Policing Matters

How AI analysis of police bodycam video can identify best policing practices

Polis Solutions recently announced the commercial release of TrustStat, a multi-modal AI system for the analysis of police body-worn camera (BWC) video. TrustStat integrates three kinds of advanced AI technology to enable police agencies and communities to examine key patterns in interactions between officers and the public. Identifying these patterns empowers agencies and communities with valuable, actionable data on police-community trust and other critical public safety issues.

In today’s episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Jonathan M. Wender, Ph.D., president and co-founder of Polis Solutions, about the benefits body-worn camera analysis can bring to police departments, officers and the communities they serve.

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.

Dr. Jon Shane on activity-based budgeting in law enforcement

In the realm of law enforcement, the start of a new year often brings about reflection and the pursuit of innovative approaches to age-old challenges. At the heart of this transformative period is a crucial, yet frequently overlooked aspect: budgeting and resource management within police departments.

Activity-based budgeting (ABB) is a pioneering approach that intricately links police workload with financial planning. This method presents a stark contrast to traditional budget models, offering a more nuanced understanding of how resources can be allocated effectively to meet operational needs. As this concept gains traction, it promises to reshape the landscape of policing, leading to a more efficient and responsive approach in law enforcement agencies.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with the creator of activity-based budgeting for law enforcement, Dr. John Shane, a former police captain and current professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Their discussion illuminates the intricacies of ABB and its implications for law enforcement agencies.

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.

Combatting the cyber threat: Strategies for public safety agencies

In the first eight months of 2023, cyberattacks against public safety agencies globally had already surpassed 2022 numbers by over 10%.

 

Police departments and municipalities can be an ideal target for cyber extortionists given the mission-critical nature of their work. The growing frequency and sophistication of attacks such as ransomware and hacktivism that are targeting public safety agencies highlights the need for agencies to come together on cyber threat intelligence sharing now more than ever.

 

In April 2022, Motorola Solutions established the Public Safety Threat Alliance (PSTA), the first Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency or CISA-recognized Information Sharing and Analysis Organization, that serves as a cyber threat intelligence hub for the global public safety community.

 

In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley delves into the rising threat of cyberattacks targeting public safety agencies. With insights from Motorola Solutions' experts Jay Kaine and Tony McIntosh, the discussion highlights the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, the establishment of the Public Safety Threat Alliance (PSTA) and practical strategies for agencies to safeguard their systems.

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.

Evolving law enforcement response to street takeovers

Since 2020, communities nationwide have seen an increase in large-scale sideshows that have endangered passers-by, the police and the participants, as well as plaguing neighborhoods with noise and associated criminal activities.

In this episode of the "Policing Matters" podcast, host Jim Dudley talks to Sergeant John Ampol of the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) about the policies and training SDPD has put in place to manage sideshows, emphasizing collaboration with allied and prosecution agencies, extensive training, and enforcement strategies focusing on impounding vehicles and addressing ancillary crimes like ghost guns, drug trade and fraud.

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.

Terrence Dwyer on SCOTUS actions impacting law enforcement in 2023

Every year, Police1 columnist Terry Dwyer breaks down United States Supreme Court rulings of significance to law enforcement. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, Terry joins host Jim Dudley to discuss this year's summary.

Terry retired from the New York State Police after a 22-year career as a Trooper and Investigator. He is now a tenured Professor in the Justice and Law Administration Department at Western Connecticut State University and an attorney in private practice representing law enforcement officers in disciplinary cases, critical incidents, and employment matters. He is the author of the forthcoming "Legal Issues in Homeland Security" from Looseleaf Law Publications.

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.

Counting down the biggest issues facing law enforcement in 2023

In this special year-end episode, Policing Matters podcast host Jim Dudley is joined by fellow State Your Case columnist Chief Joel Shults to take a deep dive into the critical issues impacting law enforcement in 2023.

Jim and Joel discuss many issues including the current political climate, NIBRS collection, use of force technology, pursuit response, officer safety and much more!

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.

How to set police supervisors up for success

Regardless of the topic or issue in law enforcement, whether it is about operations, hiring, retention, or safety, everything comes down to leadership. We're not just talking about leadership by rank, but individual leadership as well. Today’s guest on the Policing Matters podcast, sponsored by Lexipol, has written about leadership and he certainly lives it.

Andrew A. DeMuth Jr. is the lead presenter for LeadingBlue.com, a company that provides leadership training nationwide to law enforcement and private sector audiences alike.

Andrew currently serves with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office managing CODIS, the statewide DNA collection program with more than 500 participating law enforcement agencies. Before that, he was with a municipal police department for 25 years. Seventeen of those years were in leadership roles managing patrol squads and later the investigations division.

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.

Dr. Jack Rozel on navigating the terrain of behavioral threat assessment management

Behavioral Threat Assessment Management (BTAM) stands as a crucial first line of defense in preempting and mitigating acts of mass violence, offering a systematic approach to identifying individuals who exhibit threatening or concerning behaviors. By analyzing these behavioral cues and assessing the potential risks they pose, law enforcement and threat assessment professionals can proactively intervene, providing support or taking action to prevent tragic incidents before they unfold.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, sponsored by OfficerStore.com, host Jim Dudley speaks with Dr. Jack Rozel, a Professor of Psychiatry and Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Pittsburgh, about how law enforcement, behavioral sciences professionals and the community can work together to identify those at risk of committing acts of mass violence. 

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.

Vinnie Montez on the value of comedy for law enforcement officers

Policing can create a range of emotions and feelings such as fear, excitement, grief, anger and sadness. Do officers ever catch a break and enjoy some levity and laughter? While policing is mostly serious business, wouldn’t it be great to be entertained by someone who knows about comedy and police work? Today's guest fits that role. Vinnie Montez, a Colorado police officer with more than two decades of service, also happens to be a successful comedian.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, sponsored by OfficerStore.com, host Jim Dudley speaks with Vinnie about how his journey to better mental wellness led to a career in comedy. 

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.

Confronting mental health and substance abuse issues within the veteran community

In 1954, the 83rd U.S. Congress amended the 1938 act that had made Armistice Day a holiday, striking the word “Armistice” in favor of “Veterans.” President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the legislation on June 1, 1954. From then on, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. According to the Department of Justice COPS Office, nearly 25% of American law enforcement officers have a military background.  We thank them for their service.

Sadly, the rate of suicide for veterans is roughly 57% higher than the general public for a variety of reasons, from PTSD to substance abuse to other mental health issues. With this in mind, The Independence Fund, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, initiated the Veterans Justice Initiative under the guidance of Clark Pennington, a former police chief. The initiative's goal is to enhance law enforcement's comprehension of the challenges faced by veterans and facilitate their access to the necessary treatment. The first year was such a success that the state of North Carolina officially extended funding through its recently passed state budget.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, sponsored by Lexipol, host Jim Dudley speaks with Clark Pennington about the program, the goal of which is to confront deeply rooted mental health and substance abuse issues within the veteran community.

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.