Black Arm of the Law

The conversation explores the importance of formal education in the law enforcement field, specifically focusing on the role of National University in providing accessible education for working adults. The guests discuss the need for higher education in law enforcement, the benefits of critical thinking and diverse perspectives, and the impact of education on policy-making. They also highlight the challenges and inconsistencies in supporting formal education within police agencies across the country. The conversation focuses on the importance of education for law enforcement professionals and the barriers they face in pursuing higher education. The guests discuss the value of diversity and the need for representation in law enforcement. They also highlight the benefits of education in improving communication skills, reducing complaints and use of force incidents, and enhancing professionalism. National University is presented as a solution that offers accessible, high-quality education tailored to the needs of adult learners in the public safety field.

Commissioner Michael Cox discusses his 30-year career with the Boston Police Department and the challenges he faced as a person of color in law enforcement. He highlights the importance of representation and leadership in creating positive change within police departments. The conversation also touches on the Charles Stewart case in 1989 and its impact on the department's practices towards communities of color. Commissioner Cox emphasizes the need for accountability, cultural change, and addressing systemic issues within law enforcement. In this conversation, Commissioner Michael Cox discusses the importance of diversity and representation in law enforcement. He emphasizes the need for leaders who reflect the communities they serve and the value of listening to the concerns and experiences of marginalized communities. Commissioner Cox also talks about the role of body-worn cameras in promoting accountability and building trust between the police and the public. He highlights the importance of professionalism and the duty to render aid in law enforcement. Finally, he shares his hopes for the future of policing and the legacy he wants to leave.

In this conversation, Chief B interviews Assistant Chief Deputy Gina Hawkins about her extensive career in law enforcement and the challenges she has faced as a woman of color. They discuss the importance of representation, navigating different police backgrounds, and the need for collaboration and humility in leadership. Hawkins shares her experiences of advocating for herself and learning to adjust her approach to help others. The conversation highlights the value of diverse perspectives and the importance of supporting and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Gina V. Hawkins discusses the importance of organizations like NALI and NOLI in supporting women in law enforcement. She emphasizes the need for women to have a voice and be represented in leadership positions. Hawkins highlights the 30 by 30 initiative, which aims to have 30% of all police departments across the nation led by women by 2030. She also discusses the importance of mentorship, training opportunities, and building strong foundations within organizations. Hawkins encourages the audience to support and acknowledge women in law enforcement and to advocate for change.

In this episode, Dr. Rachelle Brackney discusses the impact of national incidents on local perceptions of policing. She highlights a study that found negative sentiments towards police increase when national media coverage of police brutality incidents increases. Dr. Brackney also examines recent cases of police misconduct and violence, including the high costs to taxpayers and the impact on communities. She emphasizes the need to reconsider the idea that localized policing shapes perceptions, as larger incidents often have a more significant influence. The episode concludes with a call to share the podcast and engage with the audience.

Leon Ford shares his experience of being shot and paralyzed by police officers during a routine traffic stop. He recounts the events leading up to the shooting, the aftermath, and the legal battles he faced. Despite the challenges, Leon found purpose in sharing his story and advocating for positive change. He started Leon Speaks, a company focused on spreading hope, positivity, and love. Through his journey, he learned the importance of healing and reconciliation. Leon Ford shares his journey of healing and forgiveness after being shot by a police officer. He emphasizes the importance of modeling leadership and practicing what you preach. Leon discusses his involvement with the Heal America movement and the creation of the Here Foundation. He highlights the power of building relationships and bridging divides between communities and law enforcement. Leon also talks about his efforts to inspire young Black individuals and change perspectives through the Hear Foundation. He shares his experience of meeting with the officer who shot him and the power of healing and redemption.

Leon Ford shares his experience of being shot and paralyzed by police officers during a routine traffic stop. He recounts the events leading up to the shooting, the aftermath, and the legal battles he faced. Despite the challenges, Leon found purpose in sharing his story and advocating for positive change. He started Leon Speaks, a company focused on spreading hope, positivity, and love. Through his journey, he learned the importance of healing and reconciliation. Leon Ford shares his journey of healing and forgiveness after being shot by a police officer. He emphasizes the importance of modeling leadership and practicing what you preach. Leon discusses his involvement with the Heal America movement and the creation of the Here Foundation. He highlights the power of building relationships and bridging divides between communities and law enforcement. Leon also talks about his efforts to inspire young Black individuals and change perspectives through the Hear Foundation. He shares his experience of meeting with the officer who shot him and the power of healing and redemption.

In this episode, A.J. Ali, the founder of Love Is The Answer, discusses his film 'Walking While Black' and the importance of improving police-community relations. He shares his personal experience of being stopped by the police and the moment that inspired him to take action. A.J. explains how he transitioned from anger to love and the significance of his brother's last words, 'Love is the answer.' He emphasizes the need for love-based policing and the importance of building real relationships between the police and the community. A.J. also discusses the impact of his film on the next generation of leaders and activists.

Join us for a powerhouse episode of the Black Arm of the Law Podcast, hosted by the incomparable Dr. RaShall Brackney!

In this episode of Black Arm of the Law Podcast, Dr. Rachelle Brackney interviews Carmen Best, the former chief of police in Seattle, Washington. They discuss Best's background, career, and the challenges she faced as a black woman in policing. Best shares her experiences in the military and how it shaped her leadership style. She also talks about her transition from the military to policing and the testing and training experiences she went through. The episode concludes with Best's emotional response to not being selected as the chief of police. Carmen discusses her experiences and leadership lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic and the George Floyd protests. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing misalignment of values and leaving when necessary. Best also highlights the need for nimble thinking and collaboration with unconventional partners during crises. She shares her strategies for coordinating the COVID-19 response and handling the occupation of the precinct. Best concludes by emphasizing the significance of being one's own mentor, ally, and sponsor.

