Policing Matters

Afleveringen

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  The heart of modern police leadership 29.07.2026 38min

  Today's police leaders are expected to do more than reduce crime. They're responsible for building organizational culture, developing future leaders and ensuring their people are equipped to thrive in one of the profession's most demanding careers. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Santa Clara County Sheriff Robert Jonsen to discuss the leadership philosophy that has guided his career. Jonsen explains why officer wellness should be a leadership priority, how he's embedded resilience into academy training and organizational culture, and why succession planning begins on day one. He also shares the inspiration behind his upcoming book, “Got Your Six,” his law enforcement-themed music, and an innovative partnership with NuCalm that uses music and neuroscience to help officers better manage stress and build resilience. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.
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  What constant fight-or-flight does to police officers 15.07.2026 48min

  Every call for service demands that officers be ready to make split-second decisions under pressure. But while law enforcement invests heavily in preparing officers for high-stress situations, far less attention is given to what happens after the call is over. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley explores the hidden physiological effects of chronic stress and why recovery may be just as critical to officer performance, health and longevity as tactical training. Jim is joined by Ryan Layne, national director of NuCalm's Public Safety Division and founder of Nervous System Regulation Training (NSRT). Drawing on neuroscience and his work with more than 1,500 law enforcement agencies, Layne explains how repeated activation of the body's fight-or-flight response can become an officer's baseline, affecting decision-making, sleep, relationships and long-term health. He also discusses practical strategies for training recovery, arguing that regulating the nervous system should become a standard part of officer wellness and performance — not an optional benefit.
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  Don’t lose your soul: Managing the ‘undercover effect’ on officers’ brains 08.07.2026 37min

  Police officers spend their careers making split-second decisions under pressure, but the cumulative effects of that stress can quietly reshape how they think, lead and see themselves. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with neuroscientist, educator and high-performance expert Dr. Pamela Seraphine about the "undercover effect" — a neuroscience-based framework that explains how chronic exposure to high-stakes environments can gradually alter an officer's identity without them realizing it. Drawing on her work with professionals in trauma-exposed careers, Seraphine explores how small compromises can accumulate over time, influencing decision-making, leadership, relationships and overall well-being. She explains why self-awareness is essential to preventing "identity drift," how officers can recognize when their thinking has become distorted, and why caring for the "whole self" — brain, body, mind and soul — is critical for long-term resilience. The conversation also examines leadership, team culture, recovery and the importance of approaching policing with the mindset of a high-performance athlete. About our guest Dr. Pamela Serafine is a neuroscientist, educator and keynote speaker specializing in high performance, neuroscience and trauma recovery for professionals working in high-stakes environments. She helps leaders and mission-critical organizations apply brain science to improve decision-making, resilience and performance under pressure while navigating increasing complexity and rapid technological change. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.
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  The fitness formula that keeps officers healthy for the long haul 01.07.2026 39min

  The demands of policing can make fitness feel like an impossible task. Shift work, overtime, court appearances, long hours in a patrol car and family responsibilities often leave officers struggling to prioritize their health. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Brandon Holder, strength and conditioning coordinator for the Fairfax County Police Department’s WellFit program, about realistic approaches to fitness, injury prevention, nutrition and wellness that help officers stay healthy, resilient and ready for duty throughout their careers. Holder oversees physical readiness initiatives for one of the nation's largest police departments and works directly with officers facing the unique physical challenges of the profession. He discusses why consistency matters more than perfection, how short workouts can deliver meaningful results, common mistakes officers make after the academy and what agencies can do to build a culture that supports long-term wellness and career longevity. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.
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  Behavioral health advisors and the future of crisis negotiations 26.06.2026 35min

