Policing Matters

AI in policing: A game-changer or a challenge?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various industries and policing is no exception. AI offers tools that can enhance efficiency, accuracy and overall effectiveness in law enforcement. However, the adoption of these technologies also raises critical questions about privacy, bias and the ethical use of AI in public safety.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Chief Philip Lukens on how AI is being used in policing.

With a career spanning nearly three decades, Chief Lukens has been at the forefront of integrating innovative technologies in policing. As a leading expert in AI, he has been instrumental in pioneering the use of artificial intelligence in tandem with community policing, significantly enhancing police operations and optimizing patrol methods. Learn more about Chief Lukens’ policing initiatives here.

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.

 

Is it real or not? Navigating new AI threats and safeguarding digital identities

Recently, we saw a first-of-its-kind arrest of two middle school students who created deepfake nude images of their classmates. This arrest marks a new milestone for law enforcement as they consider how to address the use of generative AI relative to child sexual abuse material and nonconsensual deepfakes — by even juvenile offenders.

The rapid advancement of AI technology has brought significant benefits, but it also poses new challenges, especially for law enforcement agencies. AI-generated images and voices can be incredibly realistic, making it difficult to discern authentic evidence from fabricated content. This new landscape requires investigators to develop sophisticated techniques and legal frameworks to keep pace with these technological innovations.

In this episode, Policing Matters podcast host Jim Dudley speaks with Heather Mahalik Barnhart, Senior Director of Community Engagement at Cellebrite, about the complexities law enforcement faces due to AI advancements. Heather highlights the difficulty in distinguishing real from AI-generated images, the legal ambiguities surrounding AI evidence and the mental toll on investigators. She also shares practical advice on securing personal and family digital presence, emphasizing the importance of updated security settings and awareness.

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.

Former NYPD Deputy Inspector Alison Esposito talks law enforcement challenges and political candidacy

In the latest episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Alison Esposito, a former NYPD Deputy Inspector who is now making a bid for Congress. The episode dives into the pressing issues facing law enforcement today, including the movement to defund the police, the repercussions of policy changes following the 2020 protests, and the challenges of law enforcement recruitment and public perception.

Alison Esposito brings nearly 25 years of experience with the NYPD to the table, where she rose to the rank of Deputy Inspector and commanded the 70th Police District. Following in the footsteps of her father, NYPD Chief Michael Esposito, Alison joined the force because she believes that those who are in danger, and cannot defend themselves, have the right to be safe, free and protected.

Her career, marked by a commitment to public safety and community service, now extends into the political arena where she aims to influence law enforcement policy on a national level. As a candidate for Congress, Esposito focuses on strengthening public safety, supporting law enforcement officers, and addressing the consequences of recent criminal justice reforms. For more information, click here.

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.

Addressing the emotional toll of policing

In this week’s episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley welcomes Sheriff Scott Rose, host and producer of the "Officer Down Memorial Podcast," to discuss the genesis of his podcast and the importance of advocating for the families of fallen LEOs and mental wellness resources for law enforcement.

Elected as the 26th Sheriff of Dodge County, Minnesota in 2014, Rose brings a personal and generational commitment to the profession, with a family history deeply rooted in law enforcement. During the episode, Rose discusses the impact of cumulative stress, PTSD among officers, and the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifices of fallen officers.

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 Policing Leadership Academy with retired NYPD Chief Kenneth Corey

Effective police leadership transcends the mere management of law enforcement personnel; it involves inspiring change, fostering community trust and navigating complex socio-political landscapes. Leaders in law enforcement face unique challenges that require not only a deep understanding of law and policy but also strong interpersonal skills and strategic vision. This calls for specialized training programs that address the specific needs of police leadership at various levels.

In a recent episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley engages with retired NYPD Chief Kenneth Corey, who now plays a pivotal role at the Policing Leadership Academy in Chicago. Chief Corey discusses the nuances of leading a large police force, the transformative power of mentorship and the Academy's innovative approach to training police commanders. This episode provides valuable insights into the complexities of police leadership and the critical role of continuous education in enhancing the efficacy and ethical standards of law enforcement officers.

Learn more about the Policing Leadership Academy.

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.