Summary The conversation with Sam Stecklow from the Invisible Institute focused on the importance of transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system, particularly in relation to police misconduct. The Invisible Institute was founded to hold public institutions accountable, with a specific focus on police departments. They have worked to obtain and make accessible data on police misconduct, including through the Citizens Police Data Project. The conversation highlighted the challenges in accessing and analyzing this data, as well as the need for systemic changes to address issues such as wandering cops and the hiring of officers with a history of misconduct. The public was encouraged to educate themselves about public records laws and advocate for transparency and accountability in their communities.

This episode of the Black Armor the Law podcast focuses on corrections and bail reform. The guests include probation and parole officers who discuss their roles and the challenges they face in helping individuals reintegrate into the community. The conversation also delves into the power and responsibilities of probation and parole officers, as well as the impact of caseloads on their work. The guests share their perspectives on bail reform and the need for reimagining places like Rikers Island. Overall, the episode highlights the importance of investing in education, vocational training, and community-based support to reduce recidivism and promote rehabilitation. This conversation explores various aspects of criminal justice reform and the challenges faced in creating meaningful change. The speakers discuss the importance of providing a living wage to individuals reentering society to prevent recidivism. They also emphasize the need for comprehensive rehabilitation programs that offer vocational training and support services. The conversation highlights the impact of private prisons and the need to treat criminal justice reform as an investment. The speakers address the flaws in the bail system and the lack of funding for essential support services. They stress the importance of collaboration, communication, and the allocation of resources to create lasting change. The conversation concludes with a focus on the rewarding nature of the work and the power of planting seeds of change.

Dr. Tracie L. Keesee discusses the work of the Center for Policing Equity and the importance of using data and science in policing. She emphasizes the concept of co-production of public safety and the need for collaboration between law enforcement and the community. Dr. Keesee also addresses the hesitancy to embrace data and science in policing and the challenges of changing organizational culture. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of evidence-based approaches to improve policing practices and build trust with the community. The conversation explores the impact of culture on policing, the need for change and accountability, the importance of awareness and understanding, the global impact of George Floyd's death, the interconnectedness of safety in communities, the importance of action and funding, the different perspectives in policing, the hypocrisy of some police chiefs, the need for consistency and funding for community safety, and the role of policing and safety in communities.

In this episode, Dr. RaShall Brackney interviews Hansel Aguilar, the director of civilian oversight in the city of Berkeley, California. They discuss the history and growth of civilian oversight, different models of oversight, and the pros and cons of each model. They also explore the challenges and expectations of civilian oversight, including managing community expectations and building trust. Aguilar emphasizes the importance of reimagining civilian oversight and establishing national standards and training for oversight practitioners. He also highlights the support and mentorship he has received from the community of practitioners in this field.

The podcast episode explores various pressing issues in the criminal legal system in 2023. It discusses the corruption and lack of accountability in policing and the criminal legal system, highlighting the low number of officers charged and convicted for their actions. The concerns of police officers, including recruitment and retention, are also examined. The episode delves into the attacks on progressive prosecutors who seek to reform the system and the detrimental impact of the school-to-prison pipeline. It concludes by reflecting on the triumphs and achievements of the podcast and expressing gratitude to the guests and listeners.

In this episode, Dr. Rachelle Brackney speaks with Gregory A. Thomas, a former member of the Mollen Commission, about his experience investigating police corruption in New York City. They discuss the need for an outside agency to investigate corruption, the challenges faced by officers reporting corruption, and the importance of internal dismantling. They also explore the impact of corruption on community cooperation and provide advice for officers to avoid corruption. The conversation explores the topics of accountability, leadership, serving the community, and the concept of the aggrieved party in law enforcement.

In this episode, Dr. RaShall Brackney discusses the school-to-prison pipeline with Dr. Kevin F. Gilbert, an expert in education and discipline policies. They explore the impact of school resource officers, the role of principals in disciplinary actions, and the disproportionate impact on black students. They also discuss the need for cultural responsiveness and anti-bias training for educators. The conversation highlights the importance of community involvement in supporting students during suspensions and disrupting the pipeline.

Join Chief B and she breaks down recent stories and social post on law enforcement, law makers and justice reform as only she can do.

This week Chief B talks the science of policing with the owners of Force Metrics. Two brothers Shane and Andre McGregor that have introduced data and analytics to police work for better accountability and service to the community. Check out their personal stories behind the company and with the police the struggle between being Black and Blue.

This week on the podcast, Adam Savage, a New York Times bestselling author, multiple Emmy-nominated producer/host, highly decorated YouTube creator, and internationally acclaimed science communicator, and cosplayer. After more than a decade working in special effects for Industrial Light and Magic/Lucastilm, the Matrix films, and most of the major movie studios, he began hosting Discovery Channel's flagship show Mythbusters in 2002, producing nearly 300 episodes over 13 years, and played in over 100 countries. Stay with us here, Adam is going to do some myth busting on policing that you'll want to hear. Join Chief B for another amazing conversation on the Black Arm of the Law Podcast!

This week Chief B does her monthly run through the hashtags and headlines on police and police related news and stories and breaks them down with her eye on truth and transparency.