Policing Matters

Crashes, not accidents: Fixing our broken approach to roadside officer safety

When we talk about officer safety, our minds often go straight to firearms and physical confrontations — but one of the deadliest threats doesn’t come from an armed suspect. It comes from traffic. Every year, roadway incidents rank among the top causes of line-of-duty deaths for law enforcement. And while the risk is constant, many agencies still approach this hazard with outdated training, inconsistent protocols and little coordination across departments.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Jack Sullivan, Director of Training for the Emergency Responder Safety Institute, to discuss the state of roadside safety for law enforcement officers. Sullivan, a veteran in the field of traffic incident management, shares alarming statistics, real-world stories and actionable strategies to reduce risks — from engineering fixes and digital alerting systems to cross-agency coordination.

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 one detective's instincts exposed the truth behind a dismissed kidnapping

When a man called 911 in 2015 to report his girlfriend had been kidnapped and he’d been drugged and tied up, police didn’t believe him. The story was too strange, too cinematic — bearing uncanny resemblance to the plot of the movie “Gone Girl.” But the real twist was how wrong law enforcement got it. This episode of the Policing Matters podcast revisits the harrowing true story of Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn, and how Lieutenant Misty Carausu of the Alameda County (California) Sheriff’s Office helped expose the truth buried beneath doubt, missteps and missed connections.

Lieutenant Carausu recounts how a routine assignment to assist with a home invasion investigation in Dublin, California, led her to a suspect whose belongings – from ski masks to zip ties – raised red flags. But it was a strand of blonde hair tucked inside a pair of blacked-out goggles that shifted the course of the case. That single piece of evidence, paired with Carausu’s determination, ultimately linked the suspect, Matthew Muller, to the high-profile kidnapping of Denise Huskins. PLUS, Seaside Police Chief Nick Borges joins the conversation to share how his outreach to the victims and renewed investigation helped uncover new crimes linked to the suspect.

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.

From crisis to cutting-edge: How San Pablo PD used technology to transform community safety

Communities across America strive for safer streets and stronger connections between police and residents, but few achieve transformative success. Once labeled the nation's most violent city per capita, San Pablo, California, dramatically reversed its trajectory by combining targeted technology investments with proactive community engagement. Through strategic use of automated license plate readers, video cameras and innovative AI tools, San Pablo PD has become a leader in public safety technology integration, seeing a remarkable 80% reduction in crime over a decade.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley welcomes Chief Brian Bubar of the San Pablo Police Department, who shares insights from his rise through the ranks, the evolution of his agency, and the powerful impact technology has had on crime reduction and community trust. Chief Bubar details how strategic communication, thoughtful policy-making and embracing technological advances positioned San Pablo as an exemplar for agencies nationwide seeking similar outcomes.

About our sponsor

Peregrine’s real-time decision and operations management platform empowers law enforcement agencies with the data they need to solve their hardest problems and do their best work. Through advanced data integration technology, Peregrine maximizes the impact of your real-time crime center by centralizing and organizing historical and real-time data, making it readily accessible and actionable in the moments that matter most. Visit peregrine.io to learn how your organization can get started.

How a forensic specialist finds truth in the chaos of crime scenes

Crime scene investigation isn’t just the stuff of primetime TV — it’s grueling, unpredictable work that demands a tough stomach, a sharp eye and a commitment to truth. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Gabrielle Wimer, a forensic specialist for the City of Ventura, California, and host of the podcast, The Walls Do Talk. With over 13 years of crime scene experience, Gabrielle offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to walk into the aftermath of violence and begin piecing together what happened — and who’s responsible.

In their conversation, Jim and Gabrielle dive into everything from her early fascination with dead bodies (spoiler: she fainted the first time she saw one) to the cutting-edge tech that helps her recreate crime scenes with stunning accuracy. They explore one particularly brutal case that hinged on a tiny speck of blood she spotted — evidence no one else saw. Gabrielle also opens up about what inspired her to launch her podcast, the surprising support she’s received from her department, and why she believes more young investigators need to hear the truth behind the glamorized CSI image.

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.

Promotions, parenthood and policing: How women can rise (and thrive) in law enforcement

Women remain significantly underrepresented in law enforcement, especially in leadership roles. But proactive mentorship, targeted training, and authentic conversations about career and family balance can change that dynamic. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with LAPD Captain Julie Rodriguez about her journey from frontline officer to influential leader, highlighting the critical role mentorship and advocacy play in supporting women through their police careers.

