Public safety agencies are evolving, and one of the most impactful shifts is the integration of civilian professionals into leadership and operational roles. While police officers and firefighters bring critical field expertise, civilian leaders contribute specialized knowledge in management, technology, finance and strategy — helping agencies run more effectively. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with experts from law enforcement agencies across the cou...
Feb 05, 2025•52 min•Ep. 476
In 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...
Jan 29, 2025•40 min•Ep. 475
Technology is changing the game in public safety. From smart city tools to real-time crime centers, police departments are using innovations like IoT devices, drones and advanced analytics to stay one step ahead. These high-tech solutions don’t just help solve crimes faster — they also make officers’ jobs safer and strengthen connections with the communities they protect. By combining modern tools with teamwork across agencies, law enforcement is finding smarter, more effective ways to keep neig...
Jan 28, 2025•38 min•Ep. 474
Campus police departments serve as both protectors and partners, ensuring university safety while engaging deeply with the campus community. These agencies address unique challenges, from advanced training to diverse recruitment strategies, making them leaders in law enforcement innovation. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, Chief Brent Plisch from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department , and Major Steven Luce and Officer Abby Gambrell from the Indiana University Pol...
Jan 22, 2025•51 min•Ep. 473
The recent murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan has sparked widespread discussion on the importance of private security and executive protection. While the tragedy raises questions about situational awareness and risk management, it also highlights the growing demand for skilled professionals in the security sector. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Chuck Andrews, a former law enforcement officer turned corporate security expert...
Jan 15, 2025•28 min•Ep. 472
Policing is one of the most demanding professions and advancing through the ranks comes with unique challenges, particularly for women in law enforcement. Retired Assistant Sheriff Sasha Larkin brings decades of experience to this conversation. From managing sleepless nights to building community trust during critical moments, Larkin exemplifies what it takes to thrive in a high-pressure environment. Now, as the Director of Intelligence for FIFA’s World Cup events, she shares her journey and off...
Jan 08, 2025•39 min•Ep. 471
Leadership is the cornerstone of any successful law enforcement agency, especially in a dynamic and challenging era. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley engages with Chief Troy Weisler of the New Mexico State Police to discuss how leadership drives operational success, builds trust within the ranks and connects officers with the communities they serve. From strategic police recruitment initiatives to mentorship programs, Chief Weisler provides a roadmap for fostering...
Dec 26, 2024•27 min•Ep. 470
Real-Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) are transforming how law enforcement agencies approach crime prevention and response. These centralized hubs leverage technology such as drones, automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and gunshot detection systems to provide officers with real-time data and situational awareness. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Major Patrick Krieg of the Dunwoody Police Department about his experience integrating advanced technologies ...
Dec 23, 2024•32 min•Ep. 469
This year has been a transformative year for law enforcement, marked by unprecedented challenges and critical turning points. From navigating thinning ranks to addressing societal and institutional pressures, officers have faced extraordinary demands. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley welcomes Tom Gandy, host of the War Stories podcast , to reflect on the defining moments of the year. Together, they explore evolving public perceptions of policing, the morale crisis...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 468
At a time when law enforcement faces unprecedented recruitment challenges, agencies often struggle to attract and retain candidates who embody the right mix of skills, values and emotional intelligence. While some departments rely on traditional methods, the Rochester Police Department (RPD) in New York has taken a bold and innovative approach. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Sergeant Justin Collins , a veteran officer and director of RPD's Police Rec...
Dec 11, 2024•47 min•Ep. 467
As law enforcement faces significant challenges in recruitment and retention, understanding generational shifts has never been more critical. With Gen Z officers entering the workforce, police leaders are navigating the unique traits and expectations of this new cohort. This generation, shaped by technology, a need for meaningful work, and a different approach to risk and resilience, requires fresh perspectives on training and leadership. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim...
Dec 04, 2024•47 min•Ep. 466
Traffic stops are one of the most common points of interaction between police and community members, yet they can be fraught with misunderstanding, fear and tension. This disconnect has fueled mistrust and, in some cases, escalated into conflict. Recognizing the urgent need to address these challenges, Dwayne Bryant wrote “ The Stop: Improving Police and Community Relations .” In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks to Bryant about the inspiration behind his book a...
Nov 20, 2024•33 min•Ep. 465
In the constantly evolving world of law enforcement, connecting police officers with the latest research is crucial for effective, evidence-based decision-making. Yet, traditional academic publications are often inaccessible, both in cost and in technical language. Applied Police Briefings (APB) steps in to bridge this gap, providing law enforcement with free, practical and concise summaries of cutting-edge research. By transforming academic findings into easily digestible briefs, APB empowers o...
Nov 13, 2024•58 min•Ep. 464
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, we explore the groundbreaking work of the FBI Behavioral Science Unit. Host Jim Dudley interviews retired FBI agent Jana Monroe, who shares her expertise in serial killer profiling and her experience consulting on notorious cold cases in her book, “ Heart of Darkness .” Monroe, who is known as the real-life inspiration for Clarice Starling in “Silence of the Lambs,” discusses advancements in forensic science and the importance of ethics in true cr...
