Policing Matters – Details, episodes & analysis

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 experience in leadership development and community engagement, contributing to his role in shaping forward-thinking law enforcement practices.

Both leaders are also integral members of The Curve, a nonprofit organization dedicated to revolutionizing police leadership. Founded by Simon Sinek and a collective of police chiefs and sheriffs, The Curve provides cutting-edge leadership development and resources to forward-thinking law enforcement leaders. Through their involvement with The Curve, Chief Cauley and Under Sheriff Hsiung are actively working to modernize police culture from the inside out, fostering environments where both officers and communities can thrive.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

During a career in law enforcement, officers are involved in many traumatic incidents. What can police agencies do to help their personnel mentally prepare for those incidents? Building resilience within employees is essential and that responsibility falls to law enforcement leadership.

In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley reports from the California Peace Officers Association (CPOA) Conference where he spoke to Sergeant Eric Thorton and Sergeant Steve Breakall from the El Cajon (California) Police Department about their presentation titled "Leading for Resilience." They discuss how first-line supervisors can build resilience among their officers to help them navigate through modern mental wellness by recognizing PTSD, normalizing self-care and reducing stigmas surrounding officer mental health.

If there is a report-writing issue, the supervisor helps take care of it. If there is a building search issue, the supervisor helps take care of it. If there is an emotional trauma issue, then the supervisor should help take care of it and help the officer navigate through it." 

This episode of Policing Matters is sponsored by Utility. Utility provides a universe of intuitive solutions for effectively capturing, analyzing, managing, and sharing video evidence. Technologies include a variety of cameras, sensors, and devices, as well as situational awareness software solutions for law enforcement, first responders, transportation agencies, and utility providers. To learn more about Utility and its technology solutions, visit utility.com. 

Is your agency at risk of becoming a victim of ransomware? What are departments doing to protect themselves? And what can we do as individuals to protect our phones, tablets and computers from being hacked?

In this episode, Policing Matters host Jim Dudley speaks with Eric Escobar, principal security consultant for Secureworks, about malicious activity online and how law enforcement agencies and officers can protect themselves from attack.  

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.

Have you ever been investigated by your department’s Internal Affairs office? Was it a pleasant experience?

In this episode, Policing Matters host Jim Dudley speaks with veteran LAPD Internal Affairs investigator Marlon Marrache about the inner workings of an internal affairs unit, or what many agencies have deemed the Professional Standards Unit. Marlon, a retired 24-year LAPD sergeant, spent 15 years working in Internal Affairs. 

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.

NEXT: Chief Robert McNeilly on how early intervention can identify issues before they become problems

Policing is a tough job. There can be experiences and incidents that can drive anyone to the edge. The profession gets better and better with training and education to help us respond appropriately and handle most any situation, but do we do a good job at addressing an officer’s mental health wellness? 

Today’s show deals with the mental health and well-being of law enforcement officers and their families. Policing Matters host Jim Dudley speaks with master's level therapist Marie Ridgeway about the role therapy can play in improving officer mental wellness.

Marie's private practice in the Minneapolis/St Paul metro area of Minnesota has a team of five therapists who work with over 50 public safety agencies and have served thousands of law enforcement officers since 2017.

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.

In this special crossover episode, public safety leaders come together to reflect on the 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and the legacy of 9/11 in the emergency services.

Policing Matters host Jim Dudley is joined by Inside EMS host Chris Cebollero and Gary Ludwig, of the Champaign (Illinois) Fire Department, the 2022 IAFC Career Fire Chief of the Year.

Together, they discuss how first responders have continued to move forward for over 20 years now and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11 as recruits enter public safety who were not even born yet at the time.

The focus is on honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice and lived up to their oath to help others in their time of need, the legacy of lessons learned about responding in a hazardous situation, ongoing vigilance against threats and why “never forget” should not be a cavalier statement, but one made with meaning, purpose and with emphasis.

Read more recollections, as well as how lessons learned are impacting the way first responders of today train and respond to incidents in Police1's 9/11 coverage, sponsored by Verizon.

Law enforcement officers are tasked with a difficult mission that, different from so many other professions, causes them to be exposed to the risk of trauma, injury, or even death. Often, the public is unaware of acts of selflessness, courage, resilience and heroism by those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving their communities. 

In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with Donna Brown, a 26-year veteran of the Tallahassee Police Department in Florida who since her retirement, has dedicated herself to chronicling acts of officer heroism. Donna is the author of the Behind and Beyond the Badge series, which helps drive negative conversations around policing toward a positive outlook on law enforcement. Volume I was published in 2017 and won two gold medals in the Florida Authors and Publishers (FAPA) International book awards contest.

Donna Brown graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor of science in criminology in 1979. A few months later, she was hired by the Tallahassee Police Department, one of only five women on the force at the time. Her assignments were patrol officer, field training officer, training unit, patrol sergeant, FTO sergeant, detective bureau where she supervised the burglary/financial crimes unit, sex crimes unit, victim advocate unit and 10 years supervising the homicide unit. Sgt. Donna Brown retired after 26 years of service.

This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is sponsored by Polco. Polco’s National Law Enforcement Survey provides a comprehensive, accurate and representative picture of resident opinions related to police services. Compare your results with other agencies around the nation. Align your priorities with community sentiment, build trust, and improve safety services. Visit info.polco.us to learn more. 

Download this week's episode on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Spotify or via RSS feed.

Policing is stressful business. It’s been described as hours of sheer boredom interrupted by minutes of sheer terror. Unfortunately, the moments of terror where officers see horrific trauma and witness death carry a heavy toll.

Over the past few years, we have seen some relief in the forms of behavioral science, peer support groups and even officer wellness apps like Cordico. Experiencing relief in a tangible way is also important and that may be achieved through comfort animals. In public safety, there is a great organization called “Crisis Response Canines” whose mission is to provide emotional support to individuals, families, communities and first responders in the aftermath of critical incidents using therapy dogs.

In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with John Hunt, co-founder and COO of Crisis Response Canines. John is a 27-year veteran of the New Jersey State Police where he achieved the rank of major. John was the Homeland Security – Special Operations Section Commanding Officer. He also served as the Deputy Director of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management.

This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is sponsored by Polco. Polco’s National Law Enforcement Survey provides a comprehensive, accurate and representative picture of resident opinions related to police services. Compare your results with other agencies around the nation. Align your priorities with community sentiment, build trust, and improve safety services. Visit info.polco.us to learn more.