Transforming corrections: The role of data-driven strategies and the human element in rehabilitation

The U.S. corrections system is at a crossroads, grappling with high recidivism rates and the growing need for a shift from punitive approaches to more rehabilitative and supportive measures. By integrating data-driven applications and fostering relationships between inmates and corrections staff, there’s potential to reform how jails and prisons operate. This not only aims to better assess risks but also to ensure the safety of both correctional officers and incarcerated individuals, preparing them for a successful reintegration into society.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley welcomes Dr. Brian Lovins, a criminology expert and principal at Justice System Partners, and past president of the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA). Dr. Lovins discusses the application of data-driven technologies in corrections and emphasizes the importance of relationship-building in rehabilitation. The conversation delves into how corrections agencies can use these tools to ensure safety, facilitate rehabilitation and prepare inmates for life after release.

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.

Challenges and triumphs: A law enforcement family's journey through trauma and healing

Every day, law enforcement officers put themselves in harm's way to ensure public safety and are often severely injured in that process. The repercussions of on-duty injuries can extend far beyond the physical. The aftermath often brings a cascade of challenges that affect not only the injured officers but also their families and colleagues.

In this episode of the "Policing Matters" podcast host Jim Dudley speaks with Dr. Patricia Kay Reyna about her family's ordeal following a devastating on-duty accident that left her husband, Humberto Reyna, a North Carolina State Highway Patrol Master Trooper, with a traumatic brain injury.

Currently working with the Center on Brain Injury Research and Training at the University of Oregon, Dr. Reyna discusses her transformative journey from a finance professional to a traumatic brain injury expert and advocate. Her story sheds light on the physical, emotional and bureaucratic struggles that ensue following such injuries in the line of duty.

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.

Unveiling the impacts of de-policing: A comprehensive study unveils new insights

In recent years, law enforcement agencies across the United States have navigated through tumultuous waters, marked by heightened scrutiny and significant shifts in operational norms. This complex landscape has given rise to a phenomenon known as de-policing, where officers may exhibit reluctance to engage proactively due to various external and internal pressures.

Doctoral candidate Jacob Foster from Arizona State University, alongside Dr. Michael Rossler at Illinois State University and Dr. Charles Scheer at the University of Southern Mississippi, embarked on a rigorous investigation into the nuances of de-policing. Their research, born out of the desire to empirically examine the anecdotal experiences surrounding modern law enforcement challenges, provides an empirical foundation to understand how external events like the Ferguson effect and the George Floyd incident, coupled with internal departmental dynamics, influence police behavior.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Foster, Rossler and Scheer about their findings, which were recently published in Police Practice and Research, and how they illuminate the complexities of policing in an era of unprecedented scrutiny.

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.

A blueprint for building tomorrow's police leaders

In the history of American policing, the need for strong, effective leadership has never been more apparent. As law enforcement agencies across the nation grapple with evolving challenges, the role of leadership in navigating these complexities comes into sharp focus. Leadership is not just about guiding an organization through its daily operations; it's about setting a vision, inspiring trust, and fostering a culture of integrity and accountability.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with recently retired Captain William Fraass, who took his 27 years of law enforcement experience and wrote a book on leadership titled: “Leadership in Law Enforcement: 10 Key Traits and What Law Enforcement Agencies Can Do To Develop These in Future Leaders.” His book is not just an accumulation of personal experiences but a comprehensive study that includes interviews with law enforcement professionals, historical analysis and a deep dive into what makes a leader effective in the high-stakes realm of policing.

How peer support and police chaplains build wellness in law enforcement

In a profession as demanding as law enforcement, mental wellness and health are paramount, yet often sidelined. Addressing this critical aspect, the latest episode of the Policing Matters podcast delves into the innovative approaches and best practices for fostering mental health and wellness among officers.

Chief Dave Norris of the Menlo Park (Calif.) Police Department and Chaplain Jared Altic from the Kansas City (Kan.) Police Department join host Jim Dudley to shed light on the proactive measures and support systems necessary to ensure the well-being of those who protect and serve.

Chief Norris and Chaplain Altic share their extensive experiences in handling critical incident aftermaths and emphasize the importance of preemptive strategies for mental wellness. From establishing peer support programs and chaplaincy initiatives to leveraging technology and community resources, our guests offer a comprehensive overview of how agencies can build a supportive environment for their officers.

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.