With nearly three decades in law enforcement, Rodriguez is a passionate advocate for women in policing, mentorship and career development. She has served on the board of the Los Angeles Women Police Officers and Associates organization (LAWPOA) and is the incoming president of the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE). Rodriguez has leveraged her personal experiences — overcoming promotional challenges, balancing motherhood and career advancement, and thriving in operational leadership roles — to mentor and inspire women nationwide.

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.

Critical connections: The challenges and solutions in public safety communication

Whether responding to a medical emergency, coordinating disaster relief or ensuring officer safety in high-risk situations, public safety radio systems provide mission-critical communications that enable first responders to fulfill their missions.

What does it take to ensure these systems remain functional, interoperable and adequately funded?

This special episode of the Policing Matters podcast, sponsored by Kenwood, features a panel discussion on public safety radio systems. Guest host Police1 Editorial Director Greg Friese speaks with three emergency management and communications experts about the vital role of radio communications in emergency response, the obstacles agencies face in maintaining and upgrading these systems, and best practices for building a reliable network that meets the demands of modern public safety.

About our sponsor

This episode is sponsored by KENWOOD, a trusted leader in public safety communications. KENWOOD ATLAS P25 Systems provide reliable, secure, and flexible solutions for mission-critical operations, ensuring seamless interoperability across agencies. Combined with KENWOOD Viking P25 radios, first responders get the clarity, durability and advanced features they need to stay connected and operational in any situation.

Stronger, leaner, built for the job: A first responder’s guide to real-world fitness

Police officers face immense physical and mental demands on the job. Strength, endurance and overall fitness aren’t just optional — they’re essential for peak performance and long-term health.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks physical fitness with Dru Mejico, a 13-year law enforcement veteran with the Orange County (California) Sheriff’s Department and the founder of 911 Strong and the Fit for Duty Academy.

With a background in strength and conditioning coaching, Dru has helped more than 1,000 first responders improve their fitness, lose fat and build muscle — ensuring they are ready for anything. Dru’s insights offer a roadmap for police officers looking to stay fit and perform at their best on and off duty. Connect with Dru on Instagram.

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.

From the beat to the bookshelf: How a veteran cop turned real-life policing into gripping crime fiction

Police work is more than just a job — it’s a reality that shapes those who serve. And when crime fiction is penned by someone who’s lived the job, walked the beat and investigated cases, it carries a different weight.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Dave Case, a retired Chicago Police Department lieutenant who now serves as a police commander in Bridgeview, Illinois. Dave has taken his decades of real-world experience and turned it into compelling crime fiction, with his novel “Out of Cabrini” earning critical acclaim. From his time working in some of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods to his transition into writing, Dave shares an inside look at the realities of policing and how storytelling can capture the complexities of the job. Dave’s journey from the frontlines of law enforcement to the pages of crime novels offers a unique and insightful perspective into both the realities of policing and the power of storytelling.

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.

Inside 'On Patrol Live': The TV show bringing real police work to the small screen

From police pursuits to community interactions, "On Patrol Live" on REELZ offers an unprecedented, real-time look at law enforcement in action. Unlike scripted crime dramas, this docuseries captures the unpredictable nature of policing, offering transparency and education for the public while fostering appreciation for officers’ split-second decision-making.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley is joined by Captain Tom Rizzo, an analyst on the show and a seasoned law enforcement leader. He shares what goes into filming “On Patrol Live,” the challenges of maintaining transparency while respecting legal and ethical boundaries, and the overwhelming public response that has reaffirmed the importance of connecting officers with their communities.

"On Patrol Live" airs every Friday and Saturday night on REELZ.

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.

No recruitment crisis: How Sheriff Leon Lott built a department deputies won't leave

Leading a law enforcement agency is no easy task — especially in today’s challenging climate. But Sheriff Leon Lott of Richland County, South Carolina, has cracked the code. Now in his eighth term, Lott oversees nearly 900 personnel with an annual budget of $48 million. His leadership has earned him national recognition — and built a department where officers stay, without the recruitment struggles plaguing other agencies.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Sheriff Lott to discuss the leadership strategies that keep his agency thriving, the key to officer retention, and why he believes the term “peace officer” better reflects modern policing. Sheriff Lott also shares insights from his international work, including training security forces in Iraq and his role in global crime prevention efforts through Crime Stoppers.

Richland County is also one of the agencies featured on “On Patrol: Live,” a reality show that gives viewers a firsthand look at law enforcement in action. Sheriff Lott discusses how the show has impacted recruitment and community relations.

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.