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 timely discussion set against the backdrop of First Responder Wellness Week. Guest Troy Anderson, who serves as the Executive Director, Officer Safety and Wellness, for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), shares expert insights into making this critical transition a successful one. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

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, policies and practices within the law enforcement community. This approach not only aims to improve the effectiveness of policing methods but also strives to foster a greater degree of accountability and transparency within the field. By grounding decisions in empirical evidence, the law enforcement community can more confidently address complex challenges, ranging from crime prevention to community relations, in an increasingly data-driven world. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Dr. Jerry Ratcliffe, a leading figure in the realm of evidence-based policing. With a career that began in the UK before transitioning to an academic role at Temple University, Ratcliffe brings a unique blend of practical experience and scholarly insight to the conversation. The author of "Reducing Crime: A Companion for Police Leaders" and "Evidence-Based Policing: The Basics," and host of the Reducing Crime podcast, Ratcliffe’s perspectives shed light on the critical role of evidence-based practices in shaping the future of law enforcement, advocating for a policing model that is not only responsive but also anticipatory, driven by data and committed to continuous improvement. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

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 Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Lindsey Wade, a Senior Law Enforcement Specialist at RTI International, about the intricacies of cold case investigations, highlighting the critical role of emerging technologies and the unwavering dedication of investigators in bringing long-awaited justice. With 21 years of experience as a Tacoma, Washington police officer and detective, Lindsey Wade has investigated a wide array of crimes, including sexual assaults, child abuse, missing persons and homicides. Notably, she played a pivotal role in creating the Tacoma Police Department's Child Abduction Response Team (CART), the first CART in Washington state to be certified by the Department of Justice. Since retiring from active duty, Wade has continued her mission to solve cold cases, utilizing DNA evidence to uncover the truth behind unsolved crimes. She recently published a true crime memoir titled, “In My DNA: My Career Investigating Your Worst Nightmares,” and is the author of "DNA’s delayed justice: The fight to fill the gaps in CODIS," published on Police1. About our sponsor 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.

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 president of the Police Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), to discuss the formation of the West Coast Law Enforcement Coalition and its efforts to address these pressing concerns. The episode offers a deep dive into the intricacies of policing, the impact of legislation and the quest for effective solutions to improve public safety and law enforcement professionalism. About our sponsor 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.

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 investigative methods, law enforcement agencies are experiencing a renaissance in cracking cases that have remained unsolved for years, if not decades. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks to Detective Matt Hutchison of the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety in California about his innovative approach to investigating cold cases that have led to remarkable successes in solving crimes long thought unsolvable. Joining the force in 2008 and becoming a detective in 2015, Hutchison's career is a testament to the power of persistence, cutting-edge forensic science, and the collaborative effort between law enforcement and the community. Hutchison's insights into the world of cold case investigations not only shed light on the complexities and challenges of these endeavors but also celebrate the triumphs of justice achieved through dedication and innovation. This episode of Policing Matters is a compelling reminder of the impact that law enforcement officers can have on the lives of those seeking closure and the relentless pursuit of truth that defines their work. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

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 the complexities of officer-involved shootings and the potential for reducing gun fatalities. Axon has initiated an ambitious project: the Axon Public Safety Gun Fatality Database. This database, a product of meticulous research and analysis in collaboration with the Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR), aims to provide groundbreaking insights into shooting deaths involving officers and civilians from 2021 through June 2023 across all U.S. jurisdictions. The discussion pivots on the genesis and objectives of Axon's Moonshot goal and the database. Guests Mike Wagers, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Axon, and Ty Nguyen, Senior Data Scientist, discuss the unique approach and methodology behind the database, highlighting how it stands apart from existing studies. The episode also explores the initial findings and their implications for enhancing law enforcement training, decision-making and safety. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

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 flexibility to choose their weapons. Key topics discussed include the importance of firearm sighting and accuracy, the role of test and evaluation (T&E) programs in weapon selection, and the challenges faced by smaller agencies with limited budgets in acquiring and maintaining their firearms and safety equipment. About our sponsor 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.

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 patterns empowers agencies and communities with valuable, actionable data on police-community trust and other critical public safety issues. In today’s episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Jonathan M. Wender, Ph.D., president and co-founder of Polis Solutions, about the benefits body-worn camera analysis can bring to police departments, officers and the communities they serve. About our sponsor 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 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 approach that intricately links police workload with financial planning. This method presents a stark contrast to traditional budget models, offering a more nuanced understanding of how resources can be allocated effectively to meet operational needs. As this concept gains traction, it promises to reshape the landscape of policing, leading to a more efficient and responsive approach in law enforcement agencies. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with the creator of activity-based budgeting for law enforcement, Dr. John Shane, a former police captain and current professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Their discussion illuminates the intricacies of ABB and its implications for law enforcement agencies. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

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 hacktivism that are targeting public safety agencies highlights the need for agencies to come together on cyber threat intelligence sharing now more than ever.   In April 2022, Motorola Solutions established the Public Safety Threat Alliance (PSTA), the first Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency or CISA-recognized Information Sharing and Analysis Organization, that serves as a cyber threat intelligence hub for the global public safety community.   In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley delves into the rising threat of cyberattacks targeting public safety agencies. With insights from Motorola Solutions' experts Jay Kaine and Tony McIntosh, the discussion highlights the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, the establishment of the Public Safety Threat Alliance (PSTA) and practical strategies for agencies to safeguard their systems. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.