Policing Matters

2024's hard truths: What every cop needs to know about the road ahead

This year has been a transformative year for law enforcement, marked by unprecedented challenges and critical turning points. From navigating thinning ranks to addressing societal and institutional pressures, officers have faced extraordinary demands. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley welcomes Tom Gandy, host of the War Stories podcast, to reflect on the defining moments of the year. Together, they explore evolving public perceptions of policing, the morale crisis among officers, and the pressing need to strengthen support for those on the front lines.

Tom Gandy brings a wealth of frontline experience to the conversation. As a former patrol officer, field training officer, narcotics detective, and use-of-force expert, Gandy has firsthand insights into the realities of law enforcement. Through his War Stories podcast, he has created a platform for officers, veterans and first responders to share their untold experiences. In this episode, Gandy candidly discusses the morale challenges plaguing officers, the impact of poor leadership, and how technology both aids and complicates modern policing. His observations highlight the resilience of law enforcement professionals and their commitment to serving their communities despite the obstacles.

About our sponsor

eSOPH is a secure, cloud-based, pre-employment background investigation software system designed specifically for public safety agencies. Used by hundreds of agencies nationwide, eSOPH has been credited with cutting the time it takes to process a pre-employment background investigation by up to 50%, saving agencies significant time, money, and resources without sacrificing investigation quality. For more information, go to eSOPH.com.

Inside Rochester PD's game-changing workforce development recruitment program

At a time when law enforcement faces unprecedented recruitment challenges, agencies often struggle to attract and retain candidates who embody the right mix of skills, values and emotional intelligence. While some departments rely on traditional methods, the Rochester Police Department (RPD) in New York has taken a bold and innovative approach.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Sergeant Justin Collins, a veteran officer and director of RPD's Police Recruitment and Workforce Development, about the dynamic program he has created that not only recruits candidates but prepares them to succeed while fostering community connections. This program allows potential police officer candidates to participate in training and community engagement opportunities in preparation for the police exam. Initially designed to keep candidates engaged and create realistic expectations of the duties of a police officer, the program has evolved to include strategies designed to increase representation of women and racial and ethnic minorities from Rochester on the force.

About our sponsor

eSOPH is a secure, cloud-based, pre-employment background investigation software system designed specifically for public safety agencies. Used by hundreds of agencies nationwide, eSOPH has been credited with cutting the time it takes to process a pre-employment background investigation by up to 50%, saving agencies significant time, money, and resources without sacrificing investigation quality. For more information, go to eSOPH.com.

Gen Z communication hacks: What police recruiters need to know

As law enforcement faces significant challenges in recruitment and retention, understanding generational shifts has never been more critical. With Gen Z officers entering the workforce, police leaders are navigating the unique traits and expectations of this new cohort. This generation, shaped by technology, a need for meaningful work, and a different approach to risk and resilience, requires fresh perspectives on training and leadership.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Dr. Janay Gasparini about how agencies can evolve to meet these demands. Gasparini, a police officer, former field training officer (FTO) and police training expert, is at the forefront of these conversations. She co-authored with Jim Dudley, “Recruitment and Retention of Gen-Z Law Enforcement Officers,” which tackles pressing topics such as the importance of adaptive recruitment methods, the impact of generational traits on training and strategies for fostering resilience among new officers.

About our sponsor

eSOPH is a secure, cloud-based, pre-employment background investigation software system designed specifically for public safety agencies. Used by hundreds of agencies nationwide, eSOPH has been credited with cutting the time it takes to process a pre-employment background investigation by up to 50%, saving agencies significant time, money, and resources without sacrificing investigation quality. For more information, go to eSOPH.com.

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.