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We explore how AI can strengthen or weaken policing, why prompts and ethics matter, and where automation crosses the line from helpful to harmful. We share practical steps leaders can use today and warn against replacing human judgment with black boxes.

• three tiers of AI use: convenience, automation, agents
• ethical prompting, master prompts and sourcing
• automation that accelerates contact, not replaces it
• dangers of AI-written reports and lost investigative detail
• bad data, weaker crime analysis and planning blind spots
• tech stacks that don’t reduce crime
• culture, initiative and the 2020 training gap
• practical on-ramps for leaders and teams

Reach out to Roland Clee at www.commandstaffconsulting.com and book his "Ethical AI Leadership Labs." 

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We unpack why policing doesn’t have a talent shortage as much as a process problem and show how a recruiting-first strategy beats marketing spend. Doug Larsen of SAFEGUARD Recruiting shares sourcing tactics, mobile-first communication strategies, and real-world results from major agencies.

• recruiting-first strategy vs marketing-led tactics
• decline of career fairs and organic interest
• how to measure return on hiring spend
• why videos and clicks don’t equal applicants
• sourcing candidates 24/7 and geofencing needs
• partnering with recruiters, not replacing them
• mobile-first messaging and nurture automation
• process fixes to reduce candidate drop-off
• case study on Philadelphia’s pipeline growth
• guarantees, dashboards, and weekly ROI tracking
• expanded services for testing, backgrounds, retention
• immediate tips: communicate faster and simplify steps

Join other courageous leaders at TravisYates.org

REach out to Doug Larsen: safeguardrecruiting.com

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A quiet surge in officer assaults is happening right under our noses, and most leaders aren’t talking about it. We dig into the policies, the pressure, and the missed accountability that turned a wave of “reform” into a spike in risk—even as violent crime trends downward from its 2020 peak.

Data matters more than slogans, so we walk through the numbers where mandated strict “last resort” policies saw significant increases in officer assault rates. Nationally, assaults hit record highs while many agencies doubled down on de-escalation training that still lacks rigorous scientific validation.

If you care about officer safety, real accountability, and reforms that actually improve outcomes, this is your moment to lean in. 

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We speak with 26-year law enforcement veteran Jeff Moorefield about building a real off-ramp for first responders and why transition planning must start on day one. We dig into identity, health, finances, and practical steps that translate police skills into private sector roles.

• founding purpose of The On Call Project and Beyond the Badge
• why identity, purpose and fear block healthy transitions
• holistic prep: fitness, sleep, mental health, and money
• practical tools: ATS resumes, mock HR interviews, skill translation
• leadership gaps in retention, culture and personal development
• one-on-ones as a simple, effective leadership practice
• building chapters, employer partnerships, and national reach
• stories that show the path from badge to next career

oncallproject.com | [email protected] | jeffmorefield.com

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We have a political supremacist problem in America where certain ideologies believe their viewpoint is so morally correct that violence becomes an acceptable response to their opponents.

• A Rutgers University study found over 50% of left-of-center respondents believed the assassination of political figures was justified
• The FBI Assailant Study revealed 28% of cop killers acted for "social and political reasons"
• Law enforcement needs federal support, resources, and intelligence to address this domestic terrorism threat
• We cannot expect this situation to improve without acknowledging and confronting the reality of domestic terrorism
• Speaking truth professionally and boldly is essential even in the face of intimidation

Visit the Courageous Police Leader at travisyates.org or subscribe to the weekly articles at courageouspoliceleader.com for more insights and leadership guidance.

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Law enforcement leadership training avoids addressing toxic leadership because the very leaders creating toxic environments are often the ones funding training programs. The focus on positive psychology and war stories rather than confronting real leadership problems prevents meaningful change in police organizations.

