Trust The Badge

In this episode, retired Riverside, Illinois Police Chief Tom Weitzel joins us to discuss his 37-year career in law enforcement, the innovative approaches to community policing during his tenure, and the multifaceted challenges facing the police profession today. Chief Weitzel delves into the impact of legislation, the defund the police movement, and the environment post-George Floyd, focusing on issues like recruitment, officer morale, and training. He also shares personal insights on leadership, the importance of community engagement, and the repercussions of the recent Sonya Massey case. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on the current and future state of policing.

If you would like to contact Chief Weitzel, you can reach him by email: [email protected]

Or by X (formerly Twitter): @ChiefWeitzel

Join us as Officer Wesley Hartkemeyer from Wisconsin delves into his journey and the revolutionary self-reporting system he co-founded, Ireport. Designed to improve the efficiency and community engagement in modern policing, Hartkemeyer explains how Ireport enables citizens to self-report incidents, freeing up police resources and fostering better relations. He also discusses his unexpected path to law enforcement during the rise of the BLM movement, the challenges faced by police today and the importance of technology in bridging gaps between the police and the community. Learn more about this pioneering system and how it aims to transform policing for the better in this episode. For more information and to try the demo, visit ireport.us

Join us as retired Lafayette Police Chief Patrick Flannelly shares his 27-year career in law enforcement, from patrol officer to chief. Learn about his diverse roles—from SWAT team leader to narcotics task force member—and his commitment to community outreach and officer wellness. Now the host of the Coptimizer Podcast, Flannelly discusses the evolving relationship between police and communities, the impact of technology, and his advice for current and aspiring officers. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the challenges and rewards of policing. You can find the Coptimizer Podcast on any streaming platform.

Join Mr. Steve Kellams, a retired law enforcement veteran with over 30 years of experience in municipal policing in Indiana. Mr. Kellams discusses his career journey from patrol officer to captain of administration. He shares his passion for training new officers and insights on current law enforcement challenges. Mr. Kellum also talks about his inspiration for joining the force, the importance of effective field training, and the current 'war on cops'. Additionally, he introduces his Blue Canary Podcast and his ongoing contributions to the law enforcement community through professional training services. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on policing, training, and the evolving landscape of law enforcement.

Website: bluecanaryconsulting.com

Join Sheriff Mina as he recounts his career journey from the United States Army in 1987 to becoming the chief of Orlando Police in 2014 and finally being elected as the Sheriff of Orange County in 2018. He discusses his commitment to community policing, implementing numerous programs to foster trust and engagement, including the Teen Academy, Police Athletic League, community barbecues, and the innovative gaming trailer. Sheriff Mina also shares his thoughts on law enforcement challenges, recruitment, trust-building, and the evolving relationship between the police and the community. Tune in to learn about Sheriff Mina's inspiring story and his vision for the future of law enforcement.

Join Congressman Marc Molinaro of New York’s 19th Congressional District as he discusses his extensive career in public service, his journey to the U.S. House of Representatives, and his strong advocacy for law enforcement, public safety, and mental health services. Congressman Molinaro shares his experiences as a village mayor, county executive, and state assemblyman, detailing his efforts to enhance the relationship between law enforcement and the community. He addresses key issues such as challenges with New York's bail reform, border security, and the impact of the 'Defund the Police' movement. Additionally, Molinaro emphasizes the importance of proper training, community engagement, and legislative measures to strengthen public safety and trust in law enforcement. Don't miss this insightful conversation about building safer communities and supporting the men and women in uniform.

Join Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly as he discusses his extensive career in law enforcement, his innovative guardianship policing approach, and the importance of community relationships in reducing crime. Staly, who is running for re-election, shares his thoughts on the 'defund the police' movement, current challenges in law enforcement, and the critical need for more deputies to match the growing population of Flagler County. Learn about the opportunities for aspiring law enforcement officers through the Explorer Program and why Flagler County could be the right place for you.

Sheriff Peyton Grinnell is the sheriff of Lake County, Florida. He shares his career trajectory from his service in the Marine Corps, joining the Lake County Sheriff's Office, to becoming the sheriff. We discuss initiatives Grinnell implemented to improve community policing and engagement, his stance on law enforcement issues, and officer wellness's importance. The sheriff also shares his views on building trust within the community and the value of body cameras in ensuring accountability.

Mr. Kash Patel is the former Chief of Staff to Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller, served as the Deputy Assistant to President Donald Trump, and was Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council. He discusses various topics including the FBI raid on Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence, his perspectives on federal law enforcement and the need for reforms, the accountability of those involved in targeting Trump, the defund the police movement, and the importance of trust in law enforcement.