  Mental health crises are among the most challenging incidents law enforcement agencies face. Whether it's a barricaded subject, a hostage situation or a person in severe emotional distress, negotiators and commanders often have to make critical decisions with limited information and high stakes. To help agencies navigate those situations, the National Tactical Officers Association recently released guidance on integrating behavioral health advisors into crisis negotiation teams. In this week's episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with NTOA Executive Director Thor Eells to discuss the new policy and the role behavioral health advisors can play during critical incidents. Eells explains how these specialists can help negotiators better understand behavior, assess risk and shape communication strategies while supporting commanders with real-time insights that may improve decision-making and help preserve life. Click here for more information on the NTOA. Police1 related content When patrol becomes the hostage rescue team ‘Time is your biggest tactic': ‘Shots Fired’ podcast details lessons from Bakersfield hostage standoff A day in the life of a San Francisco Police Department hostage negotiator Barricaded suspect response: What’s the rush? Enhancing patrol response to barricaded subjects: A three-step strategy About our sponsor American Military University supports law enforcement professionals with flexible online programs designed around the demands of the job. Whether you’re looking to grow your own career or support the development of your officers, the Everyday Heroes Grant provides eligible first responders and their families with a 20% tuition grant. Students may also be eligible to transfer up to 45 credits for academy training, prior education, and professional experience, helping them start ahead and finish sooner. Learn more at PublicSafetyAtAMU.com.
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  What early adopters of Drone as First Responder programs learned — and what comes next 25.06.2026 31min

  A decade ago, public safety agencies interested in drones were largely figuring things out on their own. The technology was limited, policies were still being developed and few departments had experience to draw from. Today, thousands of public safety agencies operate drone programs and Drone as First Responder deployments are growing at an unprecedented pace. As agencies move beyond tactical drone operations toward proactive, 911-driven response models, early adopters have identified critical lessons on community trust, officer safety, staffing efficiency and program implementation.   In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, guest host Rob Lawrence sits down with Charles Werner, founder of DRONERESPONDERS and one of the leading voices in public safety drone operations, to discuss how DFR programs are transforming policing and emergency response. Drawing on decades of public safety experience, Werner shares what agencies need to know about building community trust, improving officer safety and preparing for the next generation of public safety aviation. About our sponsor Flock works with more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide, delivering real-time intelligence through a holistic ecosystem of technology designed to keep officers safe, reduce crime, and build stronger communities. And if you’re looking for real stories from the front lines — how your peers are using these tools to shape the future of safety in their cities — tune in to Flock’s “Real Time Policing” podcast. Watch episodes on YouTube or tune in wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to view.
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  When the child becomes the abuser 23.06.2026 48min

  Many officers have encountered child-to-parent violence. Few have received formal training on how to recognize it. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with retired Oak Park Sergeant Rasul Freelain about the years of escalating abuse that preceded the infamous Bali suitcase murder. Drawing on his experience investigating the case and the research behind his forthcoming book, “When Lambs Become Wolves: The Chilling Case of Sheila von Wiese-Mack,” Freelain explains why child-to-parent violence often goes unnoticed, how systems can miss critical warning signs and what law enforcement can do when a parent becomes the victim. Freelain served as a detective, patrol officer and supervisor connected to the Mack family case. He shares the warning signs he observed, the challenges officers faced when trying to intervene and how the case inspired his ongoing work training law enforcement agencies to recognize child-to-parent violence and abuse. About our sponsor American Military University supports law enforcement professionals with flexible online programs designed around the demands of the job. Whether you’re looking to grow your own career or support the development of your officers, the Everyday Heroes Grant provides eligible first responders and their families with a 20% tuition grant. Students may also be eligible to transfer up to 45 credits for academy training, prior education, and professional experience, helping them start ahead and finish sooner. Learn more at PublicSafetyAtAMU.com.
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  How agencies can show the reality of policing 17.06.2026 25min

  Police agencies are under pressure to be transparent, but too often their public storytelling swings between stiff press releases and staged social media moments. Zach Hamilton believes there is a better way. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Hamilton, founder of Red Watch Productions and a Michigan public information officer, about "The Shift," a documentary series that follows officers through the realities of patrol. A former Hollywood visual effects artist who worked on productions including "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" and "Cry Macho," Hamilton shares how agencies can use authentic video storytelling to build trust, show the human side of policing and give communities a clearer view of what officers actually do between the headlines. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.
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  What cops forget, families remember 10.06.2026 41min

  Police memoirs often focus on the cases: the shootings, the homicides, the organized crime investigations, the moments that test an officer’s instincts and nerve. Terrence Dwyer’s “The Badge Between Us: Duty, Marriage and Family” includes all of that, but the heart of the story is what those moments did to the life waiting for him at home. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks with Dwyer, a retired New York State Police investigator, attorney, professor, Police1 columnist and author, about the career memories he had packed away in boxes and the family memories his wife never forgot. Dwyer discusses organized crime work, the murder of a fellow investigator, a gang case, a quintuple homicide and the toll those experiences took on his marriage, his mental health and his view of life after policing. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.
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  Dallas PD’s World Cup playbook: Plan in pencil, not pen 09.06.2026 34min

