Policing Matters

The tragic issue of officer suicide continues to challenge law enforcement agencies nationwide. In recent years, the focus on mental health support within the law enforcement community has intensified, leading to strategies like peer support programs and trauma-focused therapies. By understanding the contributing factors — such as accumulated trauma, organizational stress and personal challenges — agencies can develop comprehensive solutions that address the mental wellness of officers, from recruitment to retirement.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Matt Walsh, Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), who shares his vast experience on the topic of law enforcement suicide. Walsh discusses the groundbreaking data collection efforts by FDLE, which are shedding new light on the true scale of officer suicides. He also highlights FDLE's proactive approaches, such as peer support programs and trauma-focused therapy, aimed at reducing the devastating impact of suicide in the law enforcement community.

This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.

This episode was recorded at Axon Week 2024. Axon Week 2025 will take place April 22-25 in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://www.axonweek.com/.

In this special episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks with Thi Luu, vice president and general manager of virtual reality for Axon, and Andy Wrenn, head of training for Axon, during Axon Week 2024. The three meet to discuss a standout innovation: a self-contained, portable virtual reality (VR) training pod designed to address the common challenge of limited training space.

Axon VR includes specialized controllers that simulate the TASER 10, TASER 7 and even a handgun, offering officers a realistic training experience. This setup enables officers to practice with true-to-life weapons in various scenarios, from static targets to dynamic, fast-moving situations. The VR range allows for extensive, cost-effective practice, providing invaluable experience in deploying TASER energy weapons on moving targets and under different conditions, which traditional training methods often lack.

For a behind-the-scenes look, visit this Policing Matters podcast article on Police1.com/policing-matters to see Jim in person!

This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Axon, a global leader in public safety technology. To learn more about Axon's ecosystem of hardware and software products for policing defense and security, visit Axon.com.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is increasingly recognized as an essential skill in policing, transforming how officers interact with their communities, manage high-pressure situations, and take care of their mental health. At its core, emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, manage and effectively express one’s emotions while navigating interpersonal relationships. For law enforcement, this skill can make the difference between de-escalating a tense encounter and letting it spiral into conflict.

By improving self-awareness, social awareness and relationship management, emotional intelligence training is helping officers make better decisions under stress, communicate more effectively with their teams and the public, and improve overall well-being on and off the job.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley interviews Gregory Campbell, Ph.D., a federal law enforcement veteran and emotional intelligence expert, about the profound impact emotional intelligence can have on policing. Drawing from his extensive experience and research, Dr. Campbell shares insights on how emotional intelligence training is being implemented in police academies and departments across the country. He discusses real-world examples of how developing self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management skills have led to significant improvements in officer well-being, reduced misconduct, and better community relations. From yoga sessions replacing traditional physical training to mentorship programs that enhance emotional resilience, this episode reveals how emotional intelligence is changing the future of policing.

This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.

This episode was recorded at Axon Week 2024. Axon Week 2025 will take place April 22-25 in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://www.axonweek.com/.

In this special episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley interviews Noah Spitzer-Williams, senior principal product manager of generative AI at Axon, about the company's new tool, Draft One, at Axon Week 2024. This tool, Spitzer-Williams tells Dudley, can significantly reduce the time officers spend on paperwork. The conversation dives into the capabilities of Draft One, its potential impact on officer efficiency and morale and the future possibilities for this technology in policing.

For a behind-the-scenes look, visit this Policing Matters podcast article on Police1.com/policing-matters to see Jim and Noah in person!

This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Axon, a global leader in public safety technology. To learn more about Axon's ecosystem of hardware and software products for policing defense and security, visit Axon.com.

Animal-related incidents, whether cases of neglect, cruelty or dangerous wildlife, can catch even seasoned law enforcement officers off guard. When responding to such cases, officers are often thrust into challenging situations, with limited resources and training on how to manage these unique encounters. Addressing these gaps, the Humane Society’s Law Enforcement Training Center offers crucial guidance for officers to navigate these scenarios safely and effectively. This training empowers officers to recognize and respond to animal cruelty, fighting rings, and wildlife-related incidents, helping protect both the community and the animals involved.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with retired Chief Trevor Whipple, now a trainer with the Humane Society’s Law Enforcement Training Center, about the complexities of animal crime investigations. The episode highlights how proper training can help officers safely manage dangerous animals, gather evidence for prosecutions, and prevent tragic outcomes like the use of lethal force on family pets, which often leads to public outrage and lawsuits.

This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.

This episode was recorded at Axon Week 2024. Axon Week 2025 will take place April 22-25 in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://www.axonweek.com/.

Please note that the first five minutes of this episode features a visual drone demonstration. To view the video of this, visit https://www.police1.com/drones/police1-reports-from-axon-week-the-evolution-of-law-enforcement-with-drone-technology.

