Talking the beat to cover what matters to you as an LEO. Join deputy chief Jim Dudley (ret.) every weekly as he sits down with law enforcement leaders and crimi...
Inside 'On Patrol Live': The TV show bringing real police work to the small screen
From police pursuits to community interactions, "On Patrol Live" on REELZ offers an unprecedented, real-time look at law enforcement in action. Unlike scripted crime dramas, this docuseries captures the unpredictable nature of policing, offering transparency and education for the public while fostering appreciation for officers’ split-second decision-making.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley is joined by Captain Tom Rizzo, an analyst on the show and a seasoned law enforcement leader. He shares what goes into filming “On Patrol Live,” the challenges of maintaining transparency while respecting legal and ethical boundaries, and the overwhelming public response that has reaffirmed the importance of connecting officers with their communities.
"On Patrol Live" airs every Friday and Saturday night on REELZ.
About our sponsor
This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.
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No recruitment crisis: How Sheriff Leon Lott built a department deputies won't leave
Leading a law enforcement agency is no easy task — especially in today’s challenging climate. But Sheriff Leon Lott of Richland County, South Carolina, has cracked the code. Now in his eighth term, Lott oversees nearly 900 personnel with an annual budget of $48 million. His leadership has earned him national recognition — and built a department where officers stay, without the recruitment struggles plaguing other agencies.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Sheriff Lott to discuss the leadership strategies that keep his agency thriving, the key to officer retention, and why he believes the term “peace officer” better reflects modern policing. Sheriff Lott also shares insights from his international work, including training security forces in Iraq and his role in global crime prevention efforts through Crime Stoppers.
Richland County is also one of the agencies featured on “On Patrol: Live,” a reality show that gives viewers a firsthand look at law enforcement in action. Sheriff Lott discusses how the show has impacted recruitment and community relations.
About our sponsor
This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.
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Why police use of force is misunderstood and how bad policies make it worse
The use of force by law enforcement remains one of the most scrutinized and debated aspects of policing. While officers receive extensive training on force applications, public perception and policy shifts often reshape how they can respond to threats.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Joshua Coleman, vice president of the California Force Instructors Association (CALFIA), about the importance of evidence-based training, legislative challenges and why officers often find themselves caught between policy expectations and real-world dangers.
In the discussion, Coleman explains why CALFIA was founded, the challenges of navigating force policies in a post-2020 landscape and how California's legislative changes have impacted officers' decision-making in critical incidents. He also highlights how misconceptions about techniques like the carotid restraint have led to policy decisions that, while well-intentioned, may ultimately put both officers and suspects at greater risk.
About our sponsor
eSOPH is a secure, cloud-based, pre-employment background investigation software system designed specifically for public safety agencies. Used by hundreds of agencies nationwide, eSOPH has been credited with cutting the time it takes to process a pre-employment background investigation by up to 50%, saving agencies significant time, money, and resources without sacrificing investigation quality. For more information, go to eSOPH.com.
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The future of police tech: Smarter systems, faster insights, better policing
In an era where technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, law enforcement agencies are grappling with how to integrate new tools effectively. Drones, real time crime centers, artificial intelligence and digital forensics are reshaping the landscape of policing, offering agencies the ability to process vast amounts of data, enhance situational awareness and improve officer decision-making. But adopting new technology isn't just about purchasing the latest gadget — it requires a shift in mindset, policies and training.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Eric Wood, former IT director for the Chula Vista (California) Police Department and now security and compliance manager at Peregrine, to discuss how law enforcement can navigate these challenges and maximize the potential of emerging technology.
Wood shares insights into the technological advancements that are redefining modern policing and the critical role of AI and data integration in streamlining law enforcement operations. They also discuss the hurdles agencies face when implementing new technology, from officer skepticism to state-level privacy restrictions, and how departments can build confidence in tech-driven policing.
About our sponsor
Peregrine’s real-time decision and operations management platform empowers law enforcement agencies with the data they need to solve their hardest problems and do their best work. Through advanced data integration technology, Peregrine maximizes the impact of your real-time crime center by centralizing and organizing historical and real-time data, making it readily accessible and actionable in the moments that matter most. Visit peregrine.io to learn how your organization can get started.
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'Lead where you are now': How a PD built a leadership-driven culture — and solved recruitment and retention
Police recruitment and retention have become two of the biggest challenges facing law enforcement today. Agencies across the country struggle to attract qualified candidates and keep them engaged, while leadership gaps and cultural stagnation exacerbate the issue. But one department is proving that building a strong agency isn’t about flashy incentives or temporary hiring sprees — it’s about culture.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Hermosa Beach Police Chief Paul LeBaron and retired Air Force Colonel Rick Poplin about how their department has not only achieved full staffing but has also created a leadership pipeline that ensures officers are engaged, supported and set up for long-term success.
Chief Paul LeBaron took over the Hermosa Beach Police Department during one of the most challenging times in modern history: the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Facing staffing shortages, a fractured internal culture and community mistrust, he knew that traditional approaches wouldn’t cut it.
Instead of focusing on quick fixes, he prioritized sustainable leadership development, employee empowerment and a bottom-up approach to innovation. A key element of this transformation was the Leadership and Mentoring Program (LAMP), spearheaded by Colonel Rick Pappin, which has helped officers at every level refine their leadership skills, take ownership of their careers, and contribute to a culture of trust and accountability.
About our sponsor
eSOPH is a secure, cloud-based, pre-employment background investigation software system designed specifically for public safety agencies. Used by hundreds of agencies nationwide, eSOPH has been credited with cutting the time it takes to process a pre-employment background investigation by up to 50%, saving agencies significant time, money, and resources without sacrificing investigation quality. For more information, go to eSOPH.com.
Talking the beat to cover what matters to you as an LEO. Join deputy chief Jim Dudley (ret.) every weekly as he sits down with law enforcement leaders and criminal justice experts to discuss strategy, challenges and trends in policing.
South Africa