Precinct 444: The National Law Enforcement Museum Podcast

Big data technologies are changing policing and it is important that everyone understands how they are affecting their community. 

What happens when an algorithm determines you are statistically likely to commit a violent act? What does it mean when a computer decides your police department should stakeout your neighborhood grocery? How can a police department make smart, data-driven decisions about their resources without losing the trust of their community? 

Revisit the Museum's program "Predictive Policing: Forecasting Crime with Big Data" from February 2019 to hear from a panel of experts for a discussion on these questions and more. Panelists from the DC region and other major cities spoke about their experience with predictive policing and what you should know of this new technology.

 Part two closes out this series with a discussion about the fears and concerns of using technology for crime prevention, and the importance of including community leaders and law enforcement when it comes to decision making. Lastly, there is a Q and A with the live audience. 

The Encore series of the Precinct 444 Podcast is an engaging look back at past Museum programs to find insight into historical and contemporary matters facing law enforcement.

Featuring:

• Tracee Wilkins, Investigative Reporter, News4
• Professor Andrew Ferguson, University of D.C., author “The Rise of Big Data Policing”
• Tony Lee, Founder and Senior Pastor, Community of Hope AME Church, Hillcrest Heights (MD)
• Chief Jonathan Lewin, Bureau of Technical Services, Chief Information Officer, Chicago (IL) Police Department

https://nleomf.org/museum/precinct-444/

Big data technologies are changing policing and it is important that everyone understands how they are affecting their community. 

What happens when an algorithm determines you are statistically likely to commit a violent act? What does it mean when a computer decides your police department should stakeout your neighborhood grocery? How can a police department make smart, data-driven decisions about their resources without losing the trust of their community? 

Revisit the Museum's program "Predictive Policing: Forecasting Crime with Big Data" from February 2019 to hear from a panel of experts for a discussion on these questions and more. Panelists from the DC region and other major cities spoke about their experience with predictive policing and what you should know of this new technology.

Part one of this series begins with a discussion about whether this technology replaces or attempts to replace standard "walk the beat" policing, plus the costs associated with data gathering and interpretation, and how this affects the communities where this is implemented. 

Tune in to find out and be sure to check in later this month for part two!

The Encore series of the Precinct 444 Podcast is an engaging look back at past Museum programs to find insight into historical and contemporary matters facing law enforcement.

Featuring:

• Tracee Wilkins, Investigative Reporter, News4
• Professor Andrew Ferguson, University of D.C., author “The Rise of Big Data Policing”
• Tony Lee, Founder and Senior Pastor, Community of Hope AME Church, Hillcrest Heights (MD)
• Chief Jonathan Lewin, Bureau of Technical Services, Chief Information Officer, Chicago (IL) Police Department

https://nleomf.org/museum/precinct-444/

On July 22, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, engaged in a full-day forum of solutions and recommendations to enhance vehicle and roadside safety for our officers. Guests and virtual attendees heard from experts in the field, learned about emerging technologies, and participated in an engaging day of learning and frank discussion on obstacles and on clearing the way to better roadway safety.

The Officer Safety and Wellness team has since spent time reflecting on and reviewing key take aways from the forum. In this special episode of Lifeline, listeners will hear those points, along with a general overview of the day’s topics concerning roadway safety.

Check out the NLEOMF YouTube channel for the full video version later this month!

Lifeline provides content with a holistic wellness approach focused on supporting American law enforcement. This programming is intended to make it safer for those who serve, keeping names off the Memorial walls, and to share best practices to promote overall resilience and survivability.

More info about Officer Safety and Wellness: https://nleomf.org/officer-safety-and-wellness/

https://nleomf.org/museum/precinct-444/

In case you missed the original program back in January 2024, listen to this audio-only version to learn more about the transition from law enforcement professional to civilian. This program brought together experts in financial, spiritual, psychological, and physical wellness to discuss all that an officer needs to know to best prepare for their retirement.

Lifeline provides content with a holistic wellness approach focused on supporting American law enforcement. This programming is intended to make it safer for those who serve, keeping names off the Memorial walls, and to share best practices to promote overall resilience and survivability.

