Running Code

Episode 15 features North Precinct Patrol Officer Donte Hobbs. He has served with NNPD for just over two years and feels that law enforcement, and helping youth, is his calling. He didn’t always know that to be true – Officer Hobbs has overcome a number of hurdles in his life to get where he is today, which he discusses in this show. He also talks about his self-help book, How Badly Do You Want It?, his ministry at Liberty Live, and much more.

MPO Aaron Watkins has served with NNPD for more than 13 years. He is currently assigned to the Recruiting Division, but previously worked in patrol, as a business relations officer, and an SRO. In this episode, he talks about his past assignments, his focus on community policing, and mentoring the youth of today.

Episode 13 features Misty Mercer, who has more than 40 years of experience with NNPD. From working patrol in the 1980s, to a distinguished career as a detective, investigator Mercer came out of retirement to serve as a part-time investigator with NNPD’s newly-formed Cold Case Unit, which works to solve older homicide cases.

Episode 12 of Running Code features J.P. Smith. A 24-year veteran of NNPD, Capt. Smith currently oversees the Support Services Division, which includes the records division, training, recruiting and property and evidence units. Capt. Smith also talks about his recently published book and his work on NNPD's CISM Team.

MPO Skip Blanchard is our guest in Episode 11. The self-proclaimed oldest officer on NNPD, Blanchard got his start in policing in 1983 and currently services as the SRO at Warwick High. In this show, he talks about building relationships with people, mentoring younger officers, and much more.

In this episode, Lt. Churchill joins the show. One of our long-time leaders in North Precinct, Lt. Churchill is also the Commander and an 18-year member of the Tactical Operations Unit, a family man and a key voice in the area of officer health and wellness.

In this episode, Sgt. Jeffery Hollandsworth joins the show. He discusses his 21-year career with NNPD, which has included stints in South Precinct, notable assignments with the Tactical Operations Unit (SWAT Team), and now as one of the leaders of the NNPD Training Academy.

In this episode of Running Code, Det. Tesfaya Campbell from the Major Crimes Division is our guest. Det. Campbell talks about his career in the U.S. Air Force before transitioning to the NNPD, the importance of mental health and family, and making the most of second chances. Also, lots of pop culture references.

In this episode of Running Code, we feature Officer Wilfredo Reyes from NNPD's South Precinct. Officer Reyes, a five-year veteran of the department, talks about his New York roots, what drew him to law enforcement, the Hispanic/Latino community in Newport News, and the importance of family.

Our latest installment of Running Code features a homegrown product of Newport News, Assistant Chief Brandon Creswell. The Newport News native has served with NNPD for more than 20 years, working numerous and varied assignments before rising through the ranks to Assistant Chief in 2020. Among other topics, Chief Creswell talks about his family’s history in Newport News, some of his most enjoyable assignments and moments as an officer, and what leadership means to him. And yes: he, too, has a funny Capt. Tietjens story.