Policing Matters

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 night shifts on the crime beat, Schwartz was the first on the scene and had unparalleled access to the detectives and officers who uncovered Dahmer’s atrocities. In this conversation, she offers insight into the challenges of reporting such a case, the psychological toll on law enforcement, and why, decades later, the public remains fascinated by true crime. Schwartz also addresses the portrayal of Dahmer in the media, including the controversial Netflix series, and offers a candid perspective on the real events behind

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 recruitment to retirement. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Matt Walsh, Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), who shares his vast experience on the topic of law enforcement suicide. Walsh discusses the groundbreaking data collection efforts by FDLE, which are shedding new light on the true scale of officer suicides. He also highlights FDLE's proactive approaches, such as peer support programs and trauma-focused therapy, aimed at reducing

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 address the common challenge of limited training space. Axon VR includes specialized controllers that simulate the TASER 10, TASER 7 and even a handgun, offering officers a realistic training experience. This setup enables officers to practice with true-to-life weapons in various scenarios, from static targets to dynamic, fast-moving situations. The VR range allows for extensive, cost-effective practice, providing invaluable experience in deploying TASER energy weapons on moving targets and under different conditions, which

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 conflict. By improving self-awareness, social awareness and relationship management, emotional intelligence training is helping officers make better decisions under stress, communicate more effectively with their teams and the public, and improve overall well-being on and off the job. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley interviews Gregory Campbell, Ph.D., a federal law enforcement veteran and emotional intelligence expert, about the profound impact emotional intelligence can have on polici

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 dives into the capabilities of Draft One, its potential impact on officer efficiency and morale and the future possibilities for this technology in policing. For a behind-the-scenes look, visit this Policing Matters podcast article on Police1.com/policing-matters to see Jim and Noah in person! About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Axon, a global leader in public safety technology. To learn more about Axon's ecosystem of hardware and software products for policing defense and

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 officers to recognize and respond to animal cruelty, fighting rings, and wildlife-related incidents, helping protect both the community and the animals involved. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with retired Chief Trevor Whipple, now a trainer with the Humane Society’s Law Enforcement Training Center, about the complexities of animal crime investigations. The episode highlights how proper training can help officers safely manage dangerous animals, gather evidence for prosecutions, and

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 Skydio, and City of Miami Beach Police Department Sergeant Anthony Loperfido about the revolutionary role of drones in modern law enforcement. The discussion, recorded live at Axon Week 2024 in Miami Beach, delves into the capabilities of Skydio’s latest X10 drone, designed with direct feedback from public safety professionals. They explore how these advanced drones are transforming police operations, from providing real-time aerial intelligence to enabling autonomous, remote-controlled missions that can significantly enh

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 critical incidents. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, we dive into how Fremont, California, is leading the way with a joint police and fire DFR program. By collaborating across departments, Fremont’s DFR initiative is transforming emergency response times and enhancing situational awareness for both police and firefighters. Host Jim Dudley interviews three key members of the Fremont DFR program: Lieutenant Heidi Kindorf and Sergeant Ken Kwok from the Fremont Police Department, and Deputy Fire Chief Heathe

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 policing. The conversation delves into how these innovations are poised to enhance officer safety, increase efficiency and reduce critical incidents. With real-world examples and insights, Smith explains the journey from early TASERs to the latest TASER 10, emphasizing its potential to outperform traditional firearms. The episode also explores how virtual reality is revolutionizing training methods, making them more effective and accessible. Additionally, the discussion covers AI tools like Draft One, which streamline re

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 actively applied in today's ever-evolving emergency response environment. In this special crossover episode of the Policing Matters, Better Every Shift and Inside EMS podcasts, Cohosts Jim Dudley, Aaron Zamzow and Rob Lawrence highlight the importance of remembering 9/11 not just as a historical event but as a continuing influence on how public safety agencies operate today. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is sponsored by Verizon Frontline, the advanced network and technology for first re

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 policing framework. In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with Chief Jack Cauley and recently retired Under Sheriff Chris Hsiung, two leaders with distinguished careers in law enforcement and a shared commitment to modernizing police culture. Chief Cauley, who has led the Castle Rock (Colorado) Police Department since 2012, has been a pioneering figure with his “one by one” policing philosophy, which emphasizes individual care and psychological safety. Under Sheriff Hsiung brings his extensive exper

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-Jitsu and the head of Gracie University. Rener introduces the SafeWrap system, a groundbreaking technique developed to address the shortcomings of traditional prone restraint methods used by law enforcement. With his extensive experience in training officers, Rener discusses how SafeWrap can transform police practices, reduce injuries and build better relationships between law enforcement and the public. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by Skydio. Learn more about how Skydio enhan

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, Executive Director of the Northern California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and the Northern California Regional Intelligence Center, who provides a candid look into the ongoing fight against drug trafficking organizations and the societal impacts of drug-related crime. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by Skydio. Learn more about how Skydio enhances public safety and operational efficiency by visiting Skydio.com.