• Most popular law enforcement speakers either have no police experience or tell entertaining stories without addressing real issues
• Training companies explicitly instruct trainers to avoid discussing toxic leadership to protect revenue streams
• External challenges to policing (media, politics, activists) haven't changed significantly in decades
• What has changed is how leaders respond—now apologizing and sacrificing officers instead of defending them
• Rank-and-file officers recognize leadership problems immediately while higher-ranking officials often resist these conversations
• Leadership improvement requires honestly addressing problems, not just offering positive platitudes
• Plans to develop online programs and train-the-trainer certification to empower officers regardless of rank
• True leadership isn't about rank but about influence and integrity at all levels

Remember to lead on and stay courageous as you navigate the challenges of law enforcement leadership.

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Randy Sutton, 34-year law enforcement veteran and founder of The Wounded Blue, examines America's criminal justice crisis and its devastating impact on police officers nationwide. He traces how political decisions and false narratives have undermined public safety while offering solutions to restore respect for law enforcement.

• The diminishment of law enforcement began under the Obama administration with the "police acted stupidly" comment
• Ferguson's "hands up, don't shoot" narrative was a fabricated story that continues to harm police credibility
• Political leaders have prioritized activist agendas over public safety, resulting in understaffed departments
• Claims about "disproportional policing" are easily debunked by comparing police activity to criminal behavior rather than general population
• Police chiefs serve at the pleasure of political leaders while sheriffs answer directly to voters
• The Wounded Blue organization has helped over 16,000 injured officers navigate physical injuries and psychological trauma
• Many officers fear their administration more than criminals on the street
• The National Law Enforcement Survival Summit (September 22-25) offers free registration for injured officers

Visit thewoundedblue.org or twbsummit.com to learn more about supporting injured officers and attending the upcoming Survival Summit in Las Vegas.

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Non-negotiables are the minimum daily actions that leaders refuse to skip, which over time transform unpredictable outcomes into predictable success.

• Daily behaviors entirely within your control that you commit to no matter how busy, tired, or stressed you become
• Focus on realistic commitments across body, mind, mission, people, and integrity
• Start with three manageable non-negotiables rather than creating an overwhelming list
• Leadership success comes from consistent small actions rather than occasional grand gestures
• Examples include daily scripture reading, 30 minutes of movement, and expressions of love to family
• Consider how to "gamify" your commitments to maintain motivation over weeks and months
• Focus on what you can control when choosing your non-negotiables

What small, consistent action will you commit to today that could transform your leadership tomorrow?

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John Drozdowski, known as "The Millionaire Cop," shares how financial wellness is the overlooked component of officer wellbeing and reveals why pensions alone won't secure a comfortable retirement for law enforcement professionals. Travis and John discuss how the traditional academy mindset of "you'll never be rich, but you'll live comfortably" limits officers' financial potential and keeps them trapped in unhealthy overtime cycles.

Check out John's content on Instagram @TheMillionaireCop or visit his website at thedrozdowskigroup.com for more information on financial wellness for law enforcement.

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What happens when police officers make split-second decisions under immense pressure? How do we fairly evaluate these actions after the fact? These questions lie at the heart of our riveting conversation with Sergeant Jamie Borden, one of law enforcement's most respected use-of-force experts.

Jamie takes us on his remarkable journey from witnessing his brother's scrutinized police shooting in 1992 to becoming a sought-after expert who has consulted on over 400 high-profile cases. His passion for ensuring that officers receive fair and objective reviews of their actions shines throughout our discussion as he reveals how he created a groundbreaking Use of Force Training and Analysis Unit that has become a model for departments nationwide.

Jamie's book, "The Anatomy of a Critical Incident," represents the culmination of his decades of experience and offers what many consider the definitive resource on use of force analysis. 

Whether you're in law enforcement, interested in criminal justice, or seeking a deeper understanding of police actions beyond the headlines, this conversation offers profound insights that will transform your perspective on critical incidents. Connect with Jamie's work through Critical Incident Review to learn more about his approach to fair and thorough analysis of police use of force.

Critical Incident Review

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