  The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring enormous public safety demands to cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico — including places that are not hosting matches. For Dallas, the challenge is especially complex: While games will be played in nearby Arlington, the city will serve as home to FIFA’s International Broadcast Centre and host major fan events expected to draw international crowds. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, guest host Rob Lawrence talks with Lt. Mark Rickerman of the Dallas Police Department about how the agency is preparing for the 2026 World Cup and what other departments can learn from the process. Rickerman discusses the challenges of coordinating across law enforcement, fire, transit, private security, event organizers, local government and federal partners, as well as the importance of building plans that can change quickly once the event begins. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by Panasonic. Built to withstand the harshest environments, TOUGHBOOK rugged police laptops and tablets are the ultimate police technology equipment. From police car laptops and police car computers to versatile police tablets, these solutions ensure uninterrupted access to mission-critical data. With advanced features like high-performance processors, long battery life, and secure connectivity, TOUGHBOOK empowers officers and deputies to leverage police tech and new police technology for faster response times, informed decision-making, and improved operational efficiency. When reliability matters most, TOUGHBOOK is the trusted choice for police computers and police technology that keeps law enforcement ready for anything. For more information, visit https://connect.na.panasonic.com/public-safety.
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  Why proactive policing remains policing’s toughest balancing act 03.06.2026 33min

  Police leaders have long embraced the idea that preventing crime is more effective than simply responding to it. Yet despite decades of emphasis on proactive policing, many officers find themselves spending most of their shifts answering calls, writing reports and moving from one incident to the next. Results from Police1's “What Cops Want in 2026” survey highlight the challenge, revealing widespread frustration with limited time for proactive work and the growing demands placed on patrol officers. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley spoke with Las Cruces (New Mexico) Police Chief Jeremy Story about the barriers preventing officers from engaging in proactive policing and what agencies can do to overcome them. Story discussed the role of evidence-based policing, crime analysis, technology and leadership accountability in helping departments shift from a purely reactive model toward one focused on crime prevention and community impact. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by Oracle. Today’s public safety professionals face new and evolving challenges every day. The expectations of the communities you serve have never been higher, and your duties have never been more complex. Oracle recognizes the importance of the work you do, and has set out to make a meaningful difference in how you deliver on your oath to service. Oracle’s unified public safety hardware and software suite provides first responders with the advanced tools to boost efficiency and enhance real-time situational awareness, which can help improve issue resolution. To learn more, visit oracle.com.
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  How AI is reshaping police investigations — and why human oversight still matters 20.05.2026 50min

  Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept in policing. Agencies are already using AI-assisted tools to analyze digital evidence, identify crime patterns, process body-worn camera footage and accelerate investigations that once took days or weeks to solve. But as adoption spreads, law enforcement leaders are also confronting major questions about transparency, policy, cybersecurity and the risks of overreliance on automation. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Fairfax County Police Major Brendan Hooke about where AI is delivering real operational value, where agencies need guardrails and why human oversight remains critical as policing enters a new technological era. Hooke, commander of Fairfax County Police Department’s Cyber and Forensic Division, says AI’s biggest impact is helping investigators manage overwhelming volumes of digital evidence. From analyzing jail calls and surveillance video to identifying vehicles through distinctive features beyond license plates, AI tools are helping agencies surface critical leads faster while keeping investigators focused on higher-value work. He also discusses Fairfax County’s use of real-time crime center technology, AI-assisted report writing, predictive analytics and live translation tools, while emphasizing that AI should serve as a force multiplier — not a replacement for human judgment, investigative rigor or community trust. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by Oracle. Today’s public safety professionals face new and evolving challenges every day. The expectations of the communities you serve have never been higher, and your duties have never been more complex. Oracle recognizes the importance of the work you do, and has set out to make a meaningful difference in how you deliver on your oath to service. Oracle’s unified public safety hardware and software suite provides first responders with the advanced tools to boost efficiency and enhance real-time situational awareness, which can help improve issue resolution. To learn more, visit oracle.com.
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  Training gaps, legal risks and decontamination lessons in protest policing 13.05.2026 47min

