Every day, law enforcement officers put themselves in harm's way to ensure public safety and are often severely injured in that process. The repercussions of on-duty injuries can extend far beyond the physical. The aftermath often brings a cascade of challenges that affect not only the injured officers but also their families and colleagues. In thi…

In recent years, law enforcement agencies across the United States have navigated through tumultuous waters, marked by heightened scrutiny and significant shifts in operational norms. This complex landscape has given rise to a phenomenon known as de-policing, where officers may exhibit reluctance to engage proactively due to various external and in…

In the history of American policing, the need for strong, effective leadership has never been more apparent. As law enforcement agencies across the nation grapple with evolving challenges, the role of leadership in navigating these complexities comes into sharp focus. Leadership is not just about guiding an organization through its daily operations…

In a profession as demanding as law enforcement, mental wellness and health are paramount, yet often sidelined. Addressing this critical aspect, the latest episode of the Policing Matters podcast delves into the innovative approaches and best practices for fostering mental health and wellness among officers. Chief Dave Norris of the Menlo Park (Cal…

The landscape of law enforcement in the United States is in a constant state of evolution. From the transition to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) from the traditional FBI Uniform Crime Report (UCR) to the growing need for comprehensive officer training and community engagement strategies, police departments nationwide are navig…

The transition to retirement for law enforcement officers is a journey that often begins much earlier than the last day on the job, yet it is a topic that doesn't always receive the attention it deserves. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley shines a spotlight on the future well-being of law enforcement professionals, a …

The concept of evidence-based policing has increasingly become a focal point in discussions about law enforcement reform and innovation. At its core, evidence-based policing seeks to bridge the gap between scientific research and policing strategies, utilizing the best available evidence to inform, challenge and ultimately enhance the decisions, po…

In the realm of criminal investigations, cold cases have always presented unique challenges and frustrations for law enforcement and affected families. Yet, the advent of advanced forensic technologies, especially DNA analysis and genealogy, has revolutionized our ability to solve cases that were once thought to be lost to time. In this episode of …

The policing landscape on the West Coast has faced significant scrutiny and challenges, from policy decisions and rising crime rates to issues surrounding homelessness, drug abuse and mental health. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Brian Marvel, a seasoned San Diego police officer and the current presiden…

The resolution of cold cases represents a beacon of hope and justice in the often murky waters of criminal investigations. As time passes, the challenges in solving these cases magnify, yet the importance of bringing closure to victims' families and holding perpetrators accountable never wanes. With advancements in forensic technology and investiga…

Axon's Moonshot initiative has an ambitious goal to drastically reduce gun-related deaths in encounters involving police officers and the public. The primary aim of the Moonshot initiative is to reduce these fatalities by 50% within 10 years. In this episode of the "Policing Matters" podcast, host Jim Dudley engages with Axon's experts to unravel t…

When called upon to use your firearm in the line of duty, you need to know that the firearm sighting and accuracy are as reliable as possible. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Chris Broomell about the balance between standardizing firearms for operational efficiency and allowing individual officers the fl…

Polis Solutions recently announced the commercial release of TrustStat, a multi-modal AI system for the analysis of police body-worn camera (BWC) video. TrustStat integrates three kinds of advanced AI technology to enable police agencies and communities to examine key patterns in interactions between officers and the public. Identifying these patte…

In the realm of law enforcement, the start of a new year often brings about reflection and the pursuit of innovative approaches to age-old challenges. At the heart of this transformative period is a crucial, yet frequently overlooked aspect: budgeting and resource management within police departments. Activity-based budgeting (ABB) is a pioneering …

In the first eight months of 2023, cyberattacks against public safety agencies globally had already surpassed 2022 numbers by over 10%. Police departments and municipalities can be an ideal target for cyber extortionists given the mission-critical nature of their work. The growing frequency and sophistication of attacks such as ransomware and hackt…

Since 2020, communities nationwide have seen an increase in large-scale sideshows that have endangered passers-by, the police and the participants, as well as plaguing neighborhoods with noise and associated criminal activities. In this episode of the "Policing Matters" podcast, host Jim Dudley talks to Sergeant John Ampol of the San Diego Police D…

Every year, Police1 columnist Terry Dwyer breaks down United States Supreme Court rulings of significance to law enforcement. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, Terry joins host Jim Dudley to discuss this year's summary. Terry retired from the New York State Police after a 22-year career as a Trooper and Investigator. He is now a tenu…

In this special year-end episode, Policing Matters podcast host Jim Dudley is joined by fellow State Your Case columnist Chief Joel Shults to take a deep dive into the critical issues impacting law enforcement in 2023. Jim and Joel discuss many issues including the current political climate, NIBRS collection, use of force technology, pursuit respon…

Regardless of the topic or issue in law enforcement, whether it is about operations, hiring, retention, or safety, everything comes down to leadership. We're not just talking about leadership by rank, but individual leadership as well. Today’s guest on the Policing Matters podcast, sponsored by Lexipol, has written about leadership and he certainly…

Behavioral Threat Assessment Management (BTAM) stands as a crucial first line of defense in preempting and mitigating acts of mass violence, offering a systematic approach to identifying individuals who exhibit threatening or concerning behaviors. By analyzing these behavioral cues and assessing the potential risks they pose, law enforcement and th…

Policing can create a range of emotions and feelings such as fear, excitement, grief, anger and sadness. Do officers ever catch a break and enjoy some levity and laughter? While policing is mostly serious business, wouldn’t it be great to be entertained by someone who knows about comedy and police work? Today's guest fits that role. Vinnie Montez, …

In 1954, the 83rd U.S. Congress amended the 1938 act that had made Armistice Day a holiday, striking the word “Armistice” in favor of “Veterans.” President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the legislation on June 1, 1954. From then on, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. According to the Department of Justice COPS Office, ne…

Policing strategies based on data and research are needed more than ever in order to deflect criticisms of race, economics and other biases. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, sponsored by Lexipol, host Jim Dudley speaks with Dr. Phllip J. Cook, a criminologist and researcher, about the need to develop effective strategies and program…

Given the nature of the job, police officers will always sustain injuries. If you make an arrest, you may encounter a resistive suspect; if you make a traffic stop, an ensuing pursuit may lead to a traffic collision. Sometimes an injury may be obvious and apparent, but some may be deceptive. Have you ever “shaken it off” after a knockdown, drag-out…

Amid all the grumblings about law enforcement over the years, there have been bright spots of support, which can be hard to see among all the negative chatter. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, sponsored by OfficerStore.com, host Jim Dudley speaks with Craig W. Floyd, founder and president of Citizens Behind the Badge (CBB), a nonpro…