Stay ConnectedWelcome to the “Cape CopCast,” the official podcast of the Cape Coral Police Department.
Hosted by Officer Steven Klakowicz, and Lisa Greenberg from our Public Affairs team, this podcast dives into the heart of Cape Coral PD’s public safety, community initiatives, and the inner workings of our police department. Each episode brings you insightful discussions, interviews with key community figures, and expert advice on safety.
Copyright: © 2026 Cape CopCast
A jewelry store robbery, a spouse watching a live surveillance feed, and a suspect arrested across the state before the day was over—this is what happens when real law enforcement partnerships are built long before a crisis. In this episode of the Cape CopCast 'Chief's Chat,' we pull back the curtain on how our FBI Violent Crime Task Force detective, close coordination with the U.S. Marshals, and a ready-to-go network of resources turned a violent incident in our city into a swift, safe resolution for the community.
From there, we zoom out to the bigger picture: how do you keep pace with a fast-growing city without sacrificing service, response times, or trust? We share an update on our Project 35, a data-driven plan that designs the agency we need by the year 2035 and then reverse engineers every year between now and then. We share how we align staffing, technology, vehicles, and training with actual demand instead of guesswork. You’ll also hear how we tie strategy to dollars so budgets aren’t wish lists but accountable, measurable investments.
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Ever wonder why so many vehicle burglaries happen quietly, in minutes, and often on the same street? On this episode of the Cape CopCast, we sit down with Property Crimes Unit Sergeant Jeremy Niland to map the patterns behind vehicle break-ins, stolen cars, and retail theft, and the small, repeatable steps that stop them. From late-night patrol catches to detective follow-ups, you’ll hear how camera clips, serial numbers, and neighbor tips merge into a clean timeline that recovers stolen gear and holds people accountable.
Sgt. Niland walks us through a recent case near Oasis Boulevard where coordination led to a search warrant and a pile of stolen property returned, including a kid’s softball equipment. That human side drives the work, but so does smart process: parking under your security camera, keeping valuables out of sight, locking doors, and recording serial numbers for bikes, tools, and electronics. We also dig into why many offenders are teens acting on impulse and what truly makes a car a target.
Retail theft gets a spotlight too. We break down barcode switching, booster crews, and the statewide networks that treat stolen goods like inventory. You’ll hear how loss prevention teams share intel across stores and why “it’s just a big-box loss” is a myth—those costs reappear in higher prices. Along the way, social media plays a starring role, with community IDs turning anonymous faces into names, and the occasional viral moment—like a man in Batman pajamas stopping a burglar—reminding us that neighbors still make the difference.
If you want fewer crimes on your block, this conversation gives you the playbook: simple habits, fast calls when something feels off, and a community-first mindset that makes theft a losing bet. Listen, share with a neighbor, and subscribe for more practical safety insights.
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In this week's episode of the Cape CopCast 'Chief's Chat,' we dive into the surge of juveniles on e-bikes, scooters, and even dirt bikes showing up on our streets, and we get real about what’s fun, what’s legal, and what’s flat-out dangerous. From kids riding three-abreast and blocking traffic, to 30 mph sidewalk rides through shopping centers, we unpack the behavior patterns putting riders, drivers, pedestrians and local businesses at risk—and how we’re responding.
You’ll hear how trespass authority at shopping centers works, why citations and bike seizures are now on the table, and where the line is between harmless cruising and reckless endangerment. We break down the basics parents need: the 10 mph sidewalk limit, helmet and lighting requirements, when a “bike” is actually a motor vehicle that needs registration, and the real consequences of fleeing from a traffic stop. Our goal isn’t to crush outdoor fun; it’s to keep kids alive, spare families heartache, and protect the community’s peace.
Amid the tough talk on safety, we share the heart of our December: the 'Holiday Heroes Food Drive' with partners who turn every dollar into more meals, 'Stuff the Cruiser' and 'Fill the Boat' toy collections that go straight to local kids, and 'Shop with a Cop'—pairing officers and students for a morning of joy. These programs stay local, move fast, and meet real needs, from food insecurity to foster family support, with long-standing partners who show up year after year.
If you’re considering an e-bike gift for your child or loved one, this is your checklist and conversation starter. If you want to be part of something good, this is your roadmap to make a direct impact where you live.
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Behind every strong police department stands a support system that cares for those who protect and serve. For Cape Coral Police Department, that backbone includes our Chaplaincy program and Lead Chaplain Dennis Gingerich. Gingerich has dedicated nearly three decades to supporting Cape Coral Police officers through their darkest moments and greatest celebrations.