The evolving landscape of law enforcement recruitment and training brings both significant challenges and promising opportunities. As police departments strive to attract and retain new talent, some agencies are shifting away from traditional training models toward approaches that resonate better with Gen Z recruits. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Hank Prim, Supervisory Special Agent and State Law Enforcement Standards and Training Administrator in South Dakota, about South Dakota's approach to law enforcement training, particularly the shift from high-stress, military-style academies to a more collegial and problem-based learning environment. Prim discusses the unique challenges faced by rural law enforcement agencies in recruitment and retention and underscores the importance of building trust within the community by training officers to interact with empathy and professionalism. Prim also shares his views on integrating technology, such as virtual reality, into

The phenomenon of contagious fire, where police officers are influenced to discharge their firearms upon hearing gunfire from their peers, has been a subject of concern and speculation in law enforcement circles. Recent research spearheaded by a coalition of law enforcement professionals and academics has provided empirical evidence supporting the existence of this phenomenon. The study, titled "An Experimental Test of the Contagious Fire Thesis in Policing," delves into the mechanics and implications of contagious fire, offering valuable insights that could reshape training and operational strategies in policing. In this week’s episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with the experts who contributed to this groundbreaking research, including John DeCarlo, retired police chief and professor of Criminal Justice at the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences and Eric Dlugolenski, an assistant professor at Central Connecticut State University and a retired police se

Effective policing isn’t just about enforcing laws; it’s about building trust and cooperation with the community. Yet in some communities, there’s a lack of confidence or even mistrust toward the police. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley explores how proactive community engagement can transform police-community relations. He is joined by Dr. Rachel Santos and Dr. Roberto Santos, researchers from the Department of Justice and professors at Radford University in Virginia, who discuss their recent publication "Operationalizing Proactive Community Engagement," which offers actionable strategies for police departments to improve their interactions with communities. About our sponsor 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.

How can we bridge the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve? In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley explores this pressing question with Jasur Talipov, a college freshman and founder of "Trust the Badge," a nonprofit organization and podcast dedicated to building trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they protect. Through his platform, Talipov brings together law enforcement officials, government representatives and community leaders to discuss critical issues, share perspectives, and work toward enhancing mutual respect and understanding. 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.

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a game changer in various fields, including law enforcement. Traditional training methods, while effective, often come with high costs and logistical challenges. VR provides immersive training experiences that replicate real-world scenarios with high fidelity. This innovative approach allows for immediate feedback, multiple attempts at scenarios and a significant increase in retention rates.   In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley talks with Dan O’Brien, President of HTC Vive Americas, to explore the multifaceted benefits of VR in law enforcement. Dan, a seasoned technology executive with over two decades of experience, shares insights into how HTC Vive's VR headsets are being used to train officers in high-stress scenarios, from crisis intervention to evidence collection. They discuss the impressive retention rates and cost reductions associated with VR training, and how these technologies are not only pre

In the complex and often high-stakes world of law enforcement, officers are frequently called upon to navigate crises involving individuals who may be armed, in severe emotional distress, or posing a danger to themselves and others. The expectation is clear: resolve the situation swiftly and with minimal force. However, this is easier said than done. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley delves into these challenges with Dr. Jeff Thompson, a retired NYPD detective who now serves as a research scientist specializing in de-escalation and hostage situations at Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Thompson shares his valuable insights into the art and science of crisis negotiation, the importance of resilience, and the mental health practices that can help officers perform their duties effectively while maintaining their wellbeing. About our sponsor LETS Corp is the technology company behind LETS Respond, one of the most sought-after smart solutions by law enforcement to prevent and

In every organization, leadership is crucial. Vision and strategic planning can propel an agency forward, but these cannot occur in isolation. Leaders often hesitate to share their strategies for achieving goals and outcomes. Yet, great leaders share their vision and include others in the planning process to reach these goals. In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley explores these themes with Chief Christopher Cook, who has dedicated his career to enhancing leadership through improved communication. His new book, "The Art of Strategic Communication: A Police Chief's Guide To Mastering Soundbites, Storytelling, And Community Engagement," has quickly become a must-read for law enforcement leaders. About our sponsor LETS Corp is the technology company behind LETS Respond, one of the most sought-after smart solutions by law enforcement to prevent and de-escalate crises. Endorsed by law enforcement agencies from LA to New York, LETS Respond helps bring enhanced awareness and safer resolutions in respo