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Black Arm of the Law — Government
Black Arm of the Law

Black Arm of the Law is a powerful and thought-provoking podcast that explores the complexities of being Black in law enforcement. Hosted by Dr. RaShall Brackney, former Chief of Police in Charlottesville, Virginia, the show dives deep into the personal and professional experiences of those navigating the often unseen and misunderstood intersection of race, justice, and public safety. Through honest conversations and critical insights, the podcast sheds light on how race and identity shape the lives and careers of Black officers behind the badge.

Each episode tackles timely and urgent topics—from systemic bias and the politicization of civil service to the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. The show also confronts the cultural and emotional tolls of working within institutions not built with marginalized communities in mind, while highlighting the need for reform, accountability, and human-centered policing.

At its core, *Black Arm of the Law* is about truth-telling, empowerment, and transformation. With voices from across the spectrum of law enforcement, the podcast uplifts stories of resilience, leadership, and advocacy. Whether discussing civil rights, community safety, or mental health, this series invites listeners into a critical dialogue on justice, equity, and the future of public service.

Copyright: © Copyright 2024

Latest Episodes:

Love is the Answer Mar 28, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, A.J. Ali, the founder of Love Is The Answer, discusses his film 'Walking While Black' and the importance of improving police-community relations. He shares his personal experience of being stopped by the police and the moment that inspired him to take action. A.J. explains how he transitioned from anger to love and the significance of his brother's last words, 'Love is the answer.' He emphasizes the need for love-based policing and the importance of building real relationships between the police and the community. A.J. also discusses the impact of his film on the next generation of leaders and activists.

Live From Atlanta its Black Arm of the Law! Mar 21, 2024

Show notes

Join us for a powerhouse episode of the Black Arm of the Law Podcast, hosted by the incomparable Dr. RaShall Brackney!

Chief Carmen Best Mar 14, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Black Arm of the Law Podcast, Dr. Rachelle Brackney interviews Carmen Best, the former chief of police in Seattle, Washington. They discuss Best's background, career, and the challenges she faced as a black woman in policing. Best shares her experiences in the military and how it shaped her leadership style. She also talks about her transition from the military to policing and the testing and training experiences she went through. The episode concludes with Best's emotional response to not being selected as the chief of police. Carmen discusses her experiences and leadership lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic and the George Floyd protests. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing misalignment of values and leaving when necessary. Best also highlights the need for nimble thinking and collaboration with unconventional partners during crises. She shares her strategies for coordinating the COVID-19 response and handling the occupation of the precinct. Best concludes by emphasizing the significance of being one's own mentor, ally, and sponsor.

Transparency and Accountability Mar 14, 2024

Show notes

Summary The conversation with Sam Stecklow from the Invisible Institute focused on the importance of transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system, particularly in relation to police misconduct. The Invisible Institute was founded to hold public institutions accountable, with a specific focus on police departments. They have worked to obtain and make accessible data on police misconduct, including through the Citizens Police Data Project. The conversation highlighted the challenges in accessing and analyzing this data, as well as the need for systemic changes to address issues such as wandering cops and the hiring of officers with a history of misconduct. The public was encouraged to educate themselves about public records laws and advocate for transparency and accountability in their communities.

Bail, Parole, Incarceration: Criminal Justice Reform Feb 29, 2024

Show notes

This episode of the Black Armor the Law podcast focuses on corrections and bail reform. The guests include probation and parole officers who discuss their roles and the challenges they face in helping individuals reintegrate into the community. The conversation also delves into the power and responsibilities of probation and parole officers, as well as the impact of caseloads on their work. The guests share their perspectives on bail reform and the need for reimagining places like Rikers Island. Overall, the episode highlights the importance of investing in education, vocational training, and community-based support to reduce recidivism and promote rehabilitation. This conversation explores various aspects of criminal justice reform and the challenges faced in creating meaningful change. The speakers discuss the importance of providing a living wage to individuals reentering society to prevent recidivism. They also emphasize the need for comprehensive rehabilitation programs that offer vocational training and support services. The conversation highlights the impact of private prisons and the need to treat criminal justice reform as an investment. The speakers address the flaws in the bail system and the lack of funding for essential support services. They stress the importance of collaboration, communication, and the allocation of resources to create lasting change. The conversation concludes with a focus on the rewarding nature of the work and the power of planting seeds of change.

The Importance of using Data and Science in Policing Feb 22, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Tracie L. Keesee discusses the work of the Center for Policing Equity and the importance of using data and science in policing. She emphasizes the concept of co-production of public safety and the need for collaboration between law enforcement and the community. Dr. Keesee also addresses the hesitancy to embrace data and science in policing and the challenges of changing organizational culture. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of evidence-based approaches to improve policing practices and build trust with the community. The conversation explores the impact of culture on policing, the need for change and accountability, the importance of awareness and understanding, the global impact of George Floyd's death, the interconnectedness of safety in communities, the importance of action and funding, the different perspectives in policing, the hypocrisy of some police chiefs, the need for consistency and funding for community safety, and the role of policing and safety in communities.

Civilian Oversight Feb 08, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. RaShall Brackney interviews Hansel Aguilar, the director of civilian oversight in the city of Berkeley, California. They discuss the history and growth of civilian oversight, different models of oversight, and the pros and cons of each model. They also explore the challenges and expectations of civilian oversight, including managing community expectations and building trust. Aguilar emphasizes the importance of reimagining civilian oversight and establishing national standards and training for oversight practitioners. He also highlights the support and mentorship he has received from the community of practitioners in this field.

Headlines & Hastags Feb 01, 2024

Show notes

The podcast episode explores various pressing issues in the criminal legal system in 2023. It discusses the corruption and lack of accountability in policing and the criminal legal system, highlighting the low number of officers charged and convicted for their actions. The concerns of police officers, including recruitment and retention, are also examined. The episode delves into the attacks on progressive prosecutors who seek to reform the system and the detrimental impact of the school-to-prison pipeline. It concludes by reflecting on the triumphs and achievements of the podcast and expressing gratitude to the guests and listeners.

Culture of Corruption Dec 21, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Rachelle Brackney speaks with Gregory A. Thomas, a former member of the Mollen Commission, about his experience investigating police corruption in New York City. They discuss the need for an outside agency to investigate corruption, the challenges faced by officers reporting corruption, and the importance of internal dismantling. They also explore the impact of corruption on community cooperation and provide advice for officers to avoid corruption. The conversation explores the topics of accountability, leadership, serving the community, and the concept of the aggrieved party in law enforcement.

The School to Prison Pipeline Dec 15, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. RaShall Brackney discusses the school-to-prison pipeline with Dr. Kevin F. Gilbert, an expert in education and discipline policies. They explore the impact of school resource officers, the role of principals in disciplinary actions, and the disproportionate impact on black students. They also discuss the need for cultural responsiveness and anti-bias training for educators. The conversation highlights the importance of community involvement in supporting students during suspensions and disrupting the pipeline.

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