Chaplain Gingerich shares how he transitioned from founding Cape Christian to also becoming the department's longest-serving chaplain. With warmth and wisdom, he explains the delicate balance of providing spiritual support without imposing religious beliefs, emphasizing the chaplaincy program's commitment to confidentiality, non-judgment, and professional integrity. "We serve anyone and everyone," Gingerich explains, highlighting how chaplains create safe spaces for officers to process trauma, stress, and personal challenges.
The conversation unveils powerful stories of transformation, including an officer who was initially against a ride-along but eventually shared a deeply personal trauma about his brother's suicide—something he had never disclosed to anyone else. Through these intimate narratives, Gingerich demonstrates how chaplains help address both immediate trauma and the cumulative stress that builds throughout a law enforcement career. As one officer described it, police work is like "holding a paper sack and throwing rocks into it"—each traumatic event adds weight until something eventually breaks the bag.
The chaplaincy program represents an essential component of officer wellness, recognizing that effective policing requires attention to "body, soul, mind and spirit." Whether conducting ceremonies, responding to critical incidents, or simply being present during roll calls, chaplains like Gingerich, Dr. Don Neace, and Patrick Miller bring diverse life experiences that prepare them to support officers through whatever challenges arise.
Listen now to understand how spiritual care contributes to healthier officers and, ultimately, better community policing.
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A safety ranking means little if it doesn’t match how people actually feel while living their lives. We unpack Cape Coral’s recognition as one of Florida’s safest cities by focusing on the daily experience of residents: running errands without fear, walking to the car without worry, and raising families in neighborhoods where people look out for one another. That lived sense of security comes from a clear vision, a mission built on partnership, and values that show up in every interaction.
We take you inside the model that guides our work: be the safest city in Florida, and get there by partnering with the community to deliver the highest level of safety for all. You’ll hear how real conversations shape policy more than surveys do, how doorbell camera clips can be the missing piece in a case timeline, and why solvability rates rise when people feel heard. We also talk about the power of ownership: many of our officers live here, navigate the same roads, visit the same parks, and bring that personal stake to every call for service. It’s “your police department,” not just “the police department.”
We don’t ignore small problems that can grow into big ones. That includes a candid look at risky biking and e‑bike behavior—wheelies in traffic, riding three or four across, and blocking lanes. We outline the plan: educate first, enforce next, and keep kids safe while protecting everyone on the road. Our Community Oriented Policing unit is coordinating with businesses on trespass authority, and we encourage residents to call when they see unsafe behavior so we can address it in the moment. The throughline is simple: early reporting, shared information, and steady service keep fear off the front of people’s minds.
Proud of the progress, focused on the work. If this resonates, subscribe, share with a neighbor, and leave a review to help others find the show. What safety topic should we tackle next?
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What happens after a serious, or even deadly crash? How do investigators determine who's at fault, what caused the tragedy, and whether criminal charges should be filed? In this episode of the Cape CopCast, Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Homicide Investigators George Schwigk and Stephen Leonard pull back the curtain on their specialized world where mathematics, physics, and detective work combine to solve complex crash puzzles.
These officers explain the tedious and sometimes heartbreaking process of reconstructing crashes. They reveal how speed rarely acts alone in causing fatal crashes - it's typically combined with other factors like impairment, or inattentiveness. The investigators share why solving hit-and-run cases is even more rewarding, as they track down drivers who attempt to escape accountability only to face much more severe consequences than if they had remained at the scene.
The conversation shifts to cutting-edge technology transforming police work, particularly the department's UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) program. These aerial tools provide critical bird's-eye perspectives of crash scenes, help locate missing persons, and enhance security at public events.
THI Schwigk & THI Leonard also discuss Cape Coral's unique traffic challenges: the blend of year-round residents, seasonal visitors, and the proliferation of electric bikes and scooters creating new safety concerns. They provide essential advice about which vehicles are street legal and warn that standard bicycle helmets aren't designed for the speeds many electric bikes can achieve. Their message resonates clearly: through a combination of enforcement, education, and individual responsibility, we can all contribute to the ultimate goal of zero traffic fatalities in our community.
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What if the camera on an officer’s chest could listen, watch, and turn a call or scene scene into a clean first draft of the report before anyone sits down at a keyboard? We dig into the real-world ways AI is changing police work in Cape Coral—speeding up documentation, meeting urgent NCIC deadlines for missing kids, and giving officers more time where it matters most: with people.
We walk through how body-worn cameras now pair with AI to identify call types, pull key details from audio and video, and create structured reports that officers review and approve. That shift doesn’t replace human judgment—it protects it, freeing officers from retyping interviews and letting them stay in the field longer. We also unpack a powerful translation feature that detects language on the fly and delivers near real-time two-way communication, cutting delays and misunderstandings when clarity is critical.