Nov 06, 2024•31 min•Ep. 463
As the 2024 election draws near, critical issues that directly affect law enforcement are taking center stage in national discussions. Crime reporting, immigration, drug cartels and public safety reforms are just some of the key topics that could see dramatic changes depending on the outcome. In this special election episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley and retired New York State Police Investigator and Professor Terrence Dwyer delve into how the 2024 election might impact po...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 462
Police1’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...
Oct 23, 2024•43 min•Ep. 461
In today’s rapidly evolving public safety landscape, drones are emerging as indispensable tools for law enforcement and emergency response. From reducing response times during natural disasters to providing real-time aerial intelligence at crime scenes, drones are transforming the way agencies handle critical incidents. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Adam Bry, CEO and co-founder of Skydio , a leader in autonomous drone technology. Bry discusses the g...
Oct 16, 2024•28 min•Ep. 460
Serial killers fascinate the public, but behind every infamous case lies a network of law enforcement officers, journalists and communities grappling with the horror. True crime stories like those of Ted Bundy, Son of Sam and Jeffrey Dahmer continue to captivate audiences. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Anne E. Schwartz, the journalist who first reported on the Jeffrey Dahmer case, to recount her experiences during the investigation. Having covered n...
Oct 09, 2024•42 min•Ep. 459
The tragic issue of officer suicide continues to challenge law enforcement agencies nationwide. In recent years, the focus on mental health support within the law enforcement community has intensified, leading to strategies like peer support programs and trauma-focused therapies. By understanding the contributing factors — such as accumulated trauma, organizational stress and personal challenges — agencies can develop comprehensive solutions that address the mental wellness of officers, from rec...
Oct 02, 2024•52 min•Ep. 458
This 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 addr...
Oct 01, 2024•20 min•Ep. 457
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is increasingly recognized as an essential skill in policing, transforming how officers interact with their communities, manage high-pressure situations, and take care of their mental health. At its core, emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, manage and effectively express one’s emotions while navigating interpersonal relationships. For law enforcement, this skill can make the difference between de-escalating a tense encounter and letting it spiral into...
Sep 25, 2024•58 min•Ep. 455
This 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 ...
Sep 24, 2024•10 min•Ep. 456
Animal-related incidents, whether cases of neglect, cruelty or dangerous wildlife, can catch even seasoned law enforcement officers off guard. When responding to such cases, officers are often thrust into challenging situations, with limited resources and training on how to manage these unique encounters. Addressing these gaps, the Humane Society’s Law Enforcement Training Center offers crucial guidance for officers to navigate these scenarios safely and effectively. This training empowers offic...
Sep 18, 2024•39 min•Ep. 454
This 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 Sk...
Sep 17, 2024•25 min•Ep. 453
Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs are rapidly transforming public safety by providing police departments with advanced tools to enhance their response capabilities. These programs allow drones to be deployed immediately when a call for service comes in, arriving on scene before officers to provide crucial real-time aerial views. As DFR programs continue to evolve, they are revolutionizing emergency response, offering quicker, more efficient situational awareness and improving outcomes in c...
Sep 11, 2024•36 min•Ep. 451
This 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...
Sep 10, 2024•25 min•Ep. 452
The 2024 anniversary of 9/11 marks 23 years since the tragic events that forever altered the course of history and the landscape of public safety. As we move further from that fateful day, the significance of remembering and learning from 9/11 grows even more critical. For many, especially younger generations, 9/11 is transitioning from a lived experience to a historical event, making it essential for public safety professionals to ensure that the lessons identified are not only remembered, but ...
Sep 09, 2024•39 min•Ep. 449
In an era where law enforcement faces unprecedented challenges, the call for evolved leadership has never been louder. As communities demand greater transparency, accountability and empathy from their police forces, leaders in policing are tasked with not only responding to these demands but also proactively shaping the future of public safety. This conversation delves into how innovative leadership strategies and a renewed focus on culture are paving the way for a more adaptive and resilient po...
Sep 04, 2024•42 min•Ep. 450
The use of force in law enforcement is a critical and often controversial topic. Traditional methods, such as prone restraint, have come under scrutiny due to their potential for escalating situations and causing harm. As the landscape of policing evolves, there is a growing need for innovative techniques that prioritize safety, effectiveness and de-escalation. In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley is joined by returning guest Rener Gracie, a prominent figure in Brazilian Jiu-Jits...
Aug 28, 2024•49 min•Ep. 448
In an era where drug policies are evolving, the challenges faced by law enforcement have never been more complex. With the decriminalization and legalization of certain substances, the narrative around drug enforcement has shifted. Yet, the reality on the streets tells a different story. Organized crime, black markets, and overdose deaths continue to rise, posing significant threats to public safety. On this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Mike Sena, Executiv...
Aug 21, 2024•43 min•Ep. 447