  As agencies prepare for protests, demonstrations and civil unrest, police leaders face mounting pressure to balance public safety, constitutional rights and officer protection under constant public scrutiny. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Robert Sorensen, director of strategic partnerships and agency liaison for SoRite and a longtime less lethal instructor, about the evolving challenges surrounding chemical agents, crowd control tactics and public order policing. Their conversation explores training shortcomings, leadership decision-making, legal liability, decontamination practices and the growing debate over restricting less lethal tools. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.
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  Why new police supervisors struggle — and how to fix it 06.05.2026 47min

  Leadership in law enforcement isn’t automatic — it’s learned, often the hard way. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Lt. Sean M. Carroll (ret.), author of “A.I.O. Leadership for Law Enforcement: The Proven System That Forges Legendary Leaders Who Adapt, Improvise, and Overcome,” to talk about what really happens when officers step into leadership roles — and why so many struggle early on. From the jump from officer to sergeant — and the isolation that comes with it — Carroll breaks down the realities of leading in policing, including gaps in training, the importance of self-awareness and the shift from doing the job to developing others. The conversation focuses on what effective leaders do differently — and how agencies can better prepare them from the start. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.
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  The new frontline is above you — are you ready for drone threats? 29.04.2026 27min

  Drones have rapidly become one of the most transformative tools in public safety, giving agencies faster situational awareness, better documentation capabilities and new ways to respond to incidents. But as adoption grows, so does the complexity of managing the airspace above our communities. The same tools that support law enforcement can also be used for surveillance, disruption or worse. That shift is forcing agencies to rethink how they monitor, interpret and act on drone activity in real time. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Melissa Swisher of SkySafe about what it takes to move from simply using drones to truly understanding the airspace. Swisher outlines how drone detection and airspace intelligence platforms help agencies identify authorized versus unauthorized activity, locate operators and integrate aerial data into the broader operational picture. The conversation also explores the growing challenge of securing large-scale events like the FIFA World Cup, where agencies must manage a mix of friendly, commercial and potentially hostile drones without disrupting operations or public confidence. About our sponsor SkySafe’s cloud-based drone detection and airspace intelligence platform gives law enforcement real-time visibility into what’s happening in their airspace. The platform turns complex drone data like launch point, flight path, altitude, payload capacity, and operator location into actionable intelligence officers can use to detect, analyze and act on drone activity in real-time. With advanced analytics and industry-leading drone forensics, SkySafe also enables agencies to turn drone data into prosecutable evidence. For more information, visit skysafe.io.
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  Too much data, not enough intel: Fixing the flow of information in policing 22.04.2026 32min

  Law enforcement has never had more information at its fingertips. From BOLOs and fusion center updates to emails, radio traffic and crime bulletins, today’s officers operate in a constant stream of inputs. But volume doesn’t equal value. The central challenge is no longer access — it’s relevance. As agencies grapple with staffing shortages and rising demands, the question becomes urgent: How do you ensure critical intelligence reaches the right person in time to act? In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Matt White, CEO and co-founder of Multitude Insights, about why modern policing doesn’t need more data — it needs better intelligence flow. Drawing on his background in military intelligence, White explains how agencies can move beyond overloaded inboxes and disconnected bulletins by adopting systems that prioritize and personalize information delivery. He discusses how platforms like Multitude Insights’ BLTN surface relevant intelligence based on an officer’s role, location and emerging crime patterns, while also identifying connections across jurisdictions that might otherwise go unnoticed. About our sponsor This episode is sponsored by BLTN, Powered by Multitude Insights. Better bulletins solve crimes. BLTN is the nationwide intelligence-sharing platform built by law enforcement, for law enforcement. One centralized system to create, distribute, and analyze bulletins—connecting agencies in real time so critical intel reaches the right people when it matters most. No more inbox sprawl, no more missed leads—just faster coordination and better outcomes. Visit multitudeinsights.com to see how agencies are closing more cases, faster.
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  Live from Axon Week 2026: A special Policing Matters podcast with CTO Jeff Kunins 15.04.2026 27min

