Policing Matters

When we talk about officer safety, our minds often go straight to firearms and physical confrontations — but one of the deadliest threats doesn’t come from an armed suspect. It comes from traffic. Every year, roadway incidents rank among the top causes of line-of-duty deaths for law enforcement. And while the risk is constant, many agencies still approach this hazard with outdated training, incons...

When a man called 911 in 2015 to report his girlfriend had been kidnapped and he’d been drugged and tied up, police didn’t believe him. The story was too strange, too cinematic — bearing uncanny resemblance to the plot of the movie “Gone Girl.” But the real twist was how wrong law enforcement got it. This episode of the Policing Matters podcast revisits the harrowing true story of Denise Huskins a...

Communities across America strive for safer streets and stronger connections between police and residents, but few achieve transformative success. Once labeled the nation's most violent city per capita, San Pablo, California, dramatically reversed its trajectory by combining targeted technology investments with proactive community engagement. Through strategic use of automated license plate reader...

Crime scene investigation isn’t just the stuff of primetime TV — it’s grueling, unpredictable work that demands a tough stomach, a sharp eye and a commitment to truth. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Gabrielle Wimer, a forensic specialist for the City of Ventura, California, and host of the podcast, The Walls Do Talk . With over 13 years of crime sce...

Women remain significantly underrepresented in law enforcement, especially in leadership roles. But proactive mentorship, targeted training, and authentic conversations about career and family balance can change that dynamic. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with LAPD Captain Julie Rodriguez about her journey from frontline officer to influential leader, high...

Whether responding to a medical emergency, coordinating disaster relief or ensuring officer safety in high-risk situations, public safety radio systems provide mission-critical communications that enable first responders to fulfill their missions. What does it take to ensure these systems remain functional, interoperable and adequately funded? This special episode of the Policing Matters podcast,...

Police officers face immense physical and mental demands on the job. Strength, endurance and overall fitness aren’t just optional — they’re essential for peak performance and long-term health. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks physical fitness with Dru Mejico, a 13-year law enforcement veteran with the Orange County (California) Sheriff’s Department and the fou...

Police work is more than just a job — it’s a reality that shapes those who serve. And when crime fiction is penned by someone who’s lived the job, walked the beat and investigated cases, it carries a different weight. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Dave Case, a retired Chicago Police Department lieutenant who now serves as a police commander in Brid...

From police pursuits to community interactions, " On Patrol Live " on REELZ offers an unprecedented, real-time look at law enforcement in action. Unlike scripted crime dramas, this docuseries captures the unpredictable nature of policing, offering transparency and education for the public while fostering appreciation for officers’ split-second decision-making. In this episode of the Policing Matte...

Leading a law enforcement agency is no easy task — especially in today’s challenging climate. But Sheriff Leon Lott of Richland County, South Carolina , has cracked the code. Now in his eighth term, Lott oversees nearly 900 personnel with an annual budget of $48 million. His leadership has earned him national recognition — and built a department where officers stay, without the recruitment struggl...

The use of force by law enforcement remains one of the most scrutinized and debated aspects of policing. While officers receive extensive training on force applications, public perception and policy shifts often reshape how they can respond to threats. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Joshua Coleman, vice president of the California Force Instructors Ass...

In an era where technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, law enforcement agencies are grappling with how to integrate new tools effectively. Drones, real time crime centers, artificial intelligence and digital forensics are reshaping the landscape of policing, offering agencies the ability to process vast amounts of data, enhance situational awareness and improve officer decision-making. B...

  Police recruitment and retention have become two of the biggest challenges facing law enforcement today. Agencies across the country struggle to attract qualified candidates and keep them engaged, while leadership gaps and cultural stagnation exacerbate the issue. But one department is proving that building a strong agency isn’t about flashy incentives or temporary hiring sprees — it’s about cul...

  The debate over police officer education requirements has been ongoing for decades, but today, it's more pressing than ever. With some states mandating a college degree for police officers, agencies face law enforcement hiring challenges, balancing police recruitment needs with preparing officers for the evolving demands of the profession. Does a college degree for police officers produce better...

Public safety agencies are evolving, and one of the most impactful shifts is the integration of civilian professionals into leadership and operational roles. While police officers and firefighters bring critical field expertise, civilian leaders contribute specialized knowledge in management, technology, finance and strategy — helping agencies run more effectively. In this episode of the Policing...

In a special crossover edition of Police1’s Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley joins forces with Aaron Zamzow, a firefighter from Madison, Wisconsin, and host of FireRescue1’s Better Every Shift podcast , to explore the critical intersections of police and fire department roles during emergencies. From the recent wildfires in California to active shooter scenarios, their conversation highli...

Technology is changing the game in public safety. From smart city tools to real-time crime centers, police departments are using innovations like IoT devices, drones and advanced analytics to stay one step ahead. These high-tech solutions don’t just help solve crimes faster — they also make officers’ jobs safer and strengthen connections with the communities they protect. By combining modern tools...

Campus police departments serve as both protectors and partners, ensuring university safety while engaging deeply with the campus community. These agencies address unique challenges, from advanced training to diverse recruitment strategies, making them leaders in law enforcement innovation. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, Chief Brent Plisch from the University of Wisconsin-Madison...

The recent murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan has sparked widespread discussion on the importance of private security and executive protection. While the tragedy raises questions about situational awareness and risk management, it also highlights the growing demand for skilled professionals in the security sector. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Du...

Policing is one of the most demanding professions and advancing through the ranks comes with unique challenges, particularly for women in law enforcement. Retired Assistant Sheriff Sasha Larkin brings decades of experience to this conversation. From managing sleepless nights to building community trust during critical moments, Larkin exemplifies what it takes to thrive in a high-pressure environme...

  Leadership is the cornerstone of any successful law enforcement agency, especially in a dynamic and challenging era. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley engages with Chief Troy Weisler of the New Mexico State Police to discuss how leadership drives operational success, builds trust within the ranks and connects officers with the communities they serve. From strategic...

Real-Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) are transforming how law enforcement agencies approach crime prevention and response. These centralized hubs leverage technology such as drones, automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and gunshot detection systems to provide officers with real-time data and situational awareness. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Major Pat...

This year has been a transformative year for law enforcement, marked by unprecedented challenges and critical turning points. From navigating thinning ranks to addressing societal and institutional pressures, officers have faced extraordinary demands. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley welcomes Tom Gandy, host of the War Stories podcast , to reflect on the defining mo...

At a time when law enforcement faces unprecedented recruitment challenges, agencies often struggle to attract and retain candidates who embody the right mix of skills, values and emotional intelligence. While some departments rely on traditional methods, the Rochester Police Department (RPD) in New York has taken a bold and innovative approach. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host...

As law enforcement faces significant challenges in recruitment and retention, understanding generational shifts has never been more critical. With Gen Z officers entering the workforce, police leaders are navigating the unique traits and expectations of this new cohort. This generation, shaped by technology, a need for meaningful work, and a different approach to risk and resilience, requires fres...