Powers On Policing
True Crime
Good day and welcome to Powers on Policing; a podcast devoted to the world of law enforcement and criminal investigations from the perspective and first-hand accounts of and by the professionals who have devoted their lives and careers to making our country a better and safer place for all. My name is Bill Powers and I have been active in the law enforcement community for the past five decades. To borrow a phrase, “I know a thing or two because I’ve seen a thing or two.” Working together with my partner Jordan Rich we will present a view of the professions not generally seen or reported on. When you hear an emergency vehicle’s siren grow near or see a uniformed police officer approaching, what are your thoughts? I doubt they cause you to break into a smile, not because of the officer, but because of what they represent. Unfortunately, In the overwhelming amount of encounters the reasons for meeting are not pleasant or positive. Could be there has been an accident with injuries and you were involved or were a witness. Maybe a crime was committed, and you were the victim, or someone is being arrested and you are frightened. Sometimes it is a simple traffic stop and you are getting dinged for a speeding violation. Or perhaps it was a worst case scenario and they are on your doorstop delivering the kind of news that no one wants to hear. Have you ever stopped to consider that the person you are facing is just like you. A human being with a family and friends and feelings with similar beliefs and values. They aren’t the heartless mechanical automatons portrayed in all phases of media, but real people who took an oath of office to serve and protect you and your families from harm. They are the ones that willingly run towards harm while others flee to safety. They are the ones you pray can bring calm to chaos; and they almost always do! The primary objective of our podcast is to shed light on and explore the multi-layered and wide-ranging phases of policing and criminal investigations. Along the way we will also offer an inside look at the collaborations formed between agencies and businesses to fight and solve crime. For example: • We will discuss and explore the work of criminal investigators, crime scene specialists and forensic scientists. • We will look at the roles and responsibilities of coroners and medical examiners and talk about how they are able to determine the cause and manner of someone’s death • We will venture into the courtroom and explore the work of judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys. Think of our time together as a multi-faceted citizens academy; except on steroids. Along the way, we will also delve into related topics about leadership, community policing, current issues in policing etc. And maybe spend a few episodes speaking with true crime and mystery writers about their methods for researching and writing a short story or novel. Thank you for coming with us on our ride-along. and we promise you won’t be disappointed. Some stuff that may be better used as another time. Why now... for too long police have not had a voice in the narrative and it is the right time and place to re-write much of what has been written and give the listener a view from the police side of the yellow crime scene tape. Over the past few years, the general media portrayal of police has turned negative. It seems like news reporters often operating with limited knowledge but making plenty of assumptions about the why and what of the incident, depict the police press reports with skepticism and their actions are questioned as though they were being interrogated about why they took the action they did … Because the media and special interest groups have been dominating and controlling the narrative the police voice or version of the events has been lost in the noise.
