Leon County Sheriff's Office Podcast

Public Information Officer Javonni Hampton sits down with Brad Janowski, Director of Reentry and Inmate Programs for the Leon County Sheriff's Office, to discuss the critical journey of helping individuals successfully return to society. Dive deep into the realities of the criminal justice system, the core pillars of successful reintegration, and inspiring stories of transformation.

-- In this episode, Brad Janowski details his journey into reentry work and shares how the LCSO facility aims to provide true interventions rather than mere interruptions.

-- Listeners will learn about the foundational three-legged stool for post-incarceration success: housing, employment, and transportation.

-- The conversation explores systemic barriers, such as driver's license suspensions and back child support, that hinder successful reintegration.

-- Brad shares powerful, real-life success stories from his decades in corrections, proving that long-term change and redemption are entirely possible.

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This is episode 020.

Find more information here: https://www.leoncountyso.com/

Inside the Training Room: How LCSO Prepares Deputies for the Unexpected

-- The Leon County Sheriff's Office conducts specialized defensive tactics training to prepare deputies for sudden inmate attacks while prioritizing safety for everyone involved.

-- Training sessions incorporate martial arts and jiu-jitsu style techniques designed to minimize harm during close-quarters interventions.

-- De-escalation is emphasized as a primary strategy, training officers to talk subjects through crises and resolve conflicts before physical tactics become necessary.

-- Scenario-based training replicates high-adrenaline environments to help officers manage tunnel vision and maintain composure under extreme pressure.

-- Officers undergo continuous instruction and CPR certification to ensure skills remain sharp and responses are second nature in the field.

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Find more information here: https://www.leoncountyso.com/

Empowering Youth Through Connection

The Leon County Sheriff's Office recently launched a vibrant summer tour designed to connect directly with the community's youth through interactive and memorable experiences.

-- The summer connection tour is built on three core initiatives: Snow Cones with the Sheriff, Operation Cool Down, and Sheriff Walk the Safe to Start.

-- Deputy Hall brings a unique perspective to his role, utilizing his background as a school program coordinator to bridge the gap between deputies and students.

-- Operation Cool Down brings refreshing water games and treats to local neighborhoods, allowing children to interact with deputies in a relaxed, playful environment.

-- Building early trust helps youth understand the importance of obeying laws while realizing that law enforcement officers are approachable community helpers.

-- The overarching goal of these outreach efforts is to ensure young people know they are supported and never alone in their life journeys.

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Find more information here: https://www.leoncountyso.com/

-- The heat unit combines internet crimes against children and special investigations to target human exploitation and trafficking.

-- Digital forensic analysts support the entire sheriff's office by extracting, analyzing, preserving, and reporting digital evidence for various crimes.

-- Contrary to popular television depictions, real digital forensic work requires intense screen time and deep investigation rather than rapid Hollywood magic.

-- Proactive operations send a clear message to both the community and potential offenders that these serious crimes will not go unnoticed or unpunished.

-- A victim-centric approach ensures that all investigative work focuses heavily on bringing closure and justice to victims and their families.

-- Career opportunities within the Leon County Sheriff's Office offer rewarding paths for individuals ready to make a real impact on public safety.

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Find more information here: https://www.leoncountyso.com/

Mentorship Changes Everything

In this episode, we explore the vital work being done to guide young men toward accountability, personal development, and better life choices. Through specialized programs like anger management classes, behavioral health support, and consistent check-ins, students are learning how to pause before reacting and navigate difficult situations.

-- Hear personal reflections from students on how mentorship has helped them course-correct and avoid severe legal consequences.

-- Learn how CSMB bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world skills through campus events, sports, and career services.

-- Discover the profound impact of having a consistent, supportive role model in a young person's corner.

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Find more information here: https://www.leoncountyso.com/

-- School Resource Deputies act as both protectors and mentors, providing vital safety measures while establishing trusting relationships with students.

-- Continuous training throughout the year ensures that deputies stay ahead of new challenges, laws, and student trends.

-- Deputies handle everything from campus security to summer adventure camps, creating positive touchpoints outside of traditional classroom settings.

-- Building long-term connections allows deputies to watch students grow from kindergarten through high school, often inspiring future careers in law enforcement.