In this special episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks with Adam Bry, CEO of Skydio, and City of Miami Beach Police Department Sergeant Anthony Loperfido about the revolutionary role of drones in modern law enforcement. The discussion, recorded live at Axon Week 2024 in Miami Beach, delves into the capabilities of Skydio’s latest X10 drone, designed with direct feedback from public safety professionals.

They explore how these advanced drones are transforming police operations, from providing real-time aerial intelligence to enabling autonomous, remote-controlled missions that can significantly enhance officer safety and operational efficiency. This episode sheds light on the future of drones as first responders and their potential to redefine the landscape of public safety.

For a behind-the-scenes look, visit this Policing Matters podcast article on Police1.com/policing-matters to see Jim in person!

This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Axon, a global leader in public safety technology. To learn more about Axon's ecosystem of hardware and software products for policing defense and security, visit Axon.com.

Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs are rapidly transforming public safety by providing police departments with advanced tools to enhance their response capabilities. These programs allow drones to be deployed immediately when a call for service comes in, arriving on scene before officers to provide crucial real-time aerial views. As DFR programs continue to evolve, they are revolutionizing emergency response, offering quicker, more efficient situational awareness and improving outcomes in critical incidents.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, we dive into how Fremont, California, is leading the way with a joint police and fire DFR program. By collaborating across departments, Fremont’s DFR initiative is transforming emergency response times and enhancing situational awareness for both police and firefighters.

Host Jim Dudley interviews three key members of the Fremont DFR program: Lieutenant Heidi Kindorf and Sergeant Ken Kwok from the Fremont Police Department, and Deputy Fire Chief Heather Mozdean from the Fremont Fire Department. Together, they shed light on the city’s unique, collaborative drone as first responder (DFR) program, where police and fire departments work side-by-side to deploy drones in emergency situations. The guests discuss how this joint effort enables faster response times, better situational awareness, and more effective coordination between police and fire personnel.

This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.

This episode was recorded at Axon Week 2024. Axon Week 2025 will take place April 22-25 in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://www.axonweek.com/.

In this special episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Rick Smith, the visionary founder of Axon, formerly known as TASER International. Smith talks about the advancements discussed during Axon Week, including the TASER 10, virtual reality-based training and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on policing.

The conversation delves into how these innovations are poised to enhance officer safety, increase efficiency and reduce critical incidents. With real-world examples and insights, Smith explains the journey from early TASERs to the latest TASER 10, emphasizing its potential to outperform traditional firearms. The episode also explores how virtual reality is revolutionizing training methods, making them more effective and accessible. Additionally, the discussion covers AI tools like Draft One, which streamline report writing, allowing officers to focus more on community engagement and proactive policing.

For a behind-the-scenes look, visit this Policing Matters podcast article on Police1.com/policing-matters to see Jim and Rick in person!

The 2024 anniversary of 9/11 marks 23 years since the tragic events that forever altered the course of history and the landscape of public safety.

As we move further from that fateful day, the significance of remembering and learning from 9/11 grows even more critical. For many, especially younger generations, 9/11 is transitioning from a lived experience to a historical event, making it essential for public safety professionals to ensure that the lessons identified are not only remembered, but actively applied in today's ever-evolving emergency response environment.

In this special crossover episode of the Policing Matters, Better Every Shift and Inside EMS podcasts, Cohosts Jim Dudley, Aaron Zamzow and Rob Lawrence highlight the importance of remembering 9/11 not just as a historical event but as a continuing influence on how public safety agencies operate today.

This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is sponsored by Verizon Frontline, the advanced network and technology for first responders. To learn more, visit verizon.com/frontline.

In an era where law enforcement faces unprecedented challenges, the call for evolved leadership has never been louder. As communities demand greater transparency, accountability and empathy from their police forces, leaders in policing are tasked with not only responding to these demands but also proactively shaping the future of public safety. This conversation delves into how innovative leadership strategies and a renewed focus on culture are paving the way for a more adaptive and resilient policing framework.

In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with Chief Jack Cauley and recently retired Under Sheriff Chris Hsiung, two leaders with distinguished careers in law enforcement and a shared commitment to modernizing police culture. Chief Cauley, who has led the Castle Rock (Colorado) Police Department since 2012, has been a pioneering figure with his “one by one” policing philosophy, which emphasizes individual care and psychological safety. Under Sheriff Hsiung brings his extensive experience in leadership development and community engagement, contributing to his role in shaping forward-thinking law enforcement practices.

Both leaders are also integral members of The Curve, a nonprofit organization dedicated to revolutionizing police leadership. Founded by Simon Sinek and a collective of police chiefs and sheriffs, The Curve provides cutting-edge leadership development and resources to forward-thinking law enforcement leaders. Through their involvement with The Curve, Chief Cauley and Under Sheriff Hsiung are actively working to modernize police culture from the inside out, fostering environments where both officers and communities can thrive.

This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.