Police Use of Force, The Controversy and Crime

Police Use of Force, The Controversy and Crime: A Police Chief Speaks. Special Episode. Few issues spark as much public debate, controversy, and division in America today as policing, particularly when it comes to the use of force. From nightly news reports to viral clips on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms, the conversation often feels polarized and oversimplified. Jeffrey Halstead is the guest on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, available for free on their website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and most podcast platforms.

But what happens when the microphone is given to someone who has lived the profession, commanded officers during critical incidents, and faced the hard truths of law enforcement leadership? The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms.

Retired Police Chief Jeffrey Halstead has done just that. With over 30 years in policing, including service as a Commander with the Phoenix Police Department and as Chief of Police in Fort Worth, Texas, Halstead offers a perspective rooted not in headlines, but in real-life decisions, policies, and crises. Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin .

On an episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast available for free on their websits, plus on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms, Halstead shared candid insights about crime, crisis management, and one of the most controversial aspects of policing: police use of force. Police Use of Force, The Controversy and Crime: A Police Chief Speaks. Special Episode.

A Career Defined by Service and Leadership

Halstead’s law enforcement journey began in Phoenix, Arizona. The Phoenix Police Department is accredited through the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, which emphasizes professionalism, integrity, and accountability.

“The Phoenix Police Department was where I learned the foundation of policing,” Halstead said. “It wasn’t just about making arrests. It was about protecting life, seeking justice for victims, and building lasting community partnerships.” Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.

After a distinguished career in Phoenix, Halstead retired at the rank of Commander. In 2008, he accepted the role of Chief of Police in Fort Worth, Texas, a rapidly growing city in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. The Fort Worth Police Department, founded in 1873, serves more than 978,000 residents with nearly 1,900 sworn officers. Its motto, “Service with Respect, Dedicated to Protect,” reflects the balance between community trust and enforcement that Halstead tried to uphold.

During his tenure, Halstead was responsible for introducing body-worn cameras, a decision that was not without controversy at the time. “There was skepticism about cameras,” he recalled. “But I knew they would bring transparency and help strengthen public confidence. Today, they’re considered essential tools.” Police Use of Force, The Controversy and Crime: A Police Chief Speaks.

The Realities of Police Use of Force

One of the most misunderstood elements of law enforcement, according to Halstead, is the use of force.

“People often see a 20-second clip on social media and draw conclusions,” he explained. “But they don’t see the totality of the incident, the fear, the resistance, the split-second decisions. Every action an officer takes must meet a very strict legal standard.” The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms.

That standard is grounded in the Supreme Court’s 1989 decision in Graham v. Connor, which established that the level of force used by an officer must be “objectively reasonable” based on the circumstance