Location:
United States
Genres:
True Crime
Description:
Good day and welcome to Powers on Policing; a podcast devoted to the world of law enforcement and criminal investigations from the perspective and first-hand accounts of and by the professionals who have devoted their lives and careers to making our country a better and safer place for all. My name is Bill Powers and I have been active in the law enforcement community for the past five decades. To borrow a phrase, “I know a thing or two because I’ve seen a thing or two.” Working together with my partner Jordan Rich we will present a view of the professions not generally seen or reported on. When you hear an emergency vehicle’s siren grow near or see a uniformed police officer approaching, what are your thoughts? I doubt they cause you to break into a smile, not because of the officer, but because of what they represent. Unfortunately, In the overwhelming amount of encounters the reasons for meeting are not pleasant or positive. Could be there has been an accident with injuries and you were involved or were a witness. Maybe a crime was committed, and you were the victim, or someone is being arrested and you are frightened. Sometimes it is a simple traffic stop and you are getting dinged for a speeding violation. Or perhaps it was a worst case scenario and they are on your doorstop delivering the kind of news that no one wants to hear. Have you ever stopped to consider that the person you are facing is just like you. A human being with a family and friends and feelings with similar beliefs and values. They aren’t the heartless mechanical automatons portrayed in all phases of media, but real people who took an oath of office to serve and protect you and your families from harm. They are the ones that willingly run towards harm while others flee to safety. They are the ones you pray can bring calm to chaos; and they almost always do! The primary objective of our podcast is to shed light on and explore the multi-layered and wide-ranging phases of policing and criminal investigations. Along the way we will also offer an inside look at the collaborations formed between agencies and businesses to fight and solve crime. For example: • We will discuss and explore the work of criminal investigators, crime scene specialists and forensic scientists. • We will look at the roles and responsibilities of coroners and medical examiners and talk about how they are able to determine the cause and manner of someone’s death • We will venture into the courtroom and explore the work of judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys. Think of our time together as a multi-faceted citizens academy; except on steroids. Along the way, we will also delve into related topics about leadership, community policing, current issues in policing etc. And maybe spend a few episodes speaking with true crime and mystery writers about their methods for researching and writing a short story or novel. Thank you for coming with us on our ride-along. and we promise you won’t be disappointed. Some stuff that may be better used as another time. Why now... for too long police have not had a voice in the narrative and it is the right time and place to re-write much of what has been written and give the listener a view from the police side of the yellow crime scene tape. Over the past few years, the general media portrayal of police has turned negative. It seems like news reporters often operating with limited knowledge but making plenty of assumptions about the why and what of the incident, depict the police press reports with skepticism and their actions are questioned as though they were being interrogated about why they took the action they did … Because the media and special interest groups have been dominating and controlling the narrative the police voice or version of the events has been lost in the noise.
Language:
English
Website:
https://blubrry.com/1475035/
Email:
dthibeault59@gmail.com
Episodes
How Policing Works
11/20/2024
Characterizing someone based solely on their choice of clothing says more about you than it does them. This is especially true when talking about police officers who dress for work in a distinct, identifying uniform prescribed, designed, and mandated by the authority who employs them. The uniform defines the profession, not the person wearing it.
In today’s episode Bill and Jordan begin with general thoughts and comments about police officers and their responsibilities. Bill addresses situational awareness and police training designed to teach an officer how and when to adapt and adjust to differing circumstances that arise with little or no expectation, or understanding. They discuss the importance of preparedness and readiness and how personal encounters often turn from calm to violent without notice. Their comments explain why an officer cannot be defined or separated in simple terms such as warrior or guardian. The profession demands a necessary blend of both. Bill explains how officers continue to grow and improve as they develop and hone their people skills in both the classroom and the arena of everyday real life.
Transitioning into a conversation about the legal system, Bill talks about the operational parameters established by caselaw, statute law, the rules of evidence and court and criminal procedure. In short, a police officer responding to a call for help is expected to arrive safely, render medical aid, identify, and protect the crime scene(s), locate witnesses and possibly make an arrest all the while understanding and conforming to the legal rules for each task while operating in the heat and tension of the moment with no time-outs to stop and think through what they are called to do.
Duration:00:30:39
The Distinctions between Criminal and Civil Law and Why they Matter
10/17/2024
Have you ever considered or been curious about the substantial differences in the standard of proof in a criminal vs. civil court action? Why does one require the heavier burden of proof of “beyond a reasonable doubt” and the other simply a finding of a “preponderance of the evidence”? Likewise, why are the rules for the admission of evidence in a criminal trial stricter than they are in a civil action? In this episode Bill Powers talks about the distinctions between the two and explains the judicial reasoning behind them.
Jordan and Bill continue to explain the procedural groundwork that applies in all criminal cases by sorting through the collection of individual rights afforded to all people through the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Finally, Bill provides some insight into the Rules of Evidence and how they guide the judge and the attorney’s as to what is admissible for presentation to a jury and what is not.
