Black Arm of the Law

Black Arm of the Law

Black Arm of the Law is a powerful and thought-provoking podcast that explores the complexities of being Black in law enforcement. Hosted by Dr. RaShall Brackney, former Chief of Police in Charlottesville, Virginia, the show dives deep into the personal and professional experiences of those navigating the often unseen and misunderstood intersection of race, justice, and public safety. Through honest conversations and critical insights, the podcast sheds light on how race and identity shape the lives and careers of Black officers behind the badge. Each episode tackles timely and urgent topics—from systemic bias and the politicization of civil service to the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. The show also confronts the cultural and emotional tolls of working within institutions not built with marginalized communities in mind, while highlighting the need for reform, accountability, and human-centered policing. At its core, *Black Arm of the Law* is about truth-telling, empowerment, and transformation. With voices from across the spectrum of law enforcement, the podcast uplifts stories of resilience, leadership, and advocacy. Whether discussing civil rights, community safety, or mental health, this series invites listeners into a critical dialogue on justice, equity, and the future of public service.

Episodes

Crime No Crime

July 7, 2025 • 33 mins
In this powerful Part One episode of Black Arm of the Law, Dr. RaShall Brackney sits down with the Johnson Bell family—a multi-generational force in the legal world whose dedication to justice, education, and community empowerment is nothing short of inspiring. From courtroom victories to grassroots advocacy, the Johnson Bell family shares their unique and collective journeys in the legal profession. They discuss the development o...
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Hashtags & Headlines: ICE Raids and the Erosion of Civil Rights

June 21, 2025 • 18 mins
In this Hashtag & Headlines episode of Black Arm of the Law, Dr. RaShall Brackney joins the conversation to address the recent ICE raids in Los Angeles and the unsettling impact on immigrant communities. She sheds light on the aggressive, militarized tactics deployed in urban neighborhoods and raises deep concerns about threats made by law enforcement leaders. Dr. Brackney draws the connection between these actions and the larger e...
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Journal Of A Black Woman In Blue

June 13, 2025 • 47 mins
In this powerful episode of Black Arm of the Law, host Dr. RaShall Brackney sits down with retired Detective and author Brenda Tate to explore her incredible journey through law enforcement, addiction, recovery, and resilience. Brenda, author of Journal of a Black Woman in Blue, opens up about her early leadership experiences, the barriers she broke as a Black woman in a male-dominated profession, and the childhood trauma that sh...
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Journal of a Black Woman in Blue

June 5, 2025 • 40 mins
In this powerful episode of *Black Arm of the Law*, host Dr. RaShall Brackney sits down with retired Detective and author Brenda Tate to explore her incredible journey through law enforcement, addiction, recovery, and resilience. Brenda, author of *Journal of a Black Woman in Blue*, opens up about her early leadership experiences, the barriers she broke as a Black woman in a male-dominated profession, and the childhood trauma that ...
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Hashtags and Headlines

May 23, 2025 • 17 mins
In this episode of Black Arm of the Law, host Dr. RaShall Brackney breaks down the urgent and complex issues plaguing the American justice system. From a crisis of police integrity in Raleigh, to controversial legislation emerging from Alabama, to the far-reaching impact of political appointments in Washington — Dr. Brackney connects the dots between local events and national consequences. As the episode closes, she reflects on the...
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Re-Release: Slavery by Another Name – A Conversation on the 13th Amendment and Prison Labor Part 2

May 8, 2025 • 51 mins
In this powerful re-release of Black Arm of the Law, Dr. RaShall Brackney moderates a deeply moving and timely conversation about modern slavery in America and the prison industrial complex. Featuring a diverse panel of advocates and thought leaders, the discussion unpacks the exception clause of the 13th Amendment—the legal loophole that allows for forced labor as punishment for a crime—and how it continues to fuel systemic injust...
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The 13th Amendment

May 1, 2025 • 42 mins
**Re-Release: Slavery by Another Name – A Conversation on the 13th Amendment and Prison Labor** In this powerful re-release of *Black Arm of the Law*, Dr. RaShall Brackney moderates a deeply moving and timely conversation about modern slavery in America and the prison industrial complex. Featuring a diverse panel of advocates and thought leaders, the discussion unpacks the exception clause of the 13th Amendment—the legal loophole ...
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Policing (IN)Justice: A Preview

April 24, 2025 • 65 mins
In this episode of the Black Arm of the Law Podcast, host Dr. RaShall Brackney engages in a deep conversation with the co-authors of her upcoming book Dr. Kishon Hickman and Aaron Fichtelberg about the complexities of the criminal justice system, the evolution of policing, and the concept of justice. They explore historical contexts, current challenges in law enforcement, and the impact of community relations on policing. The dis...
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Headlines & Hashtags

