Policing Matters

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'Crawl, walk, run': South Dakota's problem-based learning approach to training new recruits Aug 14, 2024

Show notes

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 training to enhance scenario-based learning and better prepare officers for real-world situations.

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.

What law enforcement can learn from a new study examining contagious fire in policing Aug 07, 2024

Show notes

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 sergeant, who led the study in conjunction with the Farmington (New Mexico) Police Department and the Las Vegas Department of Public Safety. Also joining the discussion are Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe and Chief Jason Potts, the Public Safety Director in Las Vegas.

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.

From mistrust to partnership: Effective strategies for community engagement in policing Jul 31, 2024

Show notes

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 a college freshman is transforming police-community relations Jul 24, 2024

Show notes

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.

Virtual reality in police training: Reducing costs, boosting efficiency Jul 17, 2024

Show notes

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 preparing officers for the field but also offering therapeutic benefits for military veterans dealing with PTSD. 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.

The art and science of crisis negotiation Jul 10, 2024

Show notes

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 de-escalate crises. Endorsed by law enforcement agencies from LA to New York, LETS Respond helps bring enhanced awareness and safer resolutions in response to hostage/crisis situations. With LETS Respond, you’ll instantly save costs, and improve time to response and resolution, without ever needing to deal with the hassle of setting up a throw phone. Explore the benefits by visiting letscorp.us/respond today.

Building bridges with words: Strategic communication in policing Jul 03, 2024

Show notes

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.

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From playgrounds to positive futures: Empowering youth through law enforcement partnerships Jun 26, 2024

Show notes

The National Association of Police Athletic/Activities League, Inc. (PAL) stands as a beacon of community engagement, fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and youth through mentorship, recreational activities and educational programs.

With over 300 chapters across the United States and the world serving two million youths aged 5 to 18, National PAL aims to prevent juvenile crime and promote healthy development. By providing safe spaces and supportive environments, PAL empowers youth to build trust with police officers, learn valuable life skills and envision brighter futures. The organization's comprehensive approach includes enhancing infrastructure, developing strategic plans and creating nationwide curriculums to address critical issues such as substance abuse, ensuring that PAL continues to make a significant impact on communities across the country.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks to Sergeant Kenny Raglin, the newly elected President of National PAL, and Sergeant Christopher Hill, the organization's new CEO. Both guests share their personal experiences and insights into how PAL programs are making a significant difference in communities across the nation.

Sergeants Raglin and Hill bring a wealth of experience and passion to their leadership roles at National PAL. Raglin, a former PAL kid from Philadelphia, and Hill, who supervised community service programs in Howell Township, New Jersey, discuss their vision for expanding PAL's reach and impact. They highlight the importance of enhancing infrastructure, developing strategic plans and creating comprehensive nationwide curriculums to address issues such as substance abuse.

The conversation underscores how PAL not only benefits the youth but also rejuvenates the spirits of participating officers, creating a cycle of positive influence and community engagement.

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.

The evolution of SWAT: Navigating new threats and training paradigms Jun 18, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley welcomes Thor Eells, Executive Director of the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA).

With over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, Eells shares his expertise on current NTOA activities and trends in SWAT training and deployment. He discusses challenges facing tactical teams today, including civil unrest, evolving standards for SWAT teams and the importance of regional cooperation among agencies.

The conversation also explores the implications of recent legislation on law enforcement practices and the role of advanced technology in enhancing tactical training and operations.

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Combating fentanyl trafficking: Inside the battle with retired DEA Agent Michael Brown Jun 13, 2024

Show notes

Drug addiction is often described as a public health crisis, with the United States seeing a significant rise in overdose deaths over the past two decades. Despite various approaches ranging from harm reduction to using alternative drugs for rehabilitation, the effectiveness of these strategies remains questionable. With overdose deaths soaring from 10,000 to over 100,000 annually, it raises the question: is it time to reconsider our approach and perhaps start a new War on Drugs?

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with retired DEA agent Mike Brown, who has dedicated over 32 years to fighting drug trafficking. The discussion centers around the escalating crisis of fentanyl addiction and overdose deaths in the United States, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement and the need for improved bilateral cooperation and innovative strategies to combat the issue.

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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