Policing Matters

Unveiling the mysteries of cold cases: A detective's journey to justice

The resolution of cold cases represents a beacon of hope and justice in the often murky waters of criminal investigations. As time passes, the challenges in solving these cases magnify, yet the importance of bringing closure to victims' families and holding perpetrators accountable never wanes. With advancements in forensic technology and investigative methods, law enforcement agencies are experiencing a renaissance in cracking cases that have remained unsolved for years, if not decades.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks to Detective Matt Hutchison of the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety in California about his innovative approach to investigating cold cases that have led to remarkable successes in solving crimes long thought unsolvable. Joining the force in 2008 and becoming a detective in 2015, Hutchison's career is a testament to the power of persistence, cutting-edge forensic science, and the collaborative effort between law enforcement and the community.

Hutchison's insights into the world of cold case investigations not only shed light on the complexities and challenges of these endeavors but also celebrate the triumphs of justice achieved through dedication and innovation. This episode of Policing Matters is a compelling reminder of the impact that law enforcement officers can have on the lives of those seeking closure and the relentless pursuit of truth that defines their work.

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.

Axon's 'Moonshot' goal: Halve police-public gun deaths in a decade

Axon's Moonshot initiative has an ambitious goal to drastically reduce gun-related deaths in encounters involving police officers and the public. The primary aim of the Moonshot initiative is to reduce these fatalities by 50% within 10 years.

In this episode of the "Policing Matters" podcast, host Jim Dudley engages with Axon's experts to unravel the complexities of officer-involved shootings and the potential for reducing gun fatalities. Axon has initiated an ambitious project: the Axon Public Safety Gun Fatality Database. This database, a product of meticulous research and analysis in collaboration with the Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR), aims to provide groundbreaking insights into shooting deaths involving officers and civilians from 2021 through June 2023 across all U.S. jurisdictions.

The discussion pivots on the genesis and objectives of Axon's Moonshot goal and the database. Guests Mike Wagers, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Axon, and Ty Nguyen, Senior Data Scientist, discuss the unique approach and methodology behind the database, highlighting how it stands apart from existing studies. The episode also explores the initial findings and their implications for enhancing law enforcement training, decision-making and safety.

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.

Ensuring optimal firearm performance in law enforcement

When called upon to use your firearm in the line of duty, you need to know that the firearm sighting and accuracy are as reliable as possible.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Chris Broomell about the balance between standardizing firearms for operational efficiency and allowing individual officers the flexibility to choose their weapons. Key topics discussed include the importance of firearm sighting and accuracy, the role of test and evaluation (T&E) programs in weapon selection, and the challenges faced by smaller agencies with limited budgets in acquiring and maintaining their firearms and safety equipment.

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 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.