To Protect and Serve: Lessons from Three Decades on Patrol with Michel Kershner

Michel Kershner provides an illuminating insider's perspective on the realities and challenges of police work. Kershner shares his journey from being inspired by his uncle, a retired Pennsylvania State Police Trooper, to navigating the initial culture shock of entering law enforcement from the Marine Corps.

Kershner emphasizes the importance of officers approaching each situation with empathy, thick skin, and adaptability, as no two incidents are alike. He sheds light on the misconceptions perpetuated by police dramas on television, noting that real police work involves grinding investigation and community interaction rather than quick resolutions.

The episode delves into the evolving landscape of police vehicles, with Kershner sharing his experiences with various models, from the beloved Ford Crown Victoria to the current Dodge Charger. He recounts high speed pursuits and the impressive durability of the Crown Victoria, which survived multiple collisions during his tenure.

About the Guest:
Michel Kershner is a police officer with over 30 years of experience in law enforcement. Prior to his police career, Kershner served in the Marine Corps, which instilled discipline and structure that he carried into his work as an officer. He has extensive experience as a field training officer and a passion for collecting police patches from across the United States.

Key Takeaways:

• Effective police work requires officers to approach each situation with empathy, adaptability, and thick skin, as they navigate the complexities of the job and interact with diverse communities.
• The realities of police work often differ from televised depictions, with a greater emphasis on thorough investigations, community engagement, and the challenges of solving crimes in the real world.
• Purchasing retired police vehicles can be a rewarding experience, but it is crucial to perform due diligence and research the vehicle's history.
• Kershner shares his experience driving a Crown Victoria through a wall during a pursuit, highlighting the vehicle's tank-like build quality and ability to withstand significant damage.
• The Dodge Charger, a more recent addition to police fleets, offers improved speed and performance compared to the Crown Victoria, making it well-suited for pursuit situations.

Additional Resources:

• Explore the wild world of government surplus at Municibid
• Learn more about Government Surplus Vehicles: https://blog.municibid.com/the-government-surplus-vehicle-guide/ 
• Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor History: https://blog.municibid.com/the-ford-crown-victoria-police-interceptor-history/
• The History of the Dodge Charger Police Interceptor: https://blog.municibid.com/the-history-and-evolution-of-the-dodge-charger-police-car/

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