Guardian Mindset Podcast

In this episode, Eric tackles the hot topic of election law as we approach the November 2024 elections. Eric took the time to address the critical intersection of law enforcement and community safety during elections.

The Role of Law Enforcement in Elections: Eric emphasizes the essential role law enforcement plays in ensuring free, fair, and secure elections. He stresses the importance of police in preserving democracy and managing safety around polling places.

Current Threat Landscape: Drawing from intelligence reports and updates from Homeland Security and the FBI, Eric discusses the rise in threats toward election officials, ballot dropbox sabotage, and swatting incidents, as well as the proactive measures law enforcement must take.

Training Initiatives: Georgia's groundbreaking mandate for election law training for police officers is highlighted as an important step in preparing officers to handle election-related incidents, with a focus on de-escalation and non-threatening conduct.

Legal Framework and Threats to Election Security: The episode dives deep into the balance between free speech and election security, referencing key Supreme Court cases like Brandenburg v. Ohio and Counterman v. Colorado, which outline how law enforcement should approach threats while respecting First Amendment rights.

Election Threats Task Force: Created by Attorney General Merrick Garland, this task force works alongside law enforcement to investigate and prosecute threats against election workers. Eric explains the challenges and limited scope of prosecutions due to concerns about free speech.

Best Practices for Law Enforcement Agencies: Eric provides actionable steps for law enforcement, including early planning, conducting tabletop exercises, fostering interagency collaboration, and supporting election officials with security assessments and recommendations.

In this special 4th of July episode, attorney Eric Daigle is joined by his son, Captain Matthew Daigle, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Daigle. They discuss the importance of family, integrity, and commitment within both the military and civilian law enforcement sectors.

Highlights include:

Amid personal anecdotes and reflections, this episode offers valuable insights on fostering professionalism and excellence in high-stakes environments. Tune in to understand how these principles can be applied to enhance operational effectiveness and community service.

Captain Matthew Daigle is a distinguished officer in the United States Army Military Police. With a career marked by dedication and exemplary service, Captain Daigle has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the safety and security of military personnel and facilities.

Captain Daigle graduated from the West Point Military Academy in 2019. He has served as a Platoon Leader in the 23rd MP CO, 91st MP BN, 16th MP BDE, Executive Officer in the headquarters and headquarters detachment, 91st MP BN, 16th MP BDE, and is currently serving as the Current Operations Officer in the 759th MP BN, 89th MP BDE.

He has undergone rigorous training and deeply understands military law, enforcement procedures, and security protocols. Captain Daigle has been recognized throughout his tenure for his strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and unwavering dedication to duty, making him a respected leader within the Military Police Corps. His contributions have significantly enhanced his units' operational effectiveness and morale, embodying the U.S. Army's core values.

Duty, Honor, and Community: Westmoreland and Taking Back the Narrative

In this episode of the Guardian Mindset Podcast, Attorney Eric Daigle delves into the complex and evolving role of artificial intelligence in law enforcement. Highlighting a DLG Legal Update published in early 2024 on the 'Artificial Officers Dilemma,' Attorney Daigle discusses the balance between intelligence and integrity in policing. He examines AI's potential impact on various law enforcement functions such as predictive analytics, facial recognition, and report writing, while also addressing ethical concerns, privacy issues, and the necessity for clear guidelines and proactive policies. Featuring insights from leading figures and research, the podcast emphasizes the importance of assessing both the benefits and risks of AI technologies in upholding constitutional rights and maintaining law enforcement integrity.

Legal Update: The ‘Artificial’ Officer’s Dilemma: Balancing Intelligence with Integrity in Law Enforcement

DLG Technology Summit 2024

In this episode of the Guardian Mindset Podcast, Host Attorney Eric Daigle sits down with Chief Donna McNamara of the Stoughton Police Department, Massachusetts. They discuss her extensive career, leadership philosophy, and the evolution of mentorship in law enforcement.