We talk transparently about total how strategic tech investment can reduce the need for future positions without cutting current jobs, recapturing workload while guarding against burnout. The takeaway is simple: you won’t be replaced by AI, but you could be outpaced by leaders who use it well. We’re choosing to move forward—measuring results, keeping human skills at the core, and using the right tools to serve Cape Coral better every day.
The Cape Coral Police Department is hiring. To apply: www.capecops.com/careers
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Think of a police department that treats excellence like a system, not a slogan—where performance, pay, wellness, and readiness all move together. We’re nearly fully staffed, crime is down double digits, and our response times are trending in the right direction. Now we’re aiming higher, inviting top talent to bring their experience without losing their hard-won momentum.
We break down our new Collective Bargaining Agreement and why it changes the recruiting game. Lateral officers can receive up to five years of step credit and start around $95,000, with the option to buy back up to five years of time at zero percent interest. The goal isn’t to poach for numbers; it’s to raise the bar with people who want to build a career where wellness is baked into the culture, not stapled on. If you’re new to the profession, we explain how our training, tools, and leadership support set you up to succeed. If you’re experienced, we show you how your years translate on day one—financially and professionally.
We also spotlight a project that’s been quietly moving from idea to reality: high-water vehicles designed for multi-use operations and storm response. We walk through how our team scoped, vetted, funded, and delivered the capability—so we’re ready when blue skies turn gray. It’s a glimpse into how we turn data, need, and insight into real capacity the community can feel.
If you’ve ever wondered what “be brave, be best, be Cape” looks like in practice, this conversation lays it out—clear incentives, a wellness-first approach, modern tools, and a standard of service that respects both the badge and the person wearing it.
Ready to explore a move or start your career? Apply before November 14th and grab the $10,000 hiring bonus!
TO APPLY: www.capecops.com/careers
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Language can be the difference between getting help in a crisis or suffering in silence. It's Hispanic Heritage month, and in this special edition of 'Chiefs Chat' on the Cape CopCast, Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore sits down with Officer Carlos Prieto and Officer Amanda Rodriguez to explore how the police force is evolving to serve its rapidly growing Spanish-speaking community.
While officially documented at 25% Spanish-speaking, Chief Sizemore believes Cape Coral's Hispanic population is closer to 30% or higher. This population shift presents unique challenges for emergency services, particularly during high-stress situations when communication barriers can mean the difference between life and death. As Officer Prieto eloquently explains, when a domestic violence victim sees an officer who speaks their language, it creates an immediate sense of trust and comfort that encourages them to share crucial information.
Both officers bring powerful personal perspectives to the discussion. Officer Prieto shares his journey from Cuba in 2012, fleeing communism and waiting five years to become a US citizen before joining the force. Officer Rodriguez, born in Puerto Rico and a Cape Coral resident for over 20 years, transitioned from being a 911 call taker to fulfilling her dream of becoming a police officer. Their stories illuminate why representation matters in effective policing, beyond simply meeting diversity statistics.
The message to Cape Coral's Spanish-speaking residents is clear and compassionate: don't hesitate to call the police when you need help. It's about ensuring everyone enjoys the safety and protection they deserve. As Officer Rodriguez reassures listeners, "If you come to this country to work and fight and move forward, we're here to support you."
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What does it really take to become a police leader? In this episode of the Cape CopCast 'Chief's Chat,' we pull back the curtain on the Cape Coral Police Department's comprehensive promotional process that recently elevated eleven officers to new leadership positions as sergeants and lieutenants.
Far from the arbitrary selection that many might imagine, Chief Sizemore walks us through the meticulous, multi-month journey candidates undertake—studying Florida statutes, department policies, city ordinances, and leadership principles before facing a gauntlet of assessments. The process combines written tests, simulated roll calls, scenario-based interviews, and practical exercises designed to identify not just knowledgeable officers, but true leaders who can make sound decisions under pressure.
Most fascinating is the "Rule of Eight" system that allows department leadership to select from among top candidates based on specific needs rather than rigid numerical rankings. As the Chief explains, it's about finding "square pegs for square holes"—matching the right officer to the right position through collaborative decision-making with command staff who observe candidates' daily performance. The resulting promotions create a cascade effect throughout the department, with nearly 50 position changes as officers move up and into specialty units.
We also discuss the department's continuous recruitment efforts and data-driven approach to staffing through "Project 35," which has already yielded impressive crime reduction results despite budget challenges. At around 500 employees and growing, the department operates like what Chief Sizemore calls "a cruise ship—a giant, big, slow-moving vessel with a lot of stuff happening on all these different decks."
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