Law Enforcement Academy Podcast

Episode 36: Crime Prevention During the Holidays

Episode 35: A Discussion on Forensic Science with Jerry Findley (Part 2)

Thom Safrin and Chris Findley continue their interview of Jerry Findley (Chris’s father).  Some specific cases were discussed which highlight the uses of forensic science techniques and technology. References Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast Thomas Safrin Twitter –...

Episode 34: A Discussion on Forensic Science with Jerry Findley (Part 1)

Thom Safrin and Chris Findley interview Jerry Findley (Chris's father) and discuss coming from one of the first Crime Scene Units in Georgia.  Starting in the police dept in 1971, the then labeled 'Identification Unit' evolved a long way from simply...

Episode 33: Use of Force Case Law (Part 2)

Hosts Thom Safrin and Chris Findley further discuss court cases clarifying Use of Force.  The discussion furthers the ideas that dictate law enforcement today inside the United States.  Thom and Chris dive deeper into this episode in this Fourth Amendment issue and...

Episode 32: Use of Force Case Law (Part 1)

Hosts Thom Safrin and Chris Findley discuss the landmark use of force cases and the ideas principles that dictate procedural law today in the United States.  Graham v. Connor gave us the objective reasonableness standard.  Thom and Chris contrast Tennessee...

Episode 31: An Interview with Frank Crotty on Transitioning from Law Enforcement to Overseas Contract Work

Thom and Chris interview Frank Crotty (retired law enforcement Captain) on the ins and outs of overseas contracting work for law enforcement.  Frank and Thom share their personal experiences working overseas and the challenges and rewards of contract work.   References Frank Crotty...

Episode 29 – Personal Security Concerns in Large Venues and Sporting Events

Thom and Chris recorded this episode while at Suntrust Park to watch the Atlanta Braves play baseball.  Thom and Chris briefly discuss some issues related to personal security that should be considered when going to a sporting event or other...

Episode 28: Emerging Trends and Issues in Smaller Law Enforcement Agencies

Thom and Chris discuss five topics that can impact smaller law enforcement agencies. The five topics were budgeting, small town politics, unique situations (everyone knows somebody), officer morale, and officer training.   References Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast Thomas Safrin...

Episode 27: The Impact of Technology on Law Enforcement

In this episode, Thom and Chris discuss how technology impacts everyday life in law enforcement. The discussion includes topics of social media (Facebook), body cameras, GPS, Facial recognition, and many more. Thom and Chris provide a general overview of these topics...

Episode 26: The Impact of a College Education on Policing

Thom and Chris discuss how a college educated police officer can impact law enforcement and the community.  Thom and Chris discuss an article written by Dr. Rebecca Paynich that researches the connection between a college education and better communication skills,...

Ep. 25: Gary Taylor on Recruiting and Retention

Hosts Thom Safrin and Chris Findley interview Captain Gary Taylor, Director of Training and Recruiting, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office and discuss police recruiting and retention. This episode asks the questions “How do we gain the right people?  And then how do...

Episode 24 – The Hiring Process

Thom and Chris discuss the process to aid both those interviewing and those hiring.  Personal stories lead to good discussion points.  Discussion Including: research into agencies; application process tips; the interview process and physical fitness assessment exams; polygraphs and more. Listen...

Episode 23: An Interview with Coach Tony Blauer (Part 2)

Thom and Chris, along with guest host Jim Mitchell, continue talking fear management with Coach Tony Blauer. “No matter how good physically you are, it doesn’t change how you feel emotionally.” – Coach Tony Blauer It all begins with a confrontation with fear....

Episode 22: An Interview with Coach Tony Blauer (Part 1)

Hosts Thom Safrin, Chris Findley and Guest Host Jim Mitchell interview Coach Tony Blauer.  Quite the entertaining personality, Tony Blauer has become a pillar to many in the field, training law enforcement & military in self-defense.  From training a single...

Episode 21: Peel’s Principles (Part 2)

In this episode Thom, Chris and Jim continue the discussion of the ideals of Peel's Principles and their modern day law enforcement application. Links to the principles articles discussing Peel’s principles. Discussion begins with principle number six and includes the topic...