Chief Donna McNamara began her criminal justice career in 1996 with the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff/ Corrections Officer in the County House of Correction. McNamara was hired by the Stoughton Police Department in 2001 as a Police Officer. She has served in various positions within the organization including Detective, Patrol Sergeant and Lieutenant before her appointment to Interim Chief.  Chief McNamara was appointed in 2017 as the permanent Chief of Police for the Stoughton Police Department, a Massachusetts Accredited Police Agency.

Chief McNamara earned a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Curry College.  She also received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Westfield State University.

Chief McNamara was the recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award in 2014. She has continued to pursue extensive professional development by attending the Police Executive Research Reform (PERF) Senior Management Institute Session 65.

She has attended the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Women and Power: Leadership in a New World, as well as the International Association of Chiefs of Police Women’s Leadership Institute and the New England Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar.

In this engaging episode of the Guardian Mindset podcast, host Attorney Eric Daigle catches up with Gregory Jbara at the FBI LEEDA 2024 Annual Executive Training Conference. Known for his role in the popular TV series "Blue Bloods" and his recent appearance in a major film, Greg shares insights from his unique position at the intersection of entertainment and law enforcement.

Gregory Jbara began his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan with a minor in physics and a major in communications. By his second year he was enrolled as a theatre major and his third year was a founding inaugural class member of the renowned University of Michigan Musical Theatre Department. He also co-founded the still flourishing Impact (Jazz) Dance Company through the University Activities Center.

He transferred to The Juilliard School where he completed his BFA in acting in 1986.

The fall of his fourth year of training at Juilliard he was selected to join five other acting students to represent the Drama Division performing live on the televised 80th anniversary celebration of the Juilliard School, “PBS Live From Lincoln Center: Juilliard at 80”.

He remained a New York resident through December of 1997. Born and raised in suburban Detroit, Jbara now resides with his wife Julie and their sons Zachary and Aidan in Los Angeles.

Learn more about Gregory Jbara: https://www.gregoryjbara.com/

In this compelling episode of the Guardian Mindset Podcast, Attorney Eric Daigle returns to further explore the intricate concept of duty of care in law enforcement, with a special focus on the public duty doctrine. Building on the foundations laid in our previous episode, this discussion delves deeper, intertwining legal theory with human perspectives to offer a comprehensive understanding of law enforcement responsibilities.

We begin by examining the delicate balance law enforcement officers must maintain in differentiating between subjects and suspects in both non-criminal and criminal situations. This episode takes a close look at landmark legal cases such as South vs Maryland, Warren vs District of Columbia, and Shaney vs Winnebago County, dissecting their impact on the duty of care in the field of law enforcement.

Our conversation then shifts to the complex interplay between the legal and moral duties of care for officers, especially when dealing with individuals who are incapacitated or suffering from mental health issues. Attorney Daigle provides insights into the challenges and potential liabilities officers face in their tactical decision-making processes.

A crucial part of this episode is dedicated to clarifying the often misunderstood distinction between a 'suspect' and a 'subject', and why grasping this difference is essential for law enforcement professionals. We wrap up the discussion by underlining the importance of protecting and assisting those in need, while simultaneously ensuring the safety of all parties involved.

Tune in for an enlightening session that not only sheds light on the legalities but also humanizes the complex decisions faced by law enforcement officers daily. Join us as we navigate these challenging yet vital issues that are fundamental to the role of every law enforcement officer.

Hosted by Attorney Eric Daigle, this episode of the Guardian Mindset Podcast offers a deep dive into the intricate landscape of duty of care in law enforcement. Attorney Daigle opens with a compelling analysis of the history of use of force, qualified immunity, and key Supreme Court cases, highlighting the critical importance of officers adhering to established laws.

The discussion explores essential questions surrounding the moral and legal obligations of law enforcement, particularly in crises like mental health emergencies and suicide threats. Drawing on real-life examples, the episode highlights a deputy initially charged with child abuse for hesitating during an active shooter situation, sparking a broader exploration into the historical aspects of use of force, qualified immunity, and recent Supreme Court cases that shape the legal landscape.

