Behind the Badge

This episode of Behind the Badge Illinois highlights the Illinois Police Officers Memorial and the mission to honor fallen officers across the state. Committee members and law enforcement leaders share the history of the Springfield memorial, details about the annual May ceremony, and how the organization supports surviving families year-round. The conversation underscores the importance […]

In this episode of Behind the Badge Illinois, David Hochberg dives into the critical issue of traffic safety, featuring law enforcement leaders discussing how agencies across Illinois are working to reduce crashes and save lives. Through data-driven strategies, education, and innovative enforcement tactics, the conversation highlights efforts to change driver behavior, improve roadway design, and...

In this powerful episode, David Hochberg sits down with police chiefs, seasoned fraud experts, and a former bank employee who survived an armed robbery to explore what safety truly means in today’s financial world. From modern scams targeting everyday people to the tactics criminals use inside banks, our guests break down the red flags, the […]

In this season 2 episode, David Hochberg sits down with three experienced police chiefs to delve into their personal journeys, what they have learned along the way, and what they would have done differently, and the advice they have for aspiring police chiefs.

In this episode, host David Hochberg is joined by Lincolnshire Police Chief Joe Leonas and DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd as they dive into the journey officers take from the police academy to the streets, and why training is an integral part of becoming a law enforcement officer.

From high-speed chases to courtroom drama, police TV shows and movies have shaped how the public sees law enforcement. But how much of it is true to life? In this episode, O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman steps in for host David Hochberg with DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd to break down Hollywood’s version of policing. They […]

In this episode, O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman steps in for host David Hochberg with DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd as they explore the essential role of social workers in supporting law enforcement and police social services.

In this episode, host David Hochberg is joined by O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman as they explore the growing role of civilians in supporting law enforcement and enhancing public safety. From community volunteers and citizen patrol groups to non-sworn Community Service Officers, we take a closer look at how everyday people are stepping up to […]

In this episode, host David Hochberg, Lincolnshire Police Chief Joe Leonas, O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman, and others explore the evolving role of School Resource Officers (SROs) and their growing impact on school communities. From their origins in public safety to their current place in educational environments, learn how the responsibilities, expectations, and perceptions of [&#823...

Thinking about becoming a police officer? In this episode, host David Hochberg talks with Lincolnshire Police Chief Joe Leonas and DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd about the hiring process from written exams and physical tests to interviews and background checks. Hear directly from law enforcement leaders about what they’re really looking for in today’s recruits, the […]

In this episode, host David Hochberg is joined by O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman, DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd, and a few special guests. They dive into the complex world of love and law enforcement. What happens when officers fall for each other and try to balance a romantic relationship while working a demanding, high-stress job? […]

In this heartwarming episode of Behind the Badge Illinois, host David Hochberg is joined by O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman, Law Enforcement Torch Run Senior Director George Peterson, along with Special Olympics Illinois Athletes Emmerson Hjort and Alex Huegen. They spotlight the deep and inspiring connection between law enforcement and Special Olympics Illinois. From local fundra...

In this episode of Behind the Badge Illinois, host David Hochberg is joined by DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd and Fairview Heights Police Chief Steve Johnson. Hear them dive into the challenges and growth that come with moving from officer to supervisor in law enforcement. Leaping to a leadership role, such as sergeant, means more […]

On this episode of Behind the Badge, host David Hochberg is joined by Highland Park Chief of Police Lou Jogmen, Founder and President of Unity Partnership Regina Brent and Unity Partnership’s second Vice President Cheryl Clayton. Listen in while they discuss the innovative Unity Partnership and how this partnership is working to build trust, improve […]

On this episode of Behind the Badge, host David Hochberg is joined by Dekalb Chief of Police David Byrd, O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman, and Elgin Chief Ana Lally. Listen in while they discuss what Field Training Officers (FTOs) are and why they are a crucial role in law enforcement.

On this episode of Behind the Badge, guest host O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman is joined by Dekalb Chief of Police David Byrd, and retired Illinois State Police Colonel Mimi McGreal. Listen in while they give listeners an inside look at the world of police dispatchers and telecommunicators—the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the […]

On this episode of Behind the Badge, host David Hochberg is joined by Dekalb Chief of Police David Byrd, O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman, and Vernon Hills Police Chief Pat Kreis. Listen in while they discuss what SWAT is and why this group of highly trained police officers is so important.

On this episode of Behind the Badge, host David Hochberg is joined by O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman, Highland Park Chief of Police Lou Jogmen and Springfield Police Chief and Illinois Association Chiefs of Police Executive Director Kenny Winslow. Listen in while they discuss the importance of public safety to the ILACP. You can watch this […]

On this episode of Behind the Badge, Highland Park Chief of Police Lou Jogmen, in for David Hochberg, is joined by O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman, Dekalb Chief of Police David Byrd and retired Illinois State Police Colonel Mimi McGreal. Listen in while they take a closer look at a recent poll that reveals an […]

On this episode of Behind the Badge, Highland Park Chief of Police Lou Jogmen, in for David Hochberg, is joined by O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman, Dekalb Chief of Police David Byrd and DeKalb County State’s Attorney Rick Amato. Listen in while they explore the crucial role of a state’s attorney in the criminal justice […]

On this episode of Behind the Badge, host David Hochberg is joined by Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy Chief Chris Covelli, Fairview Heights Police Chief Steve Johnson, Rockford Police PIO Michelle Marcomb, and Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police Deputy Director AJ Bailey. Listen in while they discuss the crucial role of Public Information Officers (PIOs) […]

On this episode of Behind the Badge, host David Hochberg is joined by Elgin Police Department Chief Ana Lalley, Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police Deputy Director AJ Bailey, Springfield Deputy Chief Sarah Pickford and Bartlett Police Detective Maha Ayesh. Listen in while they dive into the journeys of remarkable women who are making a […]

On this episode of Behind the Badge, host David Hochberg is joined by Elgin Police Department Chief Ana Lalley. Listen in while the hosts tackle one of the most pressing issues in modern policing: the intersection of artificial intelligence and law enforcement. As AI technology rapidly evolves, so too do the challenges and opportunities it […]

Ever wondered why a routine traffic stop sometimes looks more like a major operation? On this episode of Behind the Badge, host David Hochberg is joined by Dekalb Chief of Police David Byrd and Elgin Police Department Chief Ana Lalley. Listen in while they explore why multiple squad cars are often seen at what seems […]

On this episode of Behind the Badge, host David Hochberg is joined by Dekalb Chief of Police David Byrd and Elgin Police Department Chief Ana Lalley. Listen in while our co-hosts discuss the resiliency of the police force that dealt with the Democratic National Convention in Chicago during the month of August. They also chat […]