In this episode, best-selling author and former police officer Eric Tansey sits down with special guest Erik Johnson to tackle one of the toughest questions facing modern law enforcement: can a peace officer truly stay true to his oath while running for public office?

Across America, sheriff elections have become high-stakes political contests. Money, influence, and media attention often collide with the values of integrity, service, and sacrifice that define real policing. In this in-depth conversation, Tansey and Johnson break down how good cops with the best intentions can be drawn into the darker side of politics — and how easy it is for a candidate to compromise himself or the very people he swore to protect.

Elections often force officers into impossible moral territory. Can one person serve justice and politics at the same time — or must one always come at the expense of the other?

The conversation explores:

The hidden costs of campaign financing and how “support” often comes with strings attached.

The tension between oath and ambition — when enforcing the law turns into chasing votes.

Real-world examples of sheriff elections gone wrong, and stories of those who refused to sell out.

The dangerous illusion of “community partnerships” built on backroom deals and endorsements.

What true leadership looks like in an age where loyalty can be bought.

Throughout the episode, Tansey and Johnson invite listeners to think critically about what it means to lead with integrity in law enforcement. They discuss how the politicization of police work erodes public trust, weakens accountability, and endangers both officers and citizens alike.

Whether you’re a cop, a voter, or simply someone who cares about the future of justice, this episode sheds light on the moral crossroads where law enforcement and politics collide. It’s not just about elections — it’s about identity, honor, and the cost of compromise.

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Best-selling author and former police officer Eric Tansey breaks down intense body-camera footage from a Wisconsin police standoff that ended in tragedy. Early on July 26, 2024, De Pere Police responded to reports of a man armed with a rifle at the Perkofski Boat Launch. Multiple agencies—including Ashwaubenon Public Safety and the Brown County Sheriff’s Office—arrived and began crisis negotiations with the suspect, 44-year-old Scott H. McDonald.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, officers tried to de-escalate the encounter, but when McDonald produced his rifle, officers from De Pere and Ashwaubenon discharged their weapons, striking him. Despite officers immediately rendering aid, McDonald was pronounced dead at the scene.

On September 17, the Brown County District Attorney announced that no law-enforcement officers will face criminal charges in connection with the shooting. Investigators confirmed all responding officers were equipped with body cameras, providing a full view of the tense standoff that night at the quiet Wisconsin park.

In this episode, Eric Tansey analyzes the critical moments leading to the fatal shot—highlighting the importance of verbal de-escalation, mental-health crisis response, and the split-second decisions officers face under extreme pressure. As a former cop and seasoned trainer, Tansey explains how the power of words can alter the outcome of a crisis, saving lives on both sides of the badge.

👉 Watch as Eric shares real-world insight into officer-involved shootings, crisis negotiation, and what every community can learn from the De Pere police standoff that shocked Wisconsin.

Keywords: De Pere police shooting, Scott McDonald Wisconsin, Eric Tansey body cam breakdown, officer-involved shooting analysis, law enforcement training, police negotiation, crisis response, Brown County District Attorney, DOJ investigation.

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Police Officers Should Not Have To Work Like This.

Last year in in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, a routine domestic assault call turned into a life-or-death ambush caught on body cam footage. Veteran officer Captain Gray entered a multi-unit home with rookie Officer Jasmine Hendry to investigate suspect Scott Mason, 38. Seconds later, the encounter spiraled into chaos.

Inside, the alleged victim pointed toward a hallway. As Captain Gray turned, Mason unleashed a shotgun blast, striking Gray with pellet shot. Instead of helping, Officer Hendry ran down the stairs, leaving Gray alone to face the threat. Mason fired again, hitting Gray a second time. The captain managed one return shot before collapsing from his wounds.

As Gray lay bleeding, Mason approached with the shotgun, cursed at him, and then fled through a second-story window. Hendry eventually drove Gray to the hospital, where he survived after extensive treatment. Two days later, Mason was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault on a police officer, and more. He remains behind bars, facing life in prison if convicted.