Shifting to the intersection of mental health and law enforcement, the episode conducts a thorough analysis of court cases, advocating for a joint approach to effectively assist individuals in crisis situations. The exploration extends to the use of force in medical cases, featuring an in-depth examination of two court cases and introducing the Hill Test as an evaluation tool for an officer's use of force against non-criminal suspects.

The episode concludes by scrutinizing the legal and moral responsibility of law enforcement to act against individuals posing a threat to themselves and others. As a thought-provoking finale, the implications of mental health applications on law enforcement are explored, emphasizing the nuanced balance between legal and moral obligations.

Tune in for an insightful conversation that unveils the duty of care concept, navigates the evolving landscape of policing, and underscores the crucial guardianship role of law enforcement in preserving both legal standards and moral imperatives.

Today, we welcome Dr. Katherine Kuhlman to the Guardian Mindset podcast. As a distinguished police and public safety psychologist, Dr. Kuhlman brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our exploration of wellness and resilience in law enforcement.

Our conversation takes us back to the history of mental health in the folds of law enforcement, highlighting the deep-rooted mantra of "suck it up, buttercup" and its lingering influence in many departments. We shed light on the preventive measures that can act as anchors during times of crisis, such as the power of simple conversations and building direct contacts. Dr. Kuhlman articulates the importance of mental health support in law enforcement, debunking common misconceptions and emphasizing the crucial role of family support in an officer’s well-being. The episode concludes with a focus on self-care practices and resilience strategies for officers, showcasing the crucial role of mental health professionals in supporting those who protect our communities.

Dr. Katherine (Katie)  Kuhlman, ABPP, is a board-certified psychologist in Police and Public Safety Psychology, and has expertise in the treatment of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and general life stressors. She has worked since 2014 providing services to first responders and their family members, truly understanding the unique stressors inherent in these occupations. She has presented nationally on wellness issues related to law enforcement, as well as school safety. She served as a subject matter expert on traumatic stress on the Colorado Governor's Expert Emergency Epidemic Response Committee prior to moving to Arizona. Dr. Kuhlman has responded and provided debriefing services to critical incidents including officer-involved shootings, suicides, line-of-duty deaths, and mass shootings. Understanding trauma, keeping schools and workplaces safe, and helping first responders are her true passions.

Ever contemplated the complexity of decision-making in high-stress, life-changing moments? In this compelling episode, we delve deep into the multifaceted realm of human factors in law enforcement, shedding light on how they directly shape the perceptions and responses of officers amidst life-altering, high-pressure situations. Join us as we unpack the importance of specialized training, the significance of networking in use of force investigations, and venture into the groundbreaking research conducted by Dr. Taylor.

Our discussion covers topics such as dispatch priming, muzzle position, and the seamless transition between tools used by officers in the field. From developing automatic response tactics to recognizing environmental stimuli, this episode will make you rethink how we perceive law enforcement, especially as it relates to use of force.

If you're eager to hear more from the insightful Dr. Paul Taylor, don't miss the opportunity to register for the Use of Force Summit. Dr. Taylor's keynote, "The Impact of Human and Organizational Factors on Use of Force Investigations," promises an enlightening exploration of how these factors can influence both investigators and the investigations themselves. Discover strategies to minimize potential biasing influences on these cases. Additionally, Dr. Taylor will be presenting on two other thought-provoking topics: "Perception-Response Times for OIS Investigations" and "Introduction to Interviews for Use of Force Investigations." Join us for a comprehensive examination of this critical subject matter.

Paul Taylor, Ph.D.

Paul Taylor is an Assistant Professor in the School of Public Affairs at the University of Colorado Denver where he studies decision-making, human factors, and system safety in the context of police interactions with the public. He is also the founder and lead instructor for the Association of Force Investigators (AFI). Dr. Taylor has over ten years of practical law enforcement experience including time as a department training manager, patrol sergeant, and use-of-force instructor. He has delivered law enforcement related instruction for academy, field training, and advanced in-service audiences as well as graduate and undergraduate level courses. Dr. Taylor is actively engaged in law enforcement research and training across the United States and internationally.