Policing Matters

Law enforcement's response to critical incidents is unique to the incident at hand. Our aim is to be well-prepared through comprehensive training, strategizing and practice in order to tackle a wide range of potential scenarios. There have been outstanding instances where these efforts have successfully converged, with acts of bravery playing a pivotal role in officers confronting active shooters to neutralize the threat and protect lives. Regrettably, there have also been cases where outcomes did not align with our intentions. How can we ensure a consistently effective response across all aspects of preparation, strategy and execution? In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, sponsored by Staccato, host Jim Dudley talks about with Nick Roberts about how effective leadership training prepares law enforcement for all-hazards response. Nick has been in law enforcement since 2009 and a SWAT team member since 2012. Nick is also an ambassador to Staccato Firearms and discusses some of the features of the S

National Police Week is nearly upon us across the country, but most notably at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, sponsored by Staccato, host Jim Dudley speaks with National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) CEO Marcia Ferranto and Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) Communications Director Sara Slone about how these organizations serve the law enforcement community, culminating with National Police Week events.  Marcia discusses the three pillars of the NLEOMF's mission: honoring the fallen, promoting officer safety and wellness and maintaining the National Law Enforcement Museum to honor the story of American law enforcement. Sara discusses the work of C.O.P.S. to provide resources and support for the families and co-workers of officers killed in the line of duty. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Staccato. Choose the handgun trusted by over 900 law enforcement agencies a

Law enforcement has faced some arduous challenges over the past few years – mostly external – but sometimes from within. How the challenges are handled is critical to the health of the agency.  We often mention leadership in the organization, in general terms, but what does it really mean? In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, sponsored by Staccato, host Jim Dudley speaks with Ross Swope who has extensive experience in leading a major department, advising on national law enforcement issues and even seeing the internal workings of the Supreme Court from a choice vantage point. Swope served as deputy chief with the Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department and then went on to serve as Chief of the Department of the Supreme Court. His newest book, “Ethics Based Policing: Solving the Use of Excessive Force,” focuses on seven building blocks of integrity to show police departments how to use the tools already at their disposal to create a culture grounded in accountability.  About our sponsor This ep

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, sponsored by Staccato, host Jim Dudley speaks with a legendary detective whose investigations may read like a crime novel, but his story is 100% non-fiction. Retired San Franciso Police Department Homicide Inspector Frank Falzon was active in solving some of the most heinous homicides of the 1970s and 1980s, including the Night Stalker case, the "Zebra" murder spree, and the double murder of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk were shot and killed in San Francisco City Hall. Falzon was a principal figure in the hit 2021 Netflix series, "Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer," and has been featured internationally in numerous documentaries, broadcast interviews, articles and books.  About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Staccato. Choose the handgun trusted by over 900 law enforcement agencies across the country. With Staccato, you can feel confident knowing you aren’t sac

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, sponsored by Staccato, host Jim Dudley speaks with Susan Norris, the founder of Rescuing Hope, about the organization's mission to enlighten the public about sex trafficking in America, educate potential victims and first responders, and empower advocates and survivors.  ABOUT OUR SPONSOR This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Staccato. Choose the handgun trusted by over 900 law enforcement agencies across the country. With Staccato, you can feel confident knowing you aren’t sacrificing incredible accuracy for reliability. Whether you’re protecting your family at home or on duty, Staccato has your back. Military and law enforcement receive discount pricing through the Staccato Heroes Program. Visit www.Staccato2011/heroes-program.com to learn more.

If you've visited the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC, you will know it is a moving and powerful experience like no other. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) helps to oversee the operations of the memorial and puts on programs and seminars for public safety professionals across the board. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Troy Anderson, executive director of Officer Safety and Wellness at NLEOMF, about NLEOMF's officer wellness programs, reducing line of duty deaths, NLEOMF'S recent firearms safety summit and upcoming plans for National Police Week. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Staccato. Choose the handgun trusted by over 900 law enforcement agencies across the country. With Staccato, you can feel confident knowing you aren’t sacrificing incredible accuracy for reliability. Whether you’re protecting your family at home or on duty, Staccato has your back. Milit

In 2022, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office in central California received the NLEOMF’s Destination Zero Officer Wellness Award.  In this special episode of the Policing Matters podcast, which was recorded live on March 29 as part of First Responder Wellness Week, host Jim Dudley speaks with Stanislaus County Sheriff Jeff Dirkse and Sergeant Aaron Costello about how to develop an effective wellness program that gets buy-in from officers. The discussion focuses on the importance of implementing a culture of wellness from the top down; the key components of a comprehensive wellness program; and strategies to incentive employee participation. This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

Recently, New Hampshire police chiefs came together to make a plea to lawmakers as departments continue to be plagued by staffing shortages statewide. The chiefs, including Hinsdale Police Chief Charles Rataj, told the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee that the required fitness test is making it difficult for departments to hire and retain officers. As a result, they’ve proposed a bill that would eliminate the test for law enforcement officers. In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with Traci Tauferner, Director of Industrial Medicine and Wellness with Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine who has worked with law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies since 2010, about the request made by the New Hampshire chiefs and the importance of maintaining officer physical fitness. This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To

The headlines and news reports grab at our hearts when we hear of a school shooting. What can we be doing to protect our children in schools? On this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Dewey Cornell, a forensic and clinical psychologist known for his research on youth violence and school security, about considerations for law enforcement and educators when reviewing school-based threat assessment and school safety. This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by L3Harris. When seconds matter count on dependable coverage on and off campus. L3Harris offers flexible and affordable portables. Communicate on the move with Wi-Fi voice and data, GPS, and app-based devices that keep you connected. Schedule your demo today.  

A barricaded suspect, possibly armed awaits inside his home. There may be a booby trap, or there may be hostages. After a shot is fired, the decision to send someone inside – or should we say, a drone – is made. Law enforcement is getting some interesting technology to help in tactical situations where our only options previously were to wait out the suspect in a siege or to send in officers.  On this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with Blake Resnick, the CEO and founder of drone technology company BRINC, and returning guest, Don Redmond, retired Chula Vista (California) Police Department Captain and BRINC Vice President of Advanced Public Safety Projects, about the recent release of the BRINC LEMUR 2 drone and how sUAS systems are assisting law enforcement tactical response.  This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit le

Officer injuries, whether they are personal or work-related, can be overwhelming, timely and costly. Injured officers should receive immediate attention and the best possible treatment so they can return to duty faster. At IACP 2022, Wausau Police Chief Benjamin Bliven and Tactical Athletic Trainer Traci Tauferner discussed the department’s program to help small agencies operate at their highest level of performance by reducing the chance of injury and shortening an officer's time away from duty when injured. In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with Chief Bliven and Traci Tauferner about how they are providing ergonomic strategies and prevention resources that will help reverse the negative side effects of a career in law enforcement. This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by L3Harris. When seconds matter count on dependable coverage on and off campus. L3Harris offers flexible and affordable portables. Communicate on the move with Wi-Fi voice and data, GPS, and

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Jason Potts, who recently served on the Violent Crime Working Group with the Council of Criminal Justice, about using technology to address violent crime.  Potts is Chief of the City of Las Vegas Department of Public Safety. Previously he was a captain with the Vallejo Police Department, where he led the Department’s Operations, Investigation’s Bureau and Emergency Services Unit Commander. He serves on the board of directors for the American Society of Evidence-Based Policing (ASEBP) and is a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) LEADS alumni.  This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by L3Harris. When seconds matter count on dependable coverage on and off campus. L3Harris offers flexible and affordable portables. Communicate on the move with Wi-Fi voice and data, GPS, and app-based devices that keep you connected. Schedule your demo today.

In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with returning guest Katherine Schweit about new commonalities and trends in active shooter incidents. Schweit is a retired FBI special agent who was tagged by the FBI to create its Active Shooter program after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Since then, she's devoted her energy to helping prevent more tragedies. She is the author of "Stop the Killing: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis" and co-host of the "Stop the Killing" podcast. This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by L3Harris. When seconds matter count on dependable coverage on and off campus. L3Harris offers flexible and affordable portables. Communicate on the move with Wi-Fi voice and data, GPS, and app-based devices that keep you connected. Schedule your demo today.

