December 25, 2024

Reasons We Serve Podcast - Episode 88 with The Gray Line and Story Behind the Blue Line Podcast host David Contreras, RET San Diego Police Detective Sergeant

2 hours 32 minutes

THE STORY BEHIND DAVID CONTRERAS, RET. SAN DIEGO POLICE DETECTIVE SERGEANT.

Years of Service: 1985-2015 Born in Tijuana, Mexico, David came to the United States and, as a young child, knew he wanted to become a police officer. As David explains, he always had a sheepdog mentality. He was always looking to defend the weaker kids who were getting picked on by bullies and saw law enforcement as a way to protect others from being preyed upon. As a young man, David became the founder and Executive Director of the New Life Rehabilitation Center for drug addicts and hardcore gang members. David explains that it was here that he learned his communication skills and began his education in how to deal with gang members and drug addicts and developed a philosophy to never believe anyone without first looking into the facts. David was later hired as a corrections officer, where he worked with maximum security inmates and developed expertise in gangs. He furthered his street education in dealing with people from all walks of life. At 28 years old, David was recruited by a mentor to the San Diego Police Department, where he began a long and storied career. With 8 months on patrol, David talks about what it was like working in San Diego in heavy crime and gang-ridden areas and tells the story of purchasing drugs in full uniform. Throughout his career, David has worked in the gang unit, internal affairs, narcotics, and community relations, as well as as the assistant to the police chief.

Most importantly, David worked for the Criminal Intelligence Unit, which worked as the Mexican Liaison group, working directly with the Mexican Government on crimes such as rape, robbery, narcotics, and murder. The CIU unit worked in Mexico, where David and his team often searched for suspects from the United States hiding in Mexico. David is the co-author of the book “When the Music Stops! The Pain Begins,” which discusses the troubles law enforcement officers have experienced in reintegrating into society after a career in policing. David is also working on his second book about active shooters, their mentality, and the after-effects. Finally, David is the co-host of three podcasts. The Gray Line, The Story Behind the Blue Line, where he and his co-hosts talk to guests about law enforcement and suspects they dealt with, and the spin-off podcast, Ash Wednesday, discuss numerous topics. If you love God, Family, Country, Whiskey, and a great cigar, this podcast is for you. Lastly, “The Three Chingones” is a boxing podcast where David and his co-hosts discuss past and present boxers and boxing matches and provide their analysis.erview with retired San Diego Police Department Sergeant Detective David Contreras

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