School is back in session, and School Resource Deputies are stepping up for another year of keeping campuses safe. In a recent interview, Deputy Ryan Zanner with the Leon County Sheriff's Office shared insight into what it truly means to serve as an SRD. While campus protection against active threats and law enforcement matters remains a primary duty, the most rewarding aspect of the job lies in mentorship and building genuine trust.

-- SRDs serve as trusted resources for students, offering guidance on personal issues, mental health, and safety concerns before situations escalate.

-- Training is a year-round commitment for the unit, covering firearms, driving tactics, defensive strategies, and updates learned through annual conferences like Fazro.

-- Programs like the Leon County Sheriff's Office adventure camps offer free summer activities, allowing students to interact with deputies in plain clothes and build lasting, positive relationships.

-- Deputies encourage open communication, urging students and families to reach out to trusted adults or law enforcement early when facing challenges.

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Find more information here: https://www.leoncountyso.com/

Join host Javonni Hampton on the Leon County Sheriff's Office podcast as she hosts Captain Larry Bourdeau, a veteran with nearly thirty years of service in law enforcement. From growing up in Schenectady, New York, to being inducted into the Law Enforcement Hall of Fame at the Florida Public Safety Institute, Captain Bourdeau shares the pivotal moments, mentors, and mindset that have defined his distinguished career.

In this episode, you will discover:

-- How early experiences with police paramedics in New York sparked a lifelong calling to serve others.

-- The power of mentorship and why pouring wisdom into the next generation of deputies creates a lasting legacy.

-- Captain Bourdeau's perspective on de-escalation, empathy, and addressing common misconceptions about law enforcement.

-- Personal insights into his life outside of work, including his passion for Caribbean cruises and spending time with family.

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This is episode 019.

Find more information here: https://www.leoncountyso.com/

In this insightful episode, host Javonni Hampton sits down with Chief Ron O'Brien of the Leon County Sheriff's Office. With nearly 28 years of dedicated service, Chief O'Brien shares his personal journey from growing up in rural New Jersey and serving in the U.S. Army to leading some of the most critical divisions in local law enforcement. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at the daily operations of uniform patrol and special operations, clearing up common public misconceptions about legal authority, and explaining why true community safety requires everyone to be "all in."

-- From Dispatch to Division Chief: How a military transition and a helpful mentor set Chief O'Brien on his career path.

-- Understanding Uniform Patrol and Special Operations: What it takes to manage first responders, daily emergency calls, and large-scale public events.

-- The Community Bank Account: Why trust with the public is built one encounter, one "deposit" at a time.

-- Clearing Up Misconceptions: The real line between what law enforcement legally can and cannot do.

-- The Power of Mentorship: Why pouring into fellow deputies and helping others succeed is the most rewarding part of the job.

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This is episode 018.

Find more information here: https://www.leoncountyso.com/

"Leadership means being a resource to your team."

— Captain James Pittman

What happens when a law enforcement agency willingly shines a light into its own dark corners to build ultimate community trust? In this episode, Javonni Hampton sits down with Captain James Pittman of the Leon County Sheriff's Office to explore his career and current position with the Office of Inspector General. From his early calling to restore order in chaos to leading revolutionary research partnerships with local universities, Captain Pittman pulls back the curtain on modern policing, true accountability, and why public safety is ultimately a shared community responsibility.

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This is episode 017.

Find more information here: https://www.leoncountyso.com/

In this inspiring episode of the Leon County Sheriff's Office podcast, host Javonni Hampton introduces listeners to Brittany Christie, the woman driving the agency's community initiatives, neighborhood outreach, and crime prevention programs. Brittany opens up about her deep roots in Tallahassee, her professional journey through the Salvation Army, and how she seamlessly blends a degree in criminology with a profound passion for public service. Her story reveals that true community work is far less about a job description and much more about an authentic calling to serve.

-- Discover how a mother's early lessons in volunteering at a local shelter ignited a lifelong passion for community service in a young girl.

-- Learn about Brittany's inspiring professional transition from the Salvation Army to law enforcement, where she bridges her criminology background with impactful neighborhood initiatives.

-- Hear the moving personal story of family devotion that altered her career path and firmly rooted her commitment to serving the Tallahassee community.

-- Get an insider look at the exciting summer outreach programs, including Operation Cooldown and the Safety Star series, designed to bring joy and safety to local youth.

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This is episode 016.

Find more information here: https://www.leoncountyso.com/