Duration:00:20:50
CI Focus Series 1: You Want the Truth? I’ll Tell You the Truth
10/10/2024
This week’s episode is the first in an all-encompassing series of conversations about criminal investigations and criminal court proceedings. The information provided throughout the series will be thorough, exhaustive, and accurate. Each episode will follow the progress of criminal cases from the reported criminal act through a police investigation, into the criminal court system and end with a jury verdict and the potential appellate reviews. These discussions are honest, accurate and long overdue!
It becomes more evident every day that much of the information spread through the so-called court of public opinion is at best inaccurate and oftentimes purposefully distorted with half-truths and innuendo. Too often the information is not substantiated but is still allowed to go unchecked or unverified and is presented as factual, and subsequently confirmed to be true through both mainstream and social media platforms.
The result of the series will be an extensive audio reference guide that will serve as a primer on criminal investigations and legal procedure. It is cost free and available to anyone who wishes to listen and learn from a knowledgeable professional with more than fifty years of experience in the law enforcement and legal arenas.
This first installment in the series opens with a short overview and explanation of why police take a slow and methodical approach to documenting a reported crime scene and at the same time protecting and preserving the area for the recovery of potential evidence. As an investigation moves forward, decisions must be made on several fronts. For example, is there probable cause to search areas of concern? Is there a need for a search warrant issued by a court, or can the police legally proceed without one? Similarly, questions arise about probable cause to detain and/or arrest a person of interest. These are fundamental but crucial concerns in the everyday work of a police investigator. Even a minor mistake may eliminate the use of crucial and damning information at a defendant’s trial.
Duration:00:26:10
1st Amendment and the Freedoms of Expression
5/23/2024
The encouragement and allowance of peaceful protest and free speech is a cornerstone of the United States Constitution and is solidified in the First Amendment. Our nation was created from political dispute with England, and angry protests and fiery speeches energized the rebellion. Now, almost 250 years later, political disputes, speeches and demonstrations are once again front and center.
Like all freedoms, there are rules and parameters to be followed and require close judicial scrutiny. Every demonstration and/or speech has unique characteristics, and the behavior of the crowd and the speakers must conform to the established rules or result in sanctions or at times arrest.
In this episode, Bill and Jordan discuss the significance of the First Amendment and how historic court rulings protect the rights of groups and individuals but also balance them against the rights of all citizens. For example, they forbid speech that threatens violence or incites imminent violence or destruction of property (Clear and Present Danger speech). Similarly, they set limits on the right to demonstrate by allowing government entities to set “time, place and manner” restrictions, but they also tell government officials that their decisions must be “content neutral” and can’t favor one group over another because of their beliefs and ideology.
Duration:00:41:03
The Trial and the Defense of Insanity
5/2/2024
This episode concludes the discussion about the mass murder in Wakefield MA. on December 26, 2001. Previously, Jordan and Bill led listeners through an exhaustive examination of the investigative process and the legal challenges that led up to the trial of Commonwealth vs. Michael “Mucko” McDermott.
Today they focus on the trial in general and distinguish the differences in trial methods and process when a defendant offers a defense of Insanity. Listen as Bill describes the jury selection, the in-person viewing of three relevant locations and the prosecution’s trial testimony. Regardless of the defense, the prosecution still had to prove 7 counts of Murder in the First Degree beyond a reasonable doubt.
The defense of Insanity requires expert medical testimony that concludes with a medical opinion that the defendant was either substantially unable to appreciate the criminality or wrongfulness of their conduct, or, they were substantially unable to conform their conduct to the requirements of the law. The prosecution is given the opportunity to rebut the defense with testimony from their own medical experts.
The defense in this case differed dramatically from most because McDermott testified in an effort to convince the jurors of his insanity.
Duration:00:47:25
Trial Preparation and the Legal Process
4/25/2024
A defendant always has the presumption of innocence, and the prosecution always carries the burden of proving their case “beyond a reasonable doubt”. The burden is high because the stakes are as well. In a murder conviction, the defendant could lose their freedom for the remainder of their natural life. So, the preparation work leading up to a trial is enormous and needs to be on point.
