Policing Matters

Commander Sid Heal on why the concepts of less lethal force are more important than the tools

Recent high-profile events have led to legislative changes that are limiting police use of force options and the deployment of less lethal tools. Some cities, for example, have banned the use of pepper spray and tear gas at demonstrations and riots. Now, more than ever, it is critical for law enforcement professionals to understand and deploy force options wisely and appropriately, and help educate the legislators, the media and the public about the impact of restrictions on the tools available to officers. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with a combat veteran and veteran police commander with extensive knowledge and expertise in force options. Commander Sid Heal, who retired from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department after 33 years, shares his expertise in his latest book titled “Concepts of Non-lethal Force: Understanding Force from Shouting to Shooting,” in which he explores the ever-growing array of nonlethal options and implements that promise to restore order to out-of-control situations.

How the Denver Sheriff Department is improving in-custody mental health services

Law enforcement officers are often placed in situations where they encounter individuals with mental illness. There are varying degrees of response to a law officers’ presence, from compliant and docile, to combative or assaultive. Training that equips officers with the skill set required to deal with these individuals appropriately is important. Once an individual has been controlled or transported, they may be taken to a professional psychiatric detention and treatment facility, or to a locked detention facility for processing. What happens next varies from agency to agency. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Dr. Nikki Johnson, the first chief of mental health services for the Denver Sheriff Department in Colorado. Dr. Johnson was hired in January 2021 to drive the strategy and performance of the mental health services provided within the Denver Sheriff Department, which is the largest provider of psychiatric services in Denver.

How to write a better police report

There is a popular perception that police officers and investigators have exciting lives, getting into vehicle and foot pursuits, tackling suspects, and solving complicated crimes by examining evidence or through interviews and interrogation. In truth, most crime is solved by the effectiveness in documenting the crime from its first report to law enforcement. While some may not view police report writing as exciting, it is a keystone to any investigation and prosecution of offenders. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Janay Gasparini, Ph.D., former police officer and current assistant professor of criminal justice at Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, West Virginia, about how to write an effective police report.

A proud police wife helps connect, support LEO spouses

No one understands a police officer like their significant other and no one understands what it takes to be the significant other of a cop more than other police officer spouses. Connecting spouses is the goal of Rebecca, the creator behind the Proud Police Wife website and virtual conference. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Rebecca, who is married to her childhood sweetheart and LEO officer of 14 years, about why she started her blog and website and how she helps connect police spouses to support each other and their police partners.

Polygraph myth-busting: Separating truth from fiction

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Guillermo “Gil” Witte, a published polygraph examiner and an instructor for the world-renowned PEAK Credibility Assessment Training Center, about some of the misunderstandings, myths and urban legends surrounding polygraphs. Gil Witte is a member of the American Polygraph Association, American Association of Police Polygraphists and the current president of the California Association of Polygraph Examiners. Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Policing Matters team at policingmatters@policeone.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

Evolving police response to domestic violence calls

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Nicole Florisi, a law enforcement professional and domestic violence survivors advocate in northern Arizona, about how police can improve response to domestic violence calls. From beginning the assessment of a domestic violence call from the point it comes into dispatch to working with victim advocates, Nicole shares best practices for handling these challenging calls.

A police officer’s journey to health after a ‘mini-stroke‘

As an active and healthy police and tactical flight officer, Marc Geiger experienced symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AFib) and a transient ischemic attack (TIA) while on duty, resulting in hospital visits, medical tests and numerous doctor appointments. According to research, having a stressful job such as a police officer is associated with a higher risk of developing AFib. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Marc, who works for the Henderson Police Department in Nevada, about his journey navigating his heart condition, plus heart health and tips for other officers.

Adam Kinakin on the narrowing of police use of force options

With police use of force under the spotlight, many agencies are updating their policies involving the carotid hold and some state legislatures are looking to redefine what is considered “objectively reasonable” use of force. On this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley chats with Adam Kinakin, founder of the International Law Enforcement Training (ILET) Network and host of the Tactical Breakdown podcast, about whether criticisms of police use of force are warranted, UOF terminology officers should be using, the effectiveness of DT training for cops and the adequacy of less-lethal options available to officers.

Don Redmond on Chula Vista PD‘s groundbreaking drone program

With 4,300 missions under its duty belt, the Chula Vista Police Department's drone program isn’t just breaking deployment records, it is also reinventing how law enforcement agencies use UAS and drone technology. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with retired Chula Vista PD Captain Don Redmond about how the agency is using drones as first responders.

Why mindset matters most when it comes to your health

With the right mindset and tactics, it is possible to get into incredible shape, own your police career in a sustainable way and connect better with your family, says Marc Hildebrand. A sergeant with the Los Angeles Police Department, Marc struggled through a 100-pound weight loss journey to get into the best shape of his life at age 43, and now shares what he learned on that journey with other officers through his company, First Responder Fitness. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Marc about the importance of setting goals and surrounding yourself with people who will hold you accountable for your actions.