What does it really take to wear the badge? In this episode, we sit down with Jared Bassham, Director of the Law Enforcement Training Academy at BRTC, for a candid look inside the world of police training.

Jared shares how a kid raised in a family of educators found his way into law enforcement, working everywhere from school hallways as an SRO to crime scenes as an investigator. Now, he leads the academy that prepares nearly a hundred recruits each year for the realities of the job.

We talk about what recruits actually learn during those 14 weeks, how AI and drones are already changing the way officers work, and why something as simple as listening might be the most important skill for a detective. Jared also reflects on what makes a truly great officer—not just toughness, but relational maturity, genuine care for people, and a strong work ethic.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the walls of a police academy—or what it takes to build officers who will last—this is an episode you’ll want to hear.