Eric Tansey, former cop and best-selling author, breaks down the footage and calls out the harsh truth: rookie police officers today are not prepared. Their hesitation, fear, and cowardly behavior put veteran officers in unnecessary danger.

This incident is more than one shooting—it’s a wake-up call about the state of policing, the dangers of poor training, and the cost of sending rookies into deadly situations they can’t handle.

👉 Subscribe for more expert breakdowns of real police encounters and the truth about modern law enforcement.

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Former police officer and best-selling author of PIG LATIN Eric Tansey breaks down newly released bodycam and dash cam footage from a harrowing Memorial Day traffic stop in Bloomfield, New Mexico. What began as a routine stop over a broken headlight tragically escalated into the fatal shooting of Officer Timothy Ontiveros by Dennis Armenta.

In this episode, Eric Tansey examines:

Let's talk about the critical moments leading up to the shooting-- a non compliant suspect, patience by the officers, and finally fire and the split-second decision to return fire. The broader lessons about officer safety, tactical decision-making, and the impact of mental health issues in violent encounters.

Tansey shares his unique perspective as both a former cop and author, offering insights into the stress, decision-making, and emotions officers experience during life-or-death situations.

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Best-selling author and former police officer Eric Tansey breaks down intense body cam footage from Gaithersburg, Maryland, where officers rushed into a terrifying hostage situation.

On July 26, 2025, Montgomery County Police responded to a domestic disturbance in Germantown. Inside the home, 47-year-old Gokhan Dugan threatened to kill his 9-year-old son while holding a large knife to the child’s throat-- Tansey will tell you what it's like to decide life and death as a cop in that terrify split second.

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Join bestselling author Eric Tansey as he sits down with Eli Donker, a former U.S. Army Captain and Indiana State Heavyweight MMA Champion, to unpack the realities of police use of force. Eli shares insights from his time training soldiers in hand-to-hand combat and how those same principles now help law enforcement officers (LEOs) safely control violent encounters.

In this episode, we break down real-world cases, examine when officers are legally justified in using force, and discuss how proper training saves lives—both for officers and the public. Whether you’re a police officer, martial artist, or true crime fan interested in police tactics, this is a must-watch.

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Former police officer and Pig Latin Eric Tansey author reacts to shocking bodycam footage of a Michigan lawnmower chase where a fleeing suspect pulls a gun, is tased, and accidentally shoots himself. Get expert breakdown of tactics, use of force, and split-second decisions.

Jackson, Michigan — On September 19, 2024, Deputy Robert Henderson arrived at a home in Leoni Township to arrest 41-year-old James Mitchell Kerr on a felony probation violation and two misdemeanor warrants. Kerr was riding a lawnmower when the deputy approached and ordered him to stop. Instead of complying, Kerr accelerated the mower until he reached a ditch — and then the situation took a dangerous turn.

Kerr retrieved a handgun hidden on the mower, prompting Deputy Henderson to deploy his Taser. In the chaos, Kerr discharged the firearm and shot himself in the hand. Backup officers quickly arrived, took Kerr into custody, and transported him to the hospital before transferring him to jail. He now faces multiple charges, including assault with intent to murder and resisting arrest, with the case advancing to trial in Jackson County Circuit Court.

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Eric Tansey opens up about his brand-new book Pig Latin: A Seriously Funny True Story of a Former Police Officer. In this candid and unfiltered interview with Abby Ellsworth (On Being a Police Officer), Tansey shares the wildest, funniest, and most shocking stories from his years in uniform, how he was inspired to write the book, and after many long years--- the book is a reality.

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The incident happened July 17 on Mykawa Road near Almeda Genoa Road. Bobby Alverado shot an officer, and that officer fired back. This episode we dive into the mental aspects of preparedness coupled with the training aspects which ultimately determines your survivability in a gun fight like this.

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Special Guest Quint a Good Cop who became a part of a wild drug case that would ultimately end in a corrupt cop being arrested and charged. This is a first hand count of a wild story that you don't want to miss.

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