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.

The use of force in law enforcement is a critical and often controversial topic. Traditional methods, such as prone restraint, have come under scrutiny due to their potential for escalating situations and causing harm. As the landscape of policing evolves, there is a growing need for innovative techniques that prioritize safety, effectiveness and de-escalation.

In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley is joined by returning guest Rener Gracie, a prominent figure in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the head of Gracie University. Rener introduces the SafeWrap system, a groundbreaking technique developed to address the shortcomings of traditional prone restraint methods used by law enforcement. With his extensive experience in training officers, Rener discusses how SafeWrap can transform police practices, reduce injuries and build better relationships between law enforcement and the public.

This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by Skydio. Learn more about how Skydio enhances public safety and operational efficiency by visiting Skydio.com.

In an era where drug policies are evolving, the challenges faced by law enforcement have never been more complex. With the decriminalization and legalization of certain substances, the narrative around drug enforcement has shifted. Yet, the reality on the streets tells a different story. Organized crime, black markets, and overdose deaths continue to rise, posing significant threats to public safety.

On this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Mike Sena, Executive Director of the Northern California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and the Northern California Regional Intelligence Center, who provides a candid look into the ongoing fight against drug trafficking organizations and the societal impacts of drug-related crime.

This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by Skydio. Learn more about how Skydio enhances public safety and operational efficiency by visiting Skydio.com.

The evolving landscape of law enforcement recruitment and training brings both significant challenges and promising opportunities. As police departments strive to attract and retain new talent, some agencies are shifting away from traditional training models toward approaches that resonate better with Gen Z recruits.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Hank Prim, Supervisory Special Agent and State Law Enforcement Standards and Training Administrator in South Dakota, about South Dakota's approach to law enforcement training, particularly the shift from high-stress, military-style academies to a more collegial and problem-based learning environment. Prim discusses the unique challenges faced by rural law enforcement agencies in recruitment and retention and underscores the importance of building trust within the community by training officers to interact with empathy and professionalism. Prim also shares his views on integrating technology, such as virtual reality, into training to enhance scenario-based learning and better prepare officers for real-world situations.

This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by Skydio. Learn more about how Skydio enhances public safety and operational efficiency by visiting Skydio.com.

The phenomenon of contagious fire, where police officers are influenced to discharge their firearms upon hearing gunfire from their peers, has been a subject of concern and speculation in law enforcement circles.

Recent research spearheaded by a coalition of law enforcement professionals and academics has provided empirical evidence supporting the existence of this phenomenon. The study, titled "An Experimental Test of the Contagious Fire Thesis in Policing," delves into the mechanics and implications of contagious fire, offering valuable insights that could reshape training and operational strategies in policing.

In this week’s episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with the experts who contributed to this groundbreaking research, including John DeCarlo, retired police chief and professor of Criminal Justice at the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences and Eric Dlugolenski, an assistant professor at Central Connecticut State University and a retired police sergeant, who led the study in conjunction with the Farmington (New Mexico) Police Department and the Las Vegas Department of Public Safety. Also joining the discussion are Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe and Chief Jason Potts, the Public Safety Director in Las Vegas.

This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by Skydio. Learn more about how Skydio enhances public safety and operational efficiency by visiting Skydio.com.

Effective policing isn’t just about enforcing laws; it’s about building trust and cooperation with the community. Yet in some communities, there’s a lack of confidence or even mistrust toward the police.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley explores how proactive community engagement can transform police-community relations. He is joined by Dr. Rachel Santos and Dr. Roberto Santos, researchers from the Department of Justice and professors at Radford University in Virginia, who discuss their recent publication "Operationalizing Proactive Community Engagement," which offers actionable strategies for police departments to improve their interactions with communities.

This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

How can we bridge the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve?

In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley explores this pressing question with Jasur Talipov, a college freshman and founder of "Trust the Badge," a nonprofit organization and podcast dedicated to building trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they protect. Through his platform, Talipov brings together law enforcement officials, government representatives and community leaders to discuss critical issues, share perspectives, and work toward enhancing mutual respect and understanding.

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.