Policing In America

David A. Klinger is a professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, a researcher of deadly force, and the author of  Into the Kill Zone: A Cop's Eye View of Deadly Force , His publications are numerous and a simple Google search will reveal several incredible papers and articles penned by Prof Klinger.  I hope you enjoy the episode as much as I enjoyed reco...

This episode I had the honor of speaking with the wonderful and amazing Marlee Liss.  Marlee is single-handedly changing how justice looks and feels - depsite centuries of traditional punishment systems.  Marlee's work has been  featured  in Forbes, Huff Post, Buzzfeed, the Mel Robbins Show and more. As an  award-winning speaker, she's delivered talks for: National Sexual Assault Conference, Vande...

In this episode, I sit down with Professor Steven James of Washington State University to explore one of the most overlooked variables in modern policing: sleep. We talk about what happens when human physiology collides with high-stakes decision-making — and how chronic fatigue quietly shapes reaction time, emotional regulation, judgment, and public safety outcomes. If we demand professionalism, r...

In this episode we speak with James Bueermann.  Chief Jim Bueermann (ret.) is the Founder and President of the Future Policing Institute, a think tank dedicated to advancing policing that is effective, empathetic and just. He has been involved in various aspects of policing since 1978. From 1978 to 2011 he was a member of the Redlands Police Department (CA). His last 13 years with the RPD he serve...

In this gripping episode, I sit down with Rashmi Airan , whose fall from grace exposed the quiet power of rationalization, cultural pressure, and the slow erosion of integrity. From the courtroom to a prison camp, Rashmi's story is a masterclass in how smart people can make devastating choices—and how redemption starts with radical honesty. For law enforcement professionals, this isn't just a caut...

By far the most emotional podcast I have done.  Paul Hutchinson is a modern day hero.  He has walked through the gates of hell to meet the Devil himself in order to save the most innocent among us.  Please enjoy this episode!   If you want to support Paul (see below)   Get the first 3 chapters of Paul's book for free: soundoffreedombook.com   Websites: Liberating Humanity Website:  liberating-huma...

Former CIA counterterrorism officer Michele Rigby Assad joins us to talk espionage, fear, intuition, and how to own your presence in the world's most dangerous places. This isn't Jason Bourne, because that's Hollywood.  Michele lived that life without any safety nets.  Often times she was alone and her only "weapons" were her abilities to read the situation and make the best decisions available; ...

In this episode, Sgt Tom sits down with Professor, philosopher, and martial artist Barry Lam to unpack the hidden costs of rule-heavy systems in high-stakes professions like policing. Together, they explore why too many rules can actually undermine judgment, initiative, and moral reasoning on the front lines. From the ethics of discretion to the neuroscience of decision-making, this conversation c...

In this we hear from a former FBI Cyber Special Agent who pulls back the curtain on how data can be a game-changer in the fight against crime—but also reveals the startling ways many police agencies are getting it wrong. Our conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities of leveraging data for public safety. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a law enforcement professional, or just curiou...

Ret. Captain Christine Collins is a decorated veteran and trauma nurse during a pivotal deployment to Afghanistan in 2009. Stationed at Bagram Air Base, she found herself at the epicenter of the conflict, tirelessly working to save the lives of American troops, Afghan civilians caught in the crossfire, and even enemy fighters. Through her raw and poignant memoir, Christine unveils the physical and...

I have been wrestling with the recent news reports about the historic plummeting of crime rates for some time.  I am left thinking, "Don't believe your lying eyes."  Depending on which news outlets you watch you might have a very different perspective on crime.  The left tells you the drop in crime is historic - https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/04/30/trump-crime-fbi-data...

Donovan Brit is a US Army Veteran, a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Krav Maga, and the creator of the Las Vagas Combat Academy.  https://lasvegascombatacademy.com/ Donovan shares his unique insights on police use of force, self-defense, and how to prepare for the worst-case scenario.  

Scott Savage is the founder of The Savage Training Group.  A police training and education company committed to providing the highest quality police training and education.  Scott recently retired from policing as a Lieutenant.  During his time in law enforcement Scott worked a variety of units including SWAT.  His unique experiences and perspectives coupled with his incredible skill-set makes him...

Peter J. Forcelli is a retired Deputy Assistant Director from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He served for 15 years with the N.Y.P.D., before retiring from the Bronx Homicide Task Force. Mr. Forcelli is a survivor of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on the World Trade Center, and the lung cancer that he later developed because of his work in the resc...

In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with a nationally recognized journalist and winner of multiple Golden Mic awards Steve Gregory of KFI news.  Steve shares his extensive knowledge on the media, the coverage of policing, national versus local news, and how agencies can create partnerships with the media to enhance policing relations and perceptions of policing.   Steve's Instagram - h...

Chip Huth has spent more than four decades building his leadership credentials.  From growing up in poverty, to leading an internationally recognized SWAT unit, to speaking on a TED stage, Chip shares with us his incredible story, lessons he learned the hard way, his mistakes, and his incredible accomplishments.  Personally, Chip is someone I look up to and someone who inspires tens of thousands o...

In the world of policing Trauma informed care is taught to police officers so that officers can better deal with community members experiencing mental and emotional crisis.  However, very little time is spent on officers interacting with each other through the lens of trauma informed care.  September is Law Enforcement suicide awareness month.  Our guest, Dr. Michelle Gundy, is making it her profe...

During this podcast I have a robust conversation with award-winning writer/director Mathew Solomon.  Despite our different points of view, perspectives, and opinions we find a great deal of common ground and hopefully set the example for how dialogue and debate should occur.  

Bob Scales shares his insights and experiences with Seattle PD and their Consent Decree.  Fair-minded, reasonable, and academically rigorous Bob is a pleasure to listen to and has a lot to say.

In this episode, I continue my post-Memphis series with Dr. Frank Tortorello.  Dr. Tortorello is a trained and educated cultural anthropologist, author, researcher, and strategist.  Dr. Tortorello has a number of articles and his book can be found here https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B08N6R8F44&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_P81GM772XRDZAXDCP72P   Is it police culture or pers...

Democratic Strategist, nationally syndicated radio host, and FOX News contributor Leslie Marshall and I discuss what many in policing see as a no-brainer. Media Bias when it comes to covering the police.  Leslie is known for her honesty and fair perspective.  Hear what she has to say about this topic and the racism in America today.  

Stafanie Faye is a neuroscience specialist who has worked with Google, Stanford, UC San Diego Medical school, the Department of Defense, the Canada School of Public Service, and many more.   To learn more about this incredible woman please visit her website here https://stefaniefaye.com/   In this episode, Stefanie and I discuss a wide range of policing issues and how a better understanding of neu...

Elizabeth Franklen-Best, a 20-year attorney, has been reversing criminal convictions for 15-plus years.  We discuss a component on the Criminal Justice system that does not get as much attention as policing; criminal sentencing. Elizabeth is a pragmatic, intelligent, attorney who values public safety.  She also fights for those who many have written off; the incarcerated.  It was a pleasure to tal...

Peter Kirsanow is a distinguished US Commission on Civil Rights member and a practicing attorney.  Mr. Kirsanow believes data should drive public policy, not emotions, not feelings, and certainly not the media.  

Sgt Tom speaks with Jessica Nordell about the social and cognitive phenomena of bias.   Can police departments foster trust and legitimacy with those they are sworn to protect and serve through a better understanding of bias?  Are the right incentives in place to encourage fair and just policing? To learn more about Jessica and her amazing work please visit https://www.jessicanordell.com/