Trust The Badge

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In this episode, I interview Chief Thomas Wetzel, a veteran law enforcement leader with nearly 40 years of experience, to discuss his career, the current challenges facing policing, and his new book A Cop and a Coffee Cup. Chief Wetzel shares powerful insights on leadership, recruitment struggles, officer wellness, and the importance of community-focused policing. This conversation...

In this episode of Trust the Badge, we sit down with Mr. Dave Potvin, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and former federal law enforcement officer with more than 40 years of service. From his time in the Green Berets to serving as a Border Patrol Agent, ICE Deportation Officer, and Assistant Attaché in South Africa, Mr. Potvin brings a rare, full-spectrum perspective on immigration enforcement, national security, and publi...

Please visit teresakondek.com to learn more about Officer Charles Kondek, as mentioned in this episode.

In this episode of Trust the Badge, we sit down with Officer Larry Bird of the Tarpon Springs Police Department. Serving since 2007, Officer Bird shares the story of how a former baseball coach inspired his path into law enforcement, the challenges he faced early in his career, and the lessons that kept him resilient. Now assigned...

With over 36 years of law enforcement experience, Chief Knowles shares his journey from municipal to campus policing, the unique challenges and resources available at a university setting, and the various programs UFPD has implemented to build trust and ensure safety. Key topics include the importance of transparency, innovative training programs, the role of technology, and collaborative initiatives with students. Chief Knowles al...

Kathleen Dias, a monthly columnist for PoliceOne and the voice behind 'The Rural Badge' on social media joins this episode. Ms. Dias discusses her journey into writing about rural policing, shedding light on the challenges faced by officers in remote areas, from funding issues to safety concerns. She also shares personal anecdotes and research findings that highlight the significant risks and obstacles these officers encounter. Thi...

In this episode, retired Riverside, Illinois Police Chief Tom Weitzel joins us to discuss his 37-year career in law enforcement, the innovative approaches to community policing during his tenure, and the multifaceted challenges facing the police profession today. Chief Weitzel delves into the impact of legislation, the defund the police movement, and the environment post-George Floyd, focusing on issues like recruitment, officer mo...

Join us as Officer Wesley Hartkemeyer from Wisconsin delves into his journey and the revolutionary self-reporting system he co-founded, Ireport. Designed to improve the efficiency and community engagement in modern policing, Hartkemeyer explains how Ireport enables citizens to self-report incidents, freeing up police resources and fostering better relations. He also discusses his unexpected path to law enforcement during the rise o...

Join us as retired Lafayette Police Chief Patrick Flannelly shares his 27-year career in law enforcement, from patrol officer to chief. Learn about his diverse roles—from SWAT team leader to narcotics task force member—and his commitment to community outreach and officer wellness. Now the host of the Coptimizer Podcast, Flannelly discusses the evolving relationship between police and communities, the impact of technology, and his a...

Join Mr. Steve Kellams, a retired law enforcement veteran with over 30 years of experience in municipal policing in Indiana. Mr. Kellams discusses his career journey from patrol officer to captain of administration. He shares his passion for training new officers and insights on current law enforcement challenges. Mr. Kellum also talks about his inspiration for joining the force, the importance of effective field training, and the ...

Join Sheriff Mina as he recounts his career journey from the United States Army in 1987 to becoming the chief of Orlando Police in 2014 and finally being elected as the Sheriff of Orange County in 2018. He discusses his commitment to community policing, implementing numerous programs to foster trust and engagement, including the Teen Academy, Police Athletic League, community barbecues, and the innovative gaming trailer. Sheriff Mi...

Join Congressman Marc Molinaro of New York’s 19th Congressional District as he discusses his extensive career in public service, his journey to the U.S. House of Representatives, and his strong advocacy for law enforcement, public safety, and mental health services. Congressman Molinaro shares his experiences as a village mayor, county executive, and state assemblyman, detailing his efforts to enhance the relationship between law e...

Join Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly as he discusses his extensive career in law enforcement, his innovative guardianship policing approach, and the importance of community relationships in reducing crime. Staly, who is running for re-election, shares his thoughts on the 'defund the police' movement, current challenges in law enforcement, and the critical need for more deputies to match the growing population of Flagler C...

Sheriff Peyton Grinnell is the sheriff of Lake County, Florida. He shares his career trajectory from his service in the Marine Corps, joining the Lake County Sheriff's Office, to becoming the sheriff. We discuss initiatives Grinnell implemented to improve community policing and engagement, his stance on law enforcement issues, and officer wellness's importance. The sheriff also shares his views on building trust within the ...

Mr. Kash Patel is the former Chief of Staff to Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller, served as the Deputy Assistant to President Donald Trump, and was Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council. He discusses various topics including the FBI raid on Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence, his perspectives on federal law enforcement and the need for reforms, the accountability of those involved in targe...

Mr. Andre Kirwan is an ex-professional athlete, entrepreneur, and licensed NFLPA & CFLPA sports agent who shares his thoughts on the relationship between the community and law enforcement. Mr. Kirwan emphasizes open conversation, education, and continued community engagement as key strategies for improving these relationships. Throughout the interview, Mr. Kirwan shares personal experiences and expresses his belief in the neces...

Dr. Reinhardt is a former police officer and author of the novel "Rethinking the Police: An Officer's Confession and the Pathway to Reform." He discusses his journey, and the need for reform in police culture, and proposes a new model of policing based on servant leadership. The book aims to address the systemic issues within policing and inform readers about the importance of implementing change. Dr. Reinhardt also s...

Mr. Morales is a former U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. He shares detailed accounts of his work, discussing topics like managing deportation cases, providing humanitarian assistance to desperate detainees, and encountering human trafficking. Morales emphasizes the essential role of law enforcement in society and criticizes media portrayals that paint all law enforcement officers in a neg...