  Policing Matters podcast host and deputy chief Jim Dudley (ret.) paid a visit to Axon Week 2026 to get an exclusive look at some of the revolutionary advancements in public safety technology and the thought leaders and technology experts making them happen. In this special episode, sponsored by Axon, Dudley sits down with Jeff Kunins, chief product officer and chief technology officer of Axon. Their discussion examines how Axon is integrating AI and connected technologies to streamline routine police work, improve real-time awareness and enhance officer safety, while emphasizing interoperability and human oversight to ensure responsible use. About our sponsor This episode of Policing Matters is sponsored by Axon – the global leader in public safety technology. Discover how Axon is empowering first responders with innovative tools and training to build safer communities and protect more lives in more places at axon.com.  
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  Inside the patrol car: How officers assess risk in real time 15.04.2026 28min

  Patrol work starts long before the call. From the moment an officer begins their shift, every decision — what to prioritize, how to respond and when to slow down — can impact outcomes for officers and the public alike. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Sergeant John Banner of the White Settlement (Texas) Police Department to break down the critical thinking that happens behind the wheel. From managing competing demands like ALPR hits and priority calls to navigating fatigue, technology and pursuit decisions, this episode explores how officers maintain situational awareness and make sound judgments under pressure. Sgt. Banner shares practical insights on preparing mentally for shift, using technology effectively and coaching the next generation of officers — all while balancing the realities of modern policing. About our guest Sgt. John C. Banner is from Mineral Wells, Texas, and holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Tarleton State University. He joined the White Settlement (Texas) Police Department in 2012 and has served in a variety of roles throughout his career, including detective, corporal, POA president and vice president, and SWAT operator. He currently serves as a night patrol sergeant and has also completed a rotation in the department’s Street Crimes Division. Banner is a graduate of the ILEA 146th School of Police Supervision and has been recognized for his service with the Medal of Valor and two lifesaving awards. In 2024, he was also featured on “America’s Most Wanted with John Walsh” (Season 2, Episode 4). About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.
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  When police training turns deadly: Concussion risks and safety gaps 08.04.2026 45min

  Police training is designed to push limits — physically, mentally and emotionally. But when the culture of grit outpaces medical awareness and safeguards, the consequences can be irreversible. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley and fitness expert Traci Tauferner examine the risks embedded in high-intensity academy training, the gaps in concussion recognition and the responsibility leaders carry to protect recruits without compromising readiness. From hydration and baseline testing to psychological support and instructor training, the episode delivers a practical look at how academies can better identify risk and intervene before a routine drill becomes a tragedy. About our guest Traci Tauferner is an athletic trainer and strength and conditioning specialist with extensive experience supporting law enforcement, military and public safety personnel. As the director of industrial and tactical medicine at Advanced Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, she works with agencies and municipalities to design and implement programs focused on injury prevention, performance optimization and recovery. Her approach blends clinical expertise with real-world operational demands, helping departments build healthier, more resilient workforces. Connect with her: LinkedIn Instagram About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.
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  Inside Amarillo’s real time crime center and what makes it work 08.04.2026 32min

  Real time crime centers are no longer a novelty — they are quickly becoming a core part of modern policing. But as agencies invest in cameras, drones, license plate readers and data platforms, a critical question remains: Are these centers actually delivering results, or just generating more data? In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks to Amarillo Regional Crime Center Commander Shane Chadwick about how success depends less on technology alone and more on how agencies integrate, share and use it. Chadwick’s approach in Amarillo started with a rare advantage — a clean slate. With no legacy systems to untangle, his team built an integrated tech stack aligned to real-world workflows, focused on supporting officers in the field. The result is a regional model where shared platforms, real time data access and high user adoption drive measurable outcomes. Instead of relying solely on traditional metrics like crime rates, Chadwick points to usage — tens of thousands of searches per month — and rapid case breakthroughs, including multi-state investigations solved in hours, as proof that the system is working. About our sponsor Peregrine transforms fragmented, siloed information into clear context and actions that move your organization forward. Trusted by hundreds of agencies worldwide, Peregrine maximizes the impact of your real time crime center by centralizing and organizing historical and real time data, making it readily accessible and actionable in the moments that matter most. Visit peregrine.io to learn how your organization can get started.