Policing Matters

Debunking the myth that cops aren‘t taught de-escalation

Following the PERF report “30 Guiding Principles,” many people outside of law enforcement were left to believe that de-escalation tactics and techniques are only now being introduced to police, when in fact, de-escalation has been taught and used by police officers for many years. Doug and Jim discuss how cops have used “Verbal Judo” and address when de-escalation tactics can (and cannot) be successful.

Leave the job at the job

The stress of police work can take an emotional toll on officers, and sadly, sometimes that can adversely impact the relationships they have with their spouses, partners, and friends outside of law enforcement. Jim and Doug discuss what cops can do to try to minimize the negativity they might accidentally be bringing home.

Cops weigh in: Carrying Narcan on patrol

Our podcast discussing the fact that cops are increasingly being asked to carry and administer Narcan — the drug that saves the lives of individuals overdosing on opioids — promoted an enthusiastic discussion in the comments section below that segment. Jim and Doug read some of the comments and speak to what those individuals were saying.

Be proactive: Cops‘ role in ID‘ing child abuse and mandatory reporting

Jim and Doug discuss how police officers need to be extra vigilant toward signs that a kid is being abused (behaviors, appearance, etc.) and how police should take time whenever they can to reinforce to mandatory reporters that it is not only their duty to report abuse, but in many cases it is a misdemeanor to fail to report.

Should cops be allowed to have tattoos?

Increasingly it would seem that the general public has a higher level of tolerance of visible tattoos on officers than many police leaders do. When in uniform, cops are (according to most policies) supposed to all have a “uniform” appearance — no additional or special adornments. Jim and Doug discuss no-tattoo policies, as well as the rare cases when police officers get tattoos indicating participation in things like a fatal OIS or other sensitive incidents.

Successful police contacts with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) subjects

People with autism — children and adults alike — as well as people with other cognitive or developmental disabilities are less likely to commit a crime than others, but they are likely to come into contact with police due to a variety of reasons. For example, ASD individuals may be bullied or victimized, they may go missing (especially ASD children), and might be prone to have emotional outbreaks. With April being Autism Awareness Month, Jim and Doug discuss some of the issues related to officer contact with ASD subjects.

Episode 10: No-pursuit policies, pursuit tactics, ASD subjects

Jim and Doug discuss the hot-button issue of no-pursuit policies, highlight some of the ways in which LEOs can bring a pursuit to a safe and successful conclusion, and explore some of the issues related to officer contact with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) subjects.

How cops use social media to solve crimes

Increasingly, law enforcement agencies are utilizing social media to solve (and in some cases, prevent) crime. Whether via automated software tools or individual investigators and detectives digging into the internet manually, social media has become an invaluable investigative resource.

How cops can make themselves more promotable

Jim and Doug offer key tips for making the jump up to the next level in the chain of command.

Episode 9: Treating heroin ODs, career tips, solving crimes via social media

Doug and Jim discuss the impact officers can have in saving lives as the country faces a growing heroin epidemic, keys that allow cops to make the jump up to the next level in the chain of command, and how police use social media to solve crimes.