degrees of response to a law officers’ presence, from compliant and docile, to combative or assaultive. Training that equips officers with the skill set required to deal with these individuals appropriately is important. Once an individual has been controlled or transported, they may be taken to a professional psychiatric detention and treatment facility, or to a locked detention facility for processing. What happens next varies from agency to agency.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Dr...
2021-02-2520 minPolicing MattersIs a criminal justice degree worth it? The answer is yes.Janay Gasparini, P.h.D., a former police officer and current assistant professor of criminal justice at Shepherd University, recently wrote an article for Police1 titled “Why the next generation of cops need a criminal justice degree.” In this episode of Policing Matters, Dr. Gasparini explains why having a criminal justice degree helps those interested in a law enforcement career and also offers advantages for veteran law enforcement officers.
Learn when you should and how you can obtain your degree, why it will serve you in your career from the academy through the police promotional process, and where you should look fo...
2020-11-2532 minPolicing MattersHow to develop a social media messaging strategy ahead of Election DayNo one knows what the coming weeks leading up to Election Day hold, but there’s one thing we can all agree on – we’re heading for choppy waters.
In a recent article for Police1, social media consultant Yael Bar-tur outlined 10 steps police chiefs can take right now to communicate on social media ahead of November 3. In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley talks to Yael about some of the strategies she details in the article.
2020-10-1722 minPolicing MattersHow will the Breonna Taylor case impact law enforcement operations?On September 23, a Kentucky grand jury announced three counts of wanton endangerment against former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison for shooting into neighboring apartments during the execution of a search warrant on the night of March 13 that resulted in the death of Breonna Taylor.
In this episode, host Jim Dudley talks with Police1 columnist Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith about the Breonna Taylor case and the grand jury’s indictments.
2020-09-2414 minPolicing MattersPolice1‘s 20th AnniversaryTwo decades ago, a small group of dedicated entrepreneurs set out to create an online resource for law enforcement. In the intervening 20 years, a lot has changed in policing—from new technologies to improved training to more sophisticated patrol vehicles and duty gear. In this podcast segment, Jim and Doug discuss the various events and milestones Police1 writers and contributors have noted over the years.
2020-03-1420 min