This week saw the fifth anniversary of the February 14, 2018, shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where an individual fatally shot 17 people and wounded 17 others. In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with Dr. Peter Blair, the executive director of the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) center in Texas, about what have we done since then to prevent such tragedies. Dr. Peter Blair earned his Ph.D. in criminal justice from Michigan State University. He is recognized as a leading expert in the field of active attacks. He has published numerous books, articles and commentaries on active attacks, police tactics and training.  This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by L3Harris. When seconds matter count on dependable coverage on and off campus. L3Harris offers flexible and affordable portables. Communicate on the move with Wi-Fi voice and data, GPS, and app-based devices that keep you connected. Schedule your de

A police bodycam video goes viral that shows an officer or two wrestling with a resistive suspect without much success. Then a shot is fired – or some other force causes extensive injury to the suspect. How can we prevent this from happening? In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with Jay Wadsworth – a veteran LEO, 2nd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and lead instructor for Effective Fitness Combatives (EFC) – about the current state of defensive tactics training for police. Jim and Jay discuss police training deficits, officer confidence, the carotid restraint technique and much more. This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

This episode of Policing Matters features a fascinating story of a dogged, multidisciplinary investigation that started at an arson fire scene and ended nearly a year later with the case solved. And it is all detailed in "When the Smoke Cleared: A Murder Mystery in Malden" by Bill Powers.  Host Jim Dudley speaks with Powers, a retired Detective Lieutenant from the Massachusetts State Police and currently back with the department as a civilian training coordinator and classroom instructor, about his book, which follows an extraordinary murder investigation from the crime scene through to the arrest and into the courtroom.  The book is an excellent source as both a police and courtroom procedural, but there is also the heartbreaking yet inspiring story of how the victim's family dealt with their loss and instead of spinning out of control, found a way to succeed and thrive because of it. The book is written for those who enjoy reading true crime, but more importantly, it is a primer for college classes on polic

Many 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 the community and law enforcement officers.  Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.  Contact the Policing Matters team at policingmatters@police1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

Every 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 National Institute of Justice, about her background in crime science and environmental criminology and her research into place-based violence. Her publications translate theory and research evidence into practice and policy. Her book, "Preventing Crowd Violence," has been translated into two foreign languages. She was recently featured in Police1's 23 on 2023: A police leadership playbook. This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to

This episode of Policing Matters reviews use of force issues, including the recent history of the carotid restraint, electrical conducted devices (what most generally refer to as TASERs) and other force options that have been restrained or discontinued from use, such as tear gas options in some jurisdictions for crowd control. We will talk about innovations and possible options for the future. Host Jim Dudley speaks with Jon Becker, the founder and CEO of AARDVARK Tactical, a leading provider of tactical equipment and custom solutions. Along with training and integrating force systems at AARDVARK, Jon became an attorney, where his interest in civil rights and police litigation merged and led him to write for many of the top tactical publications on a variety of topics. In addition, Jon is the host of The Debrief with Jon Becker podcast where Jon sits down with tactical leaders and operators to discuss all things leadership, training and tactics. Access additional show notes and resources related to this episo

Effective screening of law enforcement candidates is probably the most crucial part of the hiring process. Most departments have a written, oral and physical agility test, a polygraph examination and a psychological profile test. But are we able to effectively screen out people who probably are not suitable for the job?  In December 2022, news hit that the agency overseeing the training and certification of police officers in Washington State was moving to more aggressively remove recruits from the state law enforcement training academy when they show signs they're psychologically unfit. This change came after an officer who is now the subject of two lawsuits alleging excessive force and a manslaughter charge "overreacted" during a 2018 training session in which his instructor said he lapsed into "mental condition black," shot an unarmed virtual suspect, then shut down and tuned out criticism. In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with assistant professor Paul Taylor, Ph.D., from the Uni