In this week’s episode Jordan and Bill discuss the process leading up to a trial, beginning with the thoroughness and required documentation of every step of the investigation. They speak about the presentment of evidence to the Grand Jury and the criminal indictments and the move to Superior Court. They address the mandatory exchange of an often enormous amount of discovery materials between the prosecutor and the defense counsel and how that information becomes the basis of trial motions and hearings that determine what evidence and information will be allowed during the trial.
The murder case against Michael McDermott, while seemingly iron-clad, takes a turn when the defense advises the trial judge they intend to pursue the affirmative defense of Insanity. Now the prosecution must not only prove the murder charges against McDermott but also defend against the claim that he was “substantially unable to appreciate the criminality or wrongfulness of his conduct” and/or that he was “substantially unable to conform his conduct to the requirements of the law”.
Duration:00:29:42
Crime Scene Processing and Executing Search Warrants
4/18/2024
We continue our review of the mass murder in Wakefield and focus on the importance of protecting the crime scene in the original condition, preserving it from additional contamination, before documenting and meticulously collecting all of the evidence for additional testing at the crime lab and beyond.
Bill addresses the strict judicial interpretations of the 4th Amendment regarding search and seizure, and he explains when, where and why a search warrant is required. He also mentions the limited exceptions to the requirement and how they factored into their decisions in this case. The process is tedious but necessary if the prosecution wants to later admit their findings at a trial.
We close with information about what was seized in the searches and how the information assisted in determining the next steps of the investigation.
Duration:00:26:04
Managing a Large Scale Investigation and Crime Scene
4/11/2024
Every death investigation presents unforeseen and unpredictable issues and complications. Each requires immediate, but considered decision making to restore order and safety, preserve the crime scene(s), summon the needed practitioners to assist, all the while keeping out those folks that aren’t central to the investigation. Only then can the next steps be determined and prioritized to move the investigation forward.
In this episode we return to the scene of the mass murder in Wakefield MA on 12/26/2000. Jordan and Bill discuss the difficulties of managing a large-scale investigation made more complicated by environmental and logistical issues that resulted in heartbreaking and less than optimum results.
The topic of crisis leadership is also examined as Bill speaks to the extraordinary personal and professional response to the tragedy by the executive team at Edgewater Technology. It is a story of care and compassion that should serve as a benchmark for all businesses to follow.
Duration:00:27:57
Investigation and Prosecution of a Mass Murder in Wakefield MA -Part 1
3/28/2024
Every homicide investigation and prosecution is unique and, while there may be similarities to other cases, no two are ever identical. An often-quoted legal principle states “Each case turns on its own facts.”
Some cases rely on direct evidence like the defendant’s fingerprints or DNA on the murder weapon or testimony from a surviving victim or eyewitness about their observations. Other cases are built in a circumstantial manner where there may be dozens of pieces of information that alone may prove little but taken together in their entirety can prove the case against the defendant “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
In this episode we begin a discussion about a mass murder in the town of Wakefield MA. where seven innocent people had their lives taken at the hands of an irrational co-worker. This case presents in a hybrid manner with direct evidence used to prove the murders, but circumstantial evidence and expert testimony necessary to push back and defeat a defense of Insanity.
Duration:00:26:19
Applying Technical and Scientific Advances to Criminal Investigations and the Courtroom Challenges they Present
3/21/2024
Growing technological and scientific improvements and their application and benefit in criminal investigations has been extraordinary and at times mind-boggling. But, with the changes come legal, evidentiary challenges to the technology, the science behind it and the expertise of the scientists who test and evaluate the results. Court decisions are definitive and swift and can often change the course of an investigation and prosecution the moment the decision is released.
