Policing Matters

Police traffic stops and community trust: A path to safer interactions

Traffic stops are one of the most common points of interaction between police and community members, yet they can be fraught with misunderstanding, fear and tension. This disconnect has fueled mistrust and, in some cases, escalated into conflict. Recognizing the urgent need to address these challenges, Dwayne Bryant wrote “The Stop: Improving Police and Community Relations.”

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks to Bryant about the inspiration behind his book and strategies to build trust, and create safer, more constructive encounters during traffic stops.

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.

From the ivory tower to the patrol car: Applied Police Briefings translates research into policing power

In the constantly evolving world of law enforcement, connecting police officers with the latest research is crucial for effective, evidence-based decision-making. Yet, traditional academic publications are often inaccessible, both in cost and in technical language. Applied Police Briefings (APB) steps in to bridge this gap, providing law enforcement with free, practical and concise summaries of cutting-edge research. By transforming academic findings into easily digestible briefs, APB empowers officers and departments to stay informed and apply data-driven strategies in their everyday duties.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with APB founders Craig Bennell and Kirk Luther about their mission to make police-relevant research accessible and impactful. Both established academics and passionate advocates for evidence-based policing, Bennell and Luther saw firsthand how critical findings were failing to reach those in the field. Through APB, they’re addressing this need by curating essential studies, stripping away complex jargon, and presenting them in a format that is meaningful and useful for officers and police leaders alike.

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.

Inside the FBI Behavioral Science Unit: Jana Monroe on serial killer profiling and forensic science advances

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, we explore the groundbreaking work of the FBI Behavioral Science Unit. Host Jim Dudley interviews retired FBI agent Jana Monroe, who shares her expertise in serial killer profiling and her experience consulting on notorious cold cases in her book, “Heart of Darkness.”

Monroe, who is known as the real-life inspiration for Clarice Starling in “Silence of the Lambs,” discusses advancements in forensic science and the importance of ethics in true crime media. As one of the first female agents in the FBI Behavioral Science Unit – now known as the Behavioral Analysis Unit – Jana Monroe was involved in over 850 homicide investigations, helping shape FBI profiling techniques used today.

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.

Ghost guns, red flag laws, immigration and drug cartels: Key law enforcement issues in the upcoming election

As the 2024 election draws near, critical issues that directly affect law enforcement are taking center stage in national discussions. Crime reporting, immigration, drug cartels and public safety reforms are just some of the key topics that could see dramatic changes depending on the outcome.

In this special election episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley and retired New York State Police Investigator and Professor Terrence Dwyer delve into how the 2024 election might impact policing in America. The conversation covers a wide range of critical issues, including the handling of ghost guns and red flag laws, the consequences of a porous border and drug cartels, and the role of executive orders in shaping law enforcement policies. Dwyer shares his extensive experience as a former investigator and current professor to offer insights into how officers are coping with staffing shortages, crime trends and public safety reforms. The discussion highlights the pressing need for changes in crime reporting systems and the importance of protecting the mental and physical health of officers on the frontline.

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.

Cordico's Dr. David Black on officer wellbeing: Insights from Police1's 'What Cops Want in 2024' survey

Police1’s "What Cops Want in 2024" survey focused on officer wellness and behavioral health. This year’s findings reveal the profound impact of mental wellness struggles among law enforcement officers, with many reporting issues such as sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress. The survey brings attention to the widespread effects of work-related stress, including alarming rates of suicidal thoughts and burnout. The results emphasize the pressing need for comprehensive wellness initiatives within police departments to help officers manage the emotional and psychological toll of their demanding roles.

In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley sits down with Dr. David Black, founder of Cordico and Lexipol's president of Wellness Solutions and a leading expert in law enforcement wellness and mental health, to discuss the findings from the "What Cops Want" survey. With nearly 3,000 officers responding, the survey sheds light on the pressing wellness issues impacting law enforcement personnel across the country. Dr. Black breaks down the pervasive challenges — such as sleep disturbances, trauma and suicidal thoughts — and provides actionable strategies for officers, agencies and communities to better support police wellness.

About our sponsor

Utility, Inc. is a technology innovator, providing a range of digital solutions for law enforcement and public safety entities. From state-of-the-art body cameras and in-car video devices to robust ALPR systems and interview room setups, our solutions enhance operational accuracy and transparency. Our cloud-based platforms offer robust evidence management, district attorney case preparation, and unified video feed views for improved situational awareness. A fully customizable suite, backed by round-the-clock Atlanta-based tech support, ensures adherence to agency policies and global service reach. To learn more about Utility's technology solutions, please visit utility.com.

Skydio's game-changing drone technology: Behind the scenes with CEO Adam Bry

In today’s rapidly evolving public safety landscape, drones are emerging as indispensable tools for law enforcement and emergency response. From reducing response times during natural disasters to providing real-time aerial intelligence at crime scenes, drones are transforming the way agencies handle critical incidents.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Adam Bry, CEO and co-founder of Skydio, a leader in autonomous drone technology. Bry discusses the groundbreaking developments in Skydio’s X10 platform, the role of drones as first responders (DFR), and how agencies like the NYPD are leveraging beyond visual line-of-sight operations to enhance real-time crime response. From extreme weather capabilities to improving community transparency through aerial footage, Bry shares his vision for the future of drones in law enforcement and how Skydio is pioneering these advancements.

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.

Inside the mind of a killer: Anne E. Schwartz on covering the Jeffrey Dahmer case

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 dramatization.

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.

Data and support: Key strategies for tackling officer suicide

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 the devastating impact of suicide in the law enforcement community.

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.

Police1 reports from Axon Week: A preview of Axon Training Pods, developed to enhance VR training

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 traditional training methods often lack.

For a behind-the-scenes look, visit this Policing Matters podcast article on Police1.com/policing-matters to see Jim 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 security, visit Axon.com.

Emotional intelligence: The hidden skill every police officer needs

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 policing. Drawing from his extensive experience and research, Dr. Campbell shares insights on how emotional intelligence training is being implemented in police academies and departments across the country. He discusses real-world examples of how developing self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management skills have led to significant improvements in officer well-being, reduced misconduct, and better community relations. From yoga sessions replacing traditional physical training to mentorship programs that enhance emotional resilience, this episode reveals how emotional intelligence is changing the future of policing.

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.