Behind the Badge: Leadership Lessons from an LAPD Veteran

In this episode of What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker sits down with Jeff Wenninger, a retired LAPD lieutenant with over 33 years of experience. Jeff shares his journey from overcoming dyslexia and a speech impediment to becoming a leader in one of the most demanding police forces in the country.

Jeff’s path to law enforcement was unexpected—after a negative encounter with police as a college student, he shifted his focus to criminal justice, aiming to create change from within. Over the years, he worked in elite LAPD units, including Metropolitan Division, where he handled dignitary protection for U.S. presidents and celebrities. Later, as a gang enforcement leader, he transformed the way officers were selected and measured, prioritizing integrity, accountability, and real impact over just making arrests.

Now, as the Founder & CEO of Law Enforcement Consultants, Jeff helps police departments nationwide improve training, reduce liability, and rebuild public trust. His forthcoming book, On Thin Ice, presents actionable solutions for reimagining policing in the 21st century.

Key Takeaways:

• "It was an obstacle, but not a barrier." – Jeff on overcoming dyslexia and his speech impediment.
• "I never intended on doing 33 years in law enforcement. I was going to do five years, get my PhD, and be a professor of criminal justice." – Jeff on his unexpected career path.
• "Would you want a surgeon who just barely passed? Then why would you want a police officer with the same mindset?" – Jeff on why excellence matters in law enforcement training.
• "36% of officer-involved shootings involve individuals suffering from a mental health crisis. Yet, only 15-18% of departments provide training for it." – Jeff on the need for better police training.
• "More officers die by suicide every year than are killed in the line of duty. We need to take better care of them." – Jeff on officer well-being.
• "Reform implies something is broken. I don’t like that word. It’s about reimagining policing—how can we do it better?" – Jeff on shifting the conversation around law enforcement changes.
• "80% of people will never have a personal interaction with law enforcement. They form their opinions based on what they see in the news. Police need to control that narrative." – Jeff on the importance of public perception.
• "You have to have the courage to be passionate and strive to achieve. Life is bigger than just you." – Jeff’s answer to What It Takes' signature question on success.

Episode Notes:

📖 Jeff’s Book: On Thin Ice – Pre-order at jeffwenninger.com

🔗 Law Enforcement Consultants: lawenforcementconsultants.com

🔗 Jeff’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeff-wenninger-4247a854