More info about Officer Safety and Wellness: https://nleomf.org/officer-safety-and-wellness/

https://nleomf.org/museum/precinct-444/

The NHTSA 1st Quarter 2025 Traffic Safety Webinar was released back in April to review traffic data from January through March. 

Listen to the initial law enforcement traffic-related fatality statistics for 2025 and a comparison and in-depth analysis of the data. Joining this webinar is Dale Stockton, who will present on the Below-100 safety training program and review the five tenets to reduce injuries and fatalities in law enforcement.

View all of our Officer Safety and Wellness resources: https://nleomf.org/officer-safety-and-wellness/

https://nleomf.org/museum/precinct-444/

Law and Disorder is an insightful take on the true crime world, looking at notable historic cases that have left a lasting effect on law enforcement.

Dan Markel, a Florida State University law professor, was shot and killed in his Tallahassee garage on July 18, 2014, in what authorities later determined was a murder-for-hire plot. The case stemmed from a bitter custody dispute between Markel and his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, whose family disapproved of court rulings that limited her ability to relocate with their children.

In part 1 of this series, we lay out the facts of the case leading to Dan Markel’s murder, as well as the early moments of the trial. Part 2 will be released at a later date once the results of the pending trial has concluded.

https://nleomf.org/museum/precinct-444/

The Encore series of the Precinct 444 Podcast is an engaging look back at past Museum programs to find insight into historical and contemporary matters facing law enforcement.

On October 27, 2013, the National Law Enforcement Museum and the International Spy Museum, sponsored by Target, hosted Witness to History: The Investigation of Robert Hanssen—an event exploring the infamous FBI agent turned Russian spy. Moderated by Craig W. Floyd, with panelists including retired FBI Section Chief Mike Rochford and author David Wise, the discussion delved into Hanssen’s betrayal of U.S. secrets over two decades. Insights from Hanssen’s psychiatrist, Dr. David Charney, highlighted his psychological compartmentalization and complex double life. The panel reviewed investigative missteps, including Hanssen never being polygraphed before his arrest in 2001. Hanssen was later sentenced to life in solitary confinement and died at ADX Florence on June 5, 2023.

This program covers Robert Hanssen’s early career with the FBI, the investigation into his espionage work with the Russians, how he was caught, and why he alluded capture for so long.

https://nleomf.org/museum/precinct-444/

Precinct 444 invites you to meet the artists featured in the National Law Enforcement Museum’s newest exhibit, “Officers as Artists: The Creative Expression of Those Who Serve.” Now open until August 30, 2025.

In today’s episode, you will meet Benjamin Brown, who served more than 28 years with the Prince George's County (MD) Police Department. He spent the remaining years of his career in the homicide unit, and gravitated towards the arts as a way to cope with the stresses of the job and the recent loss of his son. He says, "Painting and woodworking gave me a purpose."

Listen in as Ben talks about his career, his love of art, and the piece currently displayed in the Museum, titled "Pier at the Beach."

Other Content

• Officers as Artists Exhibit

https://nleomf.org/museum/precinct-444/

Joseph Pistone is a former FBI agent who spent most of his 17-year career with the FBI undercover, infiltrating mafia crime families in New York City under the alias Donnie Brasco. Pistone’s work as Donnie Brasco was critical to shaping the best practices of going undercover for Law Enforcement officers. In this episode of Law and Disorder, we will take a look at Joe Pistone’s career and examine that influence that he had on undercover work in Law Enforcement. 

Law and Disorder is an insightful take on the true crime world, looking at notable historic cases that have left a lasting effect on law enforcement.

https://nleomf.org/museum/precinct-444/

Precinct 444 invites you to meet the artists featured in the National Law Enforcement Museum’s newest exhibit, “Officers as Artists: The Creative Expression of Those Who Serve.” Now open until August 30, 2025.

In today’s episode, you will meet Kevin Cotter, who served for 20 years with the LAPD and served with the military prior to entering law enforcement. He couldn't find the time to paint during his career, but in retirement his interest from 50 years ago came right back. Now he paints what he likes to honor the profession.

Other Content

• Officers as Artists Exhibit

https://nleomf.org/museum/precinct-444/