In this episode of the Deep Blue Project, host Chris Workman welcomes Matt Fagiana, a seasoned law enforcement professional and instructor at FBI LEEDA. They discuss Matt's journey in law enforcement, the critical role of public information officers (PIOs), and the importance of effective crisis communication. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of media relations, the impact of social media on law enforcement, and the challenges of recruitment and retention in small agencies. Matt shares his passion for flying and emphasizes the significance of work-life balance and mental health in the profession. The episode concludes with a call to action for law enforcement leaders to prioritize communication strategies and build trust within their communities.

n this conversation, Vance Row shares his transformative journey from a police officer to a yoga instructor, highlighting the challenges he faced with mental health and alcohol addiction. He discusses the importance of self-care, the healing power of yoga, and the need for first responders to find healthy coping mechanisms. Vance emphasizes the significance of community support and resources available for mental health, encouraging others to prioritize their well-being and seek help when needed.

In this conversation, Chris and Todd discuss their experiences in law enforcement and the importance of leadership development. They both highlight the value of the FBI LEEDA program in enhancing their leadership skills and connecting with like-minded individuals. They emphasize the need for law enforcement agencies to collaborate and share information to address common challenges. They also discuss the mindset shift required in modern policing, including the importance of self-care and work-life balance. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, networking, and adapting to the changing needs of the community. The conversation focuses on the importance of mindset change and shifting towards a more caring and invested approach in law enforcement. It highlights the privilege of being part of the shift and the need to listen and invest in people. The speakers discuss the significance of officer wellness and the importance of opening up lines of communication before problems arise. They emphasize the value of building networks and seeking advice and support from others. The conversation also touches on the impact of work-life balance on mental health and relationships, and the need to take care of oneself in order to better serve the community.

Chris and Chief Will Armstrong share his journey of becoming the chief of police at a young age and the challenges he faced in gaining the respect and trust of his officers. He emphasizes the importance of communication and utilizing the strengths of his team members. Armstrong also discusses the family atmosphere he has created within his agency and its positive impact. Highlighting the need for effective leadership and the ability to recognize and address weaknesses. Armstrong's story serves as an inspiration for young leaders in law enforcement. In this conversation,

Will discusses his experience as a young police chief in a small town and the challenges he faced. He talks about navigating the dynamics of working with older officers and the importance of building relationships with his team. Will also shares his innovative approach to recruitment and retention, including the use of a TV show to attract new officers. He emphasizes the need for energy and creativity in small-town policing and the importance of thinking outside the box. Will also discusses his journey and how his life experiences have shaped his perspective on law enforcement.

Chris Cowan, former chief of police and current director of strategic initiatives, discusses the importance of leadership development and support in law enforcement. He highlights the Excellence in Policing and Public Safety program at the University of South Carolina, which aims to provide resources and training for law enforcement executives. Cowan emphasizes the need for leaders to have a strong support network and mentors who can guide and coach them. He also shares the challenges he faced during a critical incident in his department and the importance of preparedness and teamwork in such situations. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the evolution of leadership styles in law enforcement and the importance of building relationships and hunting the good in your team.

In this conversation, Chris interviews Kathleen Dias, a writer for Police One, about the challenges faced by small and rural police agencies. Kathleen shares her background and how she started writing about rural policing. She discusses the differences between rural and urban policing, including variations in laws, culture, and funding sources. They also talk about the unique challenges faced by officers in remote areas, such as limited resources, long response times, and higher rates of addiction and violence. Kathleen emphasizes the importance of supporting and adequately compensating officers in small departments.

02:40 The Challenges of Rural Policing

05:37 Technology and Training for Small Agencies

09:35 Dispelling Misconceptions about Rural Officer Safety

20:50 Addressing the Specific Needs of Rural Law Enforcement

24:06 Introduction to the Challenges Faced by Small and Rural Police Departments

25:42 The Impact of Limited Resources on Officer Safety

27:59 Disproportionate Number of Officer Fatalities in Small Departments

31:07 The Effect of Low Pay on Recruitment and Retention

33:55 The Need for Adequate Funding and Support for Law Enforcement

Barbara Rubel, an award-winning author and keynote speaker, shares her personal experience as a suicide loss survivor and the daughter of two police officers. She emphasizes the importance of postvention, the support provided to those affected by suicide, and the need for awareness and understanding of suicide and its impact on first responders. Chris and Barbara discuss the need for mental health support in law enforcement and the stigma surrounding seeking help. They both highlight the importance of open conversations, peer support, and proactive mental health strategies in preventing suicide and promoting well-being in first responders. Occupational burnout and secondary traumatic stress can lead to compassion fatigue in first responders. It is important to recognize and define these experiences to seek help and develop coping mechanisms. Other challenges faced by first responders include moral injury and vicarious trauma. Self-compassion, positive attitude, and maintaining connections are key to resilience. The color blue symbolizes the shared experiences and connections among first responders. Barbara offers resources and support through her books, speaking engagements, and website.

In this conversation, Chris and Liz discuss the Resilient Heroes project, which focuses on providing trauma and suicide psychoeducation to first responders. They emphasize the importance of proactive mental health care and the need for first responders to understand the risk factors and protective factors related to suicide. They also discuss the psychoeducation training program, which includes group discussions, scenario-based training, and an exploration of real-life cases. The feedback from participants has been positive, with many expressing gratitude for the new perspectives and knowledge gained. The conversation highlights the need for first responders to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed.

In this episode of the DeepBlu Project Chris has a discussion with John Clair, Chief of the Town of Marion Police Department as they explore the challenges faced by small police departments, including recruitment, retention, and limited resources. They discuss the differences between small town policing and urban policing, highlighting the customer-oriented approach of small town officers. They also touch on the impact of changing job market trends and the need for small departments to adapt. The conversation emphasizes the importance of building trust and relationships within the community and managing community expectations. They conclude by discussing the book 'The Courage to Be Disliked' and the need for self-reflection and personal growth in law enforcement.

In this conversation, Chris interviews Elizabeth Pol, the founder of Resilient Heroes, about the importance of addressing officer trauma and police suicide. They discuss the need for a different approach to training and education on trauma and suicide, focusing on interactive conversations and scenario-based training. Elizabeth shares her experience as a Chicago police officer and her work in suicide psychological autopsies, emphasizing the importance of understanding risk factors and indicators of suicide. They also discuss the challenges of addressing mental health and wellness in the law enforcement community and the need for self-advocacy and resources for first responders. Elizabeth's organization, Resilient Heroes, aims to provide psychoeducation and support to first responders and agencies across the United States.