Episode 20: Peel’s Principles (Part 1)

In this episode Thom, Chris, and Jim discuss the classic ideals of Peel's Principles from 1829 and how they apply in 2018.  Don't expect cookie-cutter answers...this is a much more cerebral topic than most.  The guys refer to models such...

Episode 19: Interview with David Grossman Part 2

Hosts Thomas Safrin, Chris Findley continue their interview with retired Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman.  In this podcast, Grossman brings a unique historical outlook into perspective.  An outlook of society at large and the challenges faced by law enforcement today. This episode...

Episode 18: An Interview with LTC Dave Grossman (Part 1)

Thom and Chris, with guest host Jim Mitchell, interview LTC Dave Grossman.  Grossman is a star within the Military and Law Enforcement fields.  His career has been the foundation of the Warrior / Sheepdog mindset.  Starting as a private in...

Episode 17: An Interview with Josh Barker (with Special Guest Host Jim Mitchell) on Basic Law Enforcement Training and the Impact and Trajectory on One’s Career

In this episode Thom and Chris team up with Jim Mitchell to speak with former academy student Josh Barker. Josh discusses what he's done since attending academy, six years ago, and provides insight into his initial training and the value...

Episode 16: Conversations with Jim Mitchell

Thom and Chris talked with our special guest Jim Mitchell regarding his experience of going into law enforcement from the military and becoming an instructor. Thom and Chris also discuss with Jim the changes in the training mentality over time, being...

Episode 15: Dealing with Difficult Managers and Supervisors

Thom and Chris discuss some common tools and techniques on dealing with difficult managers and supervisors in a law enforcement setting. Thom and Chris use their real world experience in law enforcement to demonstrate how they personally dealt with difficult...

Episode 14: Difficult Employees

Thom and Chris discuss how supervisors and managers effectively deal with difficult employees. Thom and Chris talk about specific ways that supervisors can effectively deal with difficult employees and also how supervisors can encourage, teach, and lead employees in the...

Episode 13: Politics

Thom and Chris discuss how politics play a role in law enforcement community, in the discharge of the officer’s duties and how politics influence public perceptions of law enforcement. Politics will always be a part of the law enforcement culture...

Episode 12: Guardian vs. Warrior

There have been many discussions about this concept. Some people believe that guardian mindset is the proper mindset for law enforcement while others believe that the warrior mindset is necessary for survival. Thom and Chris discuss the tenants of both the...

Episode 11 – Entering the Law Enforcement Career

Choosing law enforcement right out of school can lead to a lifelong career that is rewarding and fulfilling. Law enforcement is also a viable option for people who are looking for a career change or the second job after retirement....

Episode 10: Stress Management

At some point, everyone feels stressed.  But for police officers, who are in positions of authority and making life and death decisions on a regular basis, stress can have a major negative impact on the officer’s life. One of the biggest...

Episode 9: Ethics

It’s often said that no other profession demands a higher ethical standard than law enforcement.  Law enforcement officers must live in a fish bowl.  Friends, relatives, neighbors, and strangers watch every move law enforcement officers make, both on and off...

Episode 8: Supervision, Management, and Leadership

Supervision, management, and leadership are key fundamental principles in the public safety arena. Each level of supervision, management, and leadership has specific tasks and goals that need to be accomplished in order for the public safety agency to achieve its desired goals...

Episode 7: Use of Force (Part 2)

Use of force is a hotly debated topic in this country.  Police use of force can shock the conscience of society.  Law enforcement agencies are looking for ways to reduce use of force and at the same time maintaining control...

Episode 6: Use of Force (Part 1)

Use of force is a hotly debated topic in this country.  Police use of force can shock the conscious of some in society.  Law enforcement agencies are looking for ways to reduce use of force and at the same time...

Episode 5: Communications (Part 2)

Neuro-linguistic programming: Neuro-linguistic programming is a collection of techniques and strategies that can be learned and lead to excellence.  NLP explores the connection between neurological processes, language and experiential behaviors that enable success. Hypnosis: Forensic Hypnosis is the use of the...

Episode 4: Communications (Part 1)

Communication is the process of sending and receiving messages through verbal or nonverbal means including speech or oral communication, writing or written communication, signs, signals, and behavior. De-escalation is an important aspect of law enforcement communication.  De-escalation techniques are a necessary skill for law enforcement.  The public expects law...