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 Dudley sits down with Chuck Andrews, a former law enforcement officer turned corporate security expert with over 40 years of experience, to unpack the complexities of executive protection and its intersection with law enforcement.

This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.

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 environment. Now, as the Director of Intelligence for FIFA’s World Cup events, she shares her journey and offers actionable advice on leadership, career advancement and retirement planning for police officers.

After retiring in May 2024 following a 25-year career with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Larkin reflects on her role as Assistant Sheriff, where she spearheaded efforts in community engagement, counterterrorism and leadership development. In her discussion with Policing Matters podcast host Jim Dudley, Larkin explores the complexities of law enforcement leadership, the significance of resilience and the importance of early retirement planning. She provides practical tips for officers transitioning to new careers, including how to craft targeted resumes, build professional networks and find a meaningful second chapter.

This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.

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 police recruitment initiatives to mentorship programs, Chief Weisler provides a roadmap for fostering resilience, innovation and excellence in policing.

eSOPH is a secure, cloud-based, pre-employment background investigation software system designed specifically for public safety agencies. Used by hundreds of agencies nationwide, eSOPH has been credited with cutting the time it takes to process a pre-employment background investigation by up to 50%, saving agencies significant time, money, and resources without sacrificing investigation quality. For more information, go to eSOPH.com.

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 Patrick Krieg of the Dunwoody Police Department about his experience integrating advanced technologies into law enforcement operations and the recent launch of the agency’s RTCC.

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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 moments of the year. Together, they explore evolving public perceptions of policing, the morale crisis among officers, and the pressing need to strengthen support for those on the front lines.

Tom Gandy brings a wealth of frontline experience to the conversation. As a former patrol officer, field training officer, narcotics detective, and use-of-force expert, Gandy has firsthand insights into the realities of law enforcement. Through his War Stories podcast, he has created a platform for officers, veterans and first responders to share their untold experiences. In this episode, Gandy candidly discusses the morale challenges plaguing officers, the impact of poor leadership, and how technology both aids and complicates modern policing. His observations highlight the resilience of law enforcement professionals and their commitment to serving their communities despite the obstacles.

eSOPH is a secure, cloud-based, pre-employment background investigation software system designed specifically for public safety agencies. Used by hundreds of agencies nationwide, eSOPH has been credited with cutting the time it takes to process a pre-employment background investigation by up to 50%, saving agencies significant time, money, and resources without sacrificing investigation quality. For more information, go to eSOPH.com.

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 Jim Dudley speaks with Sergeant Justin Collins, a veteran officer and director of RPD's Police Recruitment and Workforce Development, about the dynamic program he has created that not only recruits candidates but prepares them to succeed while fostering community connections. This program allows potential police officer candidates to participate in training and community engagement opportunities in preparation for the police exam. Initially designed to keep candidates engaged and create realistic expectations of the duties of a police officer, the program has evolved to include strategies designed to increase representation of women and racial and ethnic minorities from Rochester on the force.

eSOPH is a secure, cloud-based, pre-employment background investigation software system designed specifically for public safety agencies. Used by hundreds of agencies nationwide, eSOPH has been credited with cutting the time it takes to process a pre-employment background investigation by up to 50%, saving agencies significant time, money, and resources without sacrificing investigation quality. For more information, go to eSOPH.com.

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 fresh perspectives on training and leadership.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Dr. Janay Gasparini about how agencies can evolve to meet these demands. Gasparini, a police officer, former field training officer (FTO) and police training expert, is at the forefront of these conversations. She co-authored with Jim Dudley, “Recruitment and Retention of Gen-Z Law Enforcement Officers,” which tackles pressing topics such as the importance of adaptive recruitment methods, the impact of generational traits on training and strategies for fostering resilience among new officers.

eSOPH is a secure, cloud-based, pre-employment background investigation software system designed specifically for public safety agencies. Used by hundreds of agencies nationwide, eSOPH has been credited with cutting the time it takes to process a pre-employment background investigation by up to 50%, saving agencies significant time, money, and resources without sacrificing investigation quality. For more information, go to eSOPH.com.

Traffic stops are one of the most common points of interaction between police and community members, yet they can be fraught with misunderstanding, fear and tension. This disconnect has fueled mistrust and, in some cases, escalated into conflict. Recognizing the urgent need to address these challenges, Dwayne Bryant wrote “The Stop: Improving Police and Community Relations.”

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks to Bryant about the inspiration behind his book and strategies to build trust, and create safer, more constructive encounters during traffic stops.

This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.

In the constantly evolving world of law enforcement, connecting police officers with the latest research is crucial for effective, evidence-based decision-making. Yet, traditional academic publications are often inaccessible, both in cost and in technical language. Applied Police Briefings (APB) steps in to bridge this gap, providing law enforcement with free, practical and concise summaries of cutting-edge research. By transforming academic findings into easily digestible briefs, APB empowers officers and departments to stay informed and apply data-driven strategies in their everyday duties.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with APB founders Craig Bennell and Kirk Luther about their mission to make police-relevant research accessible and impactful. Both established academics and passionate advocates for evidence-based policing, Bennell and Luther saw firsthand how critical findings were failing to reach those in the field. Through APB, they’re addressing this need by curating essential studies, stripping away complex jargon, and presenting them in a format that is meaningful and useful for officers and police leaders alike.

This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, we explore the groundbreaking work of the FBI Behavioral Science Unit. Host Jim Dudley interviews retired FBI agent Jana Monroe, who shares her expertise in serial killer profiling and her experience consulting on notorious cold cases in her book, “Heart of Darkness.”

Monroe, who is known as the real-life inspiration for Clarice Starling in “Silence of the Lambs,” discusses advancements in forensic science and the importance of ethics in true crime media. As one of the first female agents in the FBI Behavioral Science Unit – now known as the Behavioral Analysis Unit – Jana Monroe was involved in over 850 homicide investigations, helping shape FBI profiling techniques used today.

This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.

As the 2024 election draws near, critical issues that directly affect law enforcement are taking center stage in national discussions. Crime reporting, immigration, drug cartels and public safety reforms are just some of the key topics that could see dramatic changes depending on the outcome.

In this special election episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley and retired New York State Police Investigator and Professor Terrence Dwyer delve into how the 2024 election might impact policing in America. The conversation covers a wide range of critical issues, including the handling of ghost guns and red flag laws, the consequences of a porous border and drug cartels, and the role of executive orders in shaping law enforcement policies. Dwyer shares his extensive experience as a former investigator and current professor to offer insights into how officers are coping with staffing shortages, crime trends and public safety reforms. The discussion highlights the pressing need for changes in crime reporting systems and the importance of protecting the mental and physical health of officers on the frontline.

This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.