April 17, 2025 • 30 mins
In this Headlines & Hashtags episode of Black Arm of the Law Podcast, Dr. Rochelle Brackney discusses the current political landscape, focusing on recent protests, deportation cases, and the implications of state power on local law enforcement. The conversation highlights the intersection of race, immigration policies, and the threats to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Additionally, the episode explores the economic p...
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A Story of Mentorship and Self Awareness

April 3, 2025 • 56 mins
In this episode of the Black on the Law Podcast, host Dr. RaShall Brackney talks with Superintendent Orlando Lilly, the first African-American superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resource Police. They discuss Lilly's extensive background in law enforcement, his personal experiences that shaped his career, and the importance of mentorship and community support in navigating challenges within the field. The conversation highlights...
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Women In Policing

March 27, 2025 • 61 mins
In this episode of the Black Arm of the Law Podcast, host Dr. RaShall Brackney engages with prominent women in law enforcement to discuss the unique challenges they face in their careers. The conversation covers the current landscape for women in policing, the importance of the Women's Empowerment Committee, and the mental health stressors that disproportionately affect women in the field. The guests share personal experiences and ...
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AI In Policing Part 2

March 20, 2025 • 43 mins
In this episode of Black Arm of the Law, Dr. RaShall Brackney and guests discuss the intersection of AI, public safety, and policing. They emphasize the importance of ethical AI use, the need for rigorous testing and transparency, and the potential for innovative AI solutions to enhance officer wellness while addressing biases in policing. RaShall Brackney, Ph.D. (00:00) And this is where we need sisters like Stephanie Silvestri to...
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AI In Policing Pt. 1

March 13, 2025 • 40 mins
In this episode of Black Armor the Law, Dr. RaShall Brackney and guests discuss the intersection of AI, public safety, and policing. They emphasize the importance of ethical AI use, the need for rigorous testing and transparency, and the potential for innovative AI solutions to enhance officer wellness while addressing biases in policing.
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Navigating the Challenges of Law Enforcement Today

March 6, 2025 • 76 mins
In this conversation, Dr. Rhonda Glover-Reese and Bill Borden discuss the current state of law enforcement, particularly focusing on the FBI and the impact of recent executive orders on civil servants. They explore the threats posed to law enforcement and communities, the politicization of civil service, and the role of Inspectors General. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by agents in the FBI, the political dynamics w...
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Black Arm of the Law

January 30, 2025 • 32 mins
In this Headlines and Hashtags episode of the Black Arm the Law podcast, host Dr. Rachelle Brackney delves into the history and implications of presidential pardons in the United States, exploring their use from George Washington to Donald Trump. The conversation transitions into the symbolism and controversies surrounding the 'thin blue line' in policing, particularly in relation to systemic racism and police accountability. The e...
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Headlines and Hashtags

November 28, 2024 • 39 mins
In this episode, Dr. RaShall Brackney discusses pressing issues in the criminal legal system, focusing on racism, police accountability, and the implications of Stand Your Ground laws. The conversation highlights recent political commentary, particularly from RFK Jr., and examines how systemic racism continues to affect communities, especially in the context of law enforcement and legal frameworks.
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13th Amendment Pt. 2

November 21, 2024 • 51 mins
In this episode of Black Arm of the Law, Dr. RaShall Brackney leads a profound discussion on the ongoing issues of modern slavery and the prison industrial complex. The conversation features a diverse group of advocates who share their insights on the 13th Amendment, the exception clause that allows for forced labor, and the systemic injustices faced by incarcerated individuals. Personal stories and experiences highlight the urgent...
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The 13th Amendment

November 14, 2024 • 42 mins
In this episode of Black Arm of the Law, Dr. RaShall Brackney leads a profound discussion on the ongoing issues of modern slavery and the prison industrial complex. The conversation features a diverse group of advocates who share their insights on the 13th Amendment, the exception clause that allows for forced labor, and the systemic injustices faced by incarcerated individuals. Personal stories and experiences highlight the urgent...
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Proximity Pt. 2

October 31, 2024 • 33 mins
In this episode of Black on the Law, Dr. RaShall Brackney and Dr. Cameron Gilbert discuss the intersections of healthcare, mental health, and policing, particularly in marginalized communities. They share their personal backgrounds, highlighting their experiences with poverty and systemic neglect. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues, the role of law enforcement in crises, and t...
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Proximity Pt. 1

October 24, 2024 • 43 mins
In this episode of Black Arm the Law, Dr. RaShall Brackney and Dr. Cameron Gilbert discuss the intersections of healthcare, mental health, and policing, particularly in marginalized communities. They share their personal backgrounds, highlighting their experiences with poverty and systemic neglect. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues, the role of law enforcement in crises, and ...
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