Listen in to this conversation with Jordan, Bill and their guest, Jimmy Connolly, as they discuss the history of change from when they started out as detectives in the late 70’s and 80’s through today. Jimmy refers to it as transitioning from the days of the “leather footprint” to today’s digital imprint.” They address the importance and acceptance of DNA as evidence, but also speak about how DNA results have shed light on eyewitness identifications, resulting in major changes in police procedures to insure fairness and accuracy in witness identifications. They also discuss the introduction of audio-video taped statements in interrogations and how what initially appeared to be a negative has turned out to be very positive for the police and prosecutors. Similarly, they speak to the advantages of body and dash-cams as tools that often remove doubts with judges and juries about the events that police relied on to bring criminal charges.
Bill and Jimmy rose in rank but stayed in their assignments in the detective unit. They discuss the transition from playing a subordinate role in a case to assuming the position of leader and decision-maker. As always, it is about what is best for the team and not necessarily the individual.
Duration:00:31:47
A Candid Discussion on Becoming and Evolving as a Homicide Investigator
3/15/2024
Today’s episode launches a new chapter in our podcast series. For the foreseeable future, the focus will be on the investigation and prosecution of homicide cases. Listen as we walk you through a series of cases, taking you from the arrival at a crime scene, through the trial preparation and prosecution of the case.
Bill, and our guests, are practitioners with decades of experience and most often first-hand knowledge of the cases they will discuss. They will define the investigative and legal process as well as the rational reasoning that goes into their decision-making. They will also explain how and why legal precedents and evidentiary rulings guide and control the flow of the cases from the very beginning.
Our first guest is James (Jimmy) Connolly, a retired Major from the Massachusetts State Police, and the current Director of Public Safety at a large university in downtown Boston. During his diverse and lengthy career Jimmy spent more than 20 years as an investigator, supervisor of cases and unit commander in the Middlesex County District Attorney’s office in Cambridge, MA. Upon promotion to the rank of Major he was assigned as the Director of the State Crime Laboratory. Jimmy’s experience and assignments allow him to talk about case development from a few different perspectives.
Duration:00:28:02
INVESTIGATIONS
12/5/2023
Join us in this first episode of a new chapter as we transition from a general overview of policing in America today, to an in-depth look at criminal investigations.
In many instances the witness interviews and evidence present in a simple, straight-forward manner and result in a quick arrest and prosecution. In other cases, the preliminary information and evidence may be lacking or in dispute, requiring a larger and more in-depth investigation. The bigger the challenge, the more rewarding when the case is solved, and results in a conviction. Listen as Bill explains the practical and legal process that is present in all investigations and why a holistic, overall team approach is needed to solve and prosecute a case. The burden always falls on the prosecution team to prove the case against the defendant “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Learn many of the ways that investigative teams approach and meet that legal obligation.
Duration:00:20:23
Frank Scalise; “The Ride Along” and “The Tattered Blue Line"
10/31/2023
Our guest today is author and retired police officer Frank Scalise. Frank, who writes under the pen name Frank Zafiro, has produced more than thirty novels and countless short stories in the genre of police procedurals. All are authentic, topical, and well written. None are more timely or relevant though than the two we will discuss in this episode. I believe our discussion serves as an exclamation point to the end of this chapter in our podcast series directed towards police and community engagement.
Frank candidly discusses his views on policing and community engagement in both the past and the current environments. He notes how in retirement he is still passionate and concerned about the business and culture of law enforcement. However, his outlook and opinions are now more fully developed because for the first time they are formed from the standpoint of an outsider looking in and not the other way around.
He notes that his concerns about the fractured relationships between our police and the communities they serve are primarily based on misunderstandings, mistruths, and a lack of rational discussion between all parties. With those concerns as a background, he set out to write a story that would not sugarcoat or slant the storyline toward one set of beliefs versus another. The result was “The Ride Along” , a truly eye-opening, thought-provoking and challenging exercise that will cause all readers to pause and consider and question their own thoughts and opinions. The book is co-authored by Colin Conway, an author and former colleague with Scalise on the Spokane, Washington Police Department.
Please consider purchasing these two books from the Frank Zafiro collections. You won’t be disappointed! Both are available on Amazon and other book selling platforms.
“The Ride Along” is true to the title. A veteran midnight police officer in Spokane Washington is assigned a ride-along passenger for the midnight shift. His “partner” is a member of the Police Reform Initiative (PRI) and, he believes, is an opponent and not a proponent of the city police force. The entire story takes place during one night and explores their response to radio calls and the personal interactions, and spirited dialogue that follows. The conversations are thought provoking from all views and ultimately, are a cause for soul-searching and difficult decision making.
“The Tattered Blue Line” is an anthology of fourteen short stories authored by folks who work in the criminal justice environment, but who have differing responsibilities. As a result, their writing may be fiction, but it evolves from their work experiences that allows them to present and explore points of view and implicit biases from several divergent angles.
You can also reach Frank at his website: www.wrongplacewritecrime.com
Duration:00:37:52
PAUL JOYCE (part 2)
10/11/2023
Our conversation continues with retired police superintendent and current college professor, Dr. Paul Joyce.
In this episode, Paul discusses community policing as a philosophy and not a collection of protocols or checklists that are set in stone. He describes it as a way forward by building strong partnerships, to problem solve and improve quality of life in neighborhoods. He talks of the need for all community stakeholders to buy in to the effort and invest their time and resources to make it a long-term success effort. He suggests politicians, community spokespeople, business owners, religious leaders, as well as the courts, probation, and parole officers, all must have a seat at the table.
The conversation turns to training as Paul talks about the purpose of police academies. He says that if there is to be a serious methodology to educate and enlighten members of the department, and to create a healthy work environment, then the most knowledgeable and respected officers should serve as teachers and mentors and not disgruntled employees who are assigned there for punishment purposes. He also speaks about the need for officer wellness to sustain the physical and mental well-being of all officers. In efforts to recruit new candidates and retain the best officers, constructing long-term programs that are beneficial to the officers overall health and wellness are an essential component to any strategy.
We end by spending a few important moments to talk about his position at Salve Regina University and their efforts to create innovative programming that progresses from the classroom to the practical application of what they learned. He refers to it as “learning by doing” and has found it to be the best way to prepare students for success in criminal justice related professions.
Duration:00:23:35
A PROVEN MODEL FOR PRODUCTIVE CHANGE WHEN THE POLICE AND THE COMMUNITY COLLABORATE AS ONE
10/4/2023
Our guest in this episode is Dr. Paul Joyce, a retired Superintendent of the Boston Police Department, and current Assistant Professor and Chair of the Criminal Justice and Criminology Program at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island.
In any serious conversation about the best methods to generate a meaningful, collaborative effort between police and the communities they serve, Paul should be the featured speaker. His professional qualifications put him in the upper echelon of those who can truly say they have, and continue to, “Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk”.
Paul spent three decades working as a police officer on the streets of Boston. He began his career as a uniformed patrol officer, before transitioning to the detective branch. Over time, he was promoted through the ranks, with a final assignment as the Superintendent overseeing the Bureau of Professional Development, Training and Education. A strong believer that an educated police officer would be well positioned to advance through the ranks into positions of leadership, Paul earned his way to an undergraduate, graduate and doctorate degree. He has retired from active policing, but his career in public safety continues in on a new path, as a highly regarded college professor with a specific focus on law enforcement and related criminal justice disciplines.
Listen as he talks about his role in creating the highly successful Youth Violence Task Force in Boston in the early 1990’s. and the successful methods they developed and employed to combat rapidly growing street crime, a crack cocaine epidemic and raging gang warfare.
It is time we brought knowledgeable, educated, street smart police officers like Paul Joyce back into any significant discussion about modern policing efforts and the need to engage with the communities they are sworn to protect. After listening to this episode, I’m sure you will agree.
Duration:00:29:55
INTERVIEW WITH KRISTEN ZIMