In this episode, Captain Adam Oberdorfer of the Santa Clara County, CA Sheriff’s Department talks about his passion for teaching and training law enforcement officers and the importance of his role in overseeing academy and in-service level training. The episode provides meaningful perspectives on key training programs like Below 100, Blue Courage, and fair and impartial policing as some of the most critical courses for LEOs to attend. The Captain highlights the importance of continuous learning, scenario-based training, and the readiness to adapt to future challenges in law enforcement.

Resources:

Blue Courage: https://www.bluecourage.com/

Below 100: https://www.below100.org/

Stephen Covey - The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://a.co/d/gntkrEx

Every Officer is a Leader: https://www.iadlest.org/training/every-officer-is-a-leader

The Arbinger Institute - The Outward Mindset: https://a.co/d/3pqsKhP

Simon Sinek - The Infinite Game: https://a.co/d/9X3TOK5

Simon Sinek - Start With Why: https://a.co/d/f0oeUyE

The 6th Pillar Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-6th-pillar-podcast/id1727784522

A Bit of Optimism: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-bit-of-optimism/id1515385282

In this episode, our guest, Ben Opfar, Risk Manager for Gillette College in Wyoming, shares his LE Journey with the Blue Leadership audience.  Ben is a lifelong learner whose career has spanned four states and three decades. Ben's journey began with his time in the USAF and then continued as an officer in Texas, Wyoming, Georgia, and Arizona. Ben highlights what it was like to go through four different police academies during his years of active service; he also discusses paying his own way to attend many advanced leadership schools, being a graduate of the FBI LEEDA trilogy series, and now working on his MS LEPSL degree. He talks about what motivates him to be positive and humble, he shares his personal leadership philosophies and considers what next role the future may hold for him. Another great episode that you won't want to miss!

Resources:

• Paul Butler: https://www.paul-butler.com/
• The Outward Mindset by The Arbinger Institute
• Leadership and Self-Deception, Fourth Edition: The Secret to Transforming Relationships and Unleashing Results by The Arbinger Institute

In this episode of Blue Leadership, Dennis sits down with Nuno Tavarez, a retired investigative lieutenant from the Placer County DA's office, nationally recognized cold case detective, and faculty member with the MS LEPSL program at the University of San Diego. With a career spanning 27 years in law enforcement, Nuno shares his experience investigating homicides and serious crimes, including the cold case of Christie Wilson, which was first featured on the CBS show “48 Hours” in 2021, and again in 2023 after Christie’s body was finally found. In addition to giving his unique perspective on the investigative techniques of that case, Nuno also discusses the science-based interview techniques (SBI) that are transforming police interrogation methods, as well as other highlights from the 80-hour course he teaches for new homicide detectives. As a recently retired law enforcement professional who remains active as an instructor, Nuno also shares his tips for staying engaged and connected in retirement.  This episode is captivating from beginning to end, especially for anyone working in homicide, involved in interviewing or nearing retirement.

In episode 37 Dennis Nayor interviews Captain Jolie Macias from the Newark, California Police Department. Captain Macias shares her journey from police officer to SWAT team commander, highlighting the importance of training, mindset, accountability, trust, ownership and teamwork. She talks about the lessons learned from an operation that didn’t go as expected, and her advice to those seeking appointment to a tactical team. Captain Macias also emphasizes the value of diverse training and maintaining a balanced life outside of work.

This episode of Blue Leadership features Chief Tom Worthy. He shared his insights on completing an agency accreditation process, policing near an area experiencing protracted levels of civil unrest and his experience operating at full staff, when recruitment and retention efforts are currently a nationwide challenge.