Episode 118: Why Public Safety Is Failing And Who’s Really To Blame with Tom Hovagim

On this episode, Kevin hosts retired NYPD Detective Thomas Hovagim, the current Director of POPPA, an organization that provides peer assistance to police officers. Hovagim shares his extensive background, including his tenure with the NYPD and his subsequent roles post-retirement. The discussion delves into the creation and importance of POPPA, which started in 1996 in response to a spike in police suicides. Hogan explains POPPA's unique position as a confidential, independent entity separate from the NYPD, dedicated to offering mental health support and resources to NYPD officers. The episode covers the training and functioning of POPPA, its funding sources, and its trauma response initiatives. Additionally, Hovagim speaks about their outreach programs for retirees and the significant impact of 9/11 on law enforcement's mental health. The episode aims to raise awareness and encourage officers and retirees to utilize POPPA’s services for their well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices