Emotional intelligence (EQ) is increasingly recognized as an essential skill in policing, transforming how officers interact with their communities, manage high-pressure situations, and take care of their mental health. At its core, emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, manage and effectively express one’s emotions while navigating i…

This episode was recorded at Axon Week 2024. Axon Week 2025 will take place April 22-25 in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://www.axonweek.com/. In this special episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley interviews Noah Spitzer-Williams, senior principal product manager of generative AI at Axon, about the company's new tool, Draf…

Animal-related incidents, whether cases of neglect, cruelty or dangerous wildlife, can catch even seasoned law enforcement officers off guard. When responding to such cases, officers are often thrust into challenging situations, with limited resources and training on how to manage these unique encounters. Addressing these gaps, the Humane Society’s…

This episode was recorded at Axon Week 2024. Axon Week 2025 will take place April 22-25 in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://www.axonweek.com/. Please note that the first five minutes of this episode features a visual drone demonstration. To view the video of this, visit https://www.police1.com/drones/police1-reports-from-axon-week-the-evolut…

Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs are rapidly transforming public safety by providing police departments with advanced tools to enhance their response capabilities. These programs allow drones to be deployed immediately when a call for service comes in, arriving on scene before officers to provide crucial real-time aerial views. As DFR progra…

This episode was recorded at Axon Week 2024. Axon Week 2025 will take place April 22-25 in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://www.axonweek.com/. In this special episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Rick Smith, the visionary founder of Axon, formerly known as TASER International. Smith talks about the advancem…

The 2024 anniversary of 9/11 marks 23 years since the tragic events that forever altered the course of history and the landscape of public safety. As we move further from that fateful day, the significance of remembering and learning from 9/11 grows even more critical. For many, especially younger generations, 9/11 is transitioning from a lived exp…

In an era where law enforcement faces unprecedented challenges, the call for evolved leadership has never been louder. As communities demand greater transparency, accountability and empathy from their police forces, leaders in policing are tasked with not only responding to these demands but also proactively shaping the future of public safety. Thi…

The use of force in law enforcement is a critical and often controversial topic. Traditional methods, such as prone restraint, have come under scrutiny due to their potential for escalating situations and causing harm. As the landscape of policing evolves, there is a growing need for innovative techniques that prioritize safety, effectiveness and d…

In an era where drug policies are evolving, the challenges faced by law enforcement have never been more complex. With the decriminalization and legalization of certain substances, the narrative around drug enforcement has shifted. Yet, the reality on the streets tells a different story. Organized crime, black markets, and overdose deaths continue …

The evolving landscape of law enforcement recruitment and training brings both significant challenges and promising opportunities. As police departments strive to attract and retain new talent, some agencies are shifting away from traditional training models toward approaches that resonate better with Gen Z recruits. In this episode of the Policing…

The phenomenon of contagious fire, where police officers are influenced to discharge their firearms upon hearing gunfire from their peers, has been a subject of concern and speculation in law enforcement circles. Recent research spearheaded by a coalition of law enforcement professionals and academics has provided empirical evidence supporting the …

Effective policing isn’t just about enforcing laws; it’s about building trust and cooperation with the community. Yet in some communities, there’s a lack of confidence or even mistrust toward the police. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley explores how proactive community engagement can transform police-community relati…

How can we bridge the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve? In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley explores this pressing question with Jasur Talipov, a college freshman and founder of "Trust the Badge," a nonprofit organization and podcast dedicated to building trust between law enforcement officers and the comm…

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a game changer in various fields, including law enforcement. Traditional training methods, while effective, often come with high costs and logistical challenges. VR provides immersive training experiences that replicate real-world scenarios with high fidelity. …

In the complex and often high-stakes world of law enforcement, officers are frequently called upon to navigate crises involving individuals who may be armed, in severe emotional distress, or posing a danger to themselves and others. The expectation is clear: resolve the situation swiftly and with minimal force. However, this is easier said than don…

In every organization, leadership is crucial. Vision and strategic planning can propel an agency forward, but these cannot occur in isolation. Leaders often hesitate to share their strategies for achieving goals and outcomes. Yet, great leaders share their vision and include others in the planning process to reach these goals. In this episode of Po…

The National Association of Police Athletic/Activities League, Inc. (PAL) stands as a beacon of community engagement, fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and youth through mentorship, recreational activities and educational programs. With over 300 chapters across the United States and the world serving two million youths aged 5…

In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley welcomes Thor Eells, Executive Director of the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA). With over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, Eells shares his expertise on current NTOA activities and trends in SWAT training and deployment. He discusses challenges facing tactical teams today,…

Drug addiction is often described as a public health crisis, with the United States seeing a significant rise in overdose deaths over the past two decades. Despite various approaches ranging from harm reduction to using alternative drugs for rehabilitation, the effectiveness of these strategies remains questionable. With overdose deaths soaring fro…

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and its Office for Bombing Prevention (OBP) are at the forefront of maintaining national security, working closely with local police to prevent and respond to threats involving explosive devices. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Jeff Dade, sec…

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various industries and policing is no exception. AI offers tools that can enhance efficiency, accuracy and overall effectiveness in law enforcement. However, the adoption of these technologies also raises critical questions about privacy, bias and the ethical use of AI in public safety. In this episod…

Recently, we saw a first-of-its-kind arrest of two middle school students who created deepfake nude images of their classmates. This arrest marks a new milestone for law enforcement as they consider how to address the use of generative AI relative to child sexual abuse material and nonconsensual deepfakes — by even juvenile offenders. The rapid adv…

In the latest episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Alison Esposito, a former NYPD Deputy Inspector who is now making a bid for Congress. The episode dives into the pressing issues facing law enforcement today, including the movement to defund the police, the repercussions of policy changes following the 2020 prote…

In this week’s episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley welcomes Sheriff Scott Rose, host and producer of the "Officer Down Memorial Podcast," to discuss the genesis of his podcast and the importance of advocating for the families of fallen LEOs and mental wellness resources for law enforcement. Elected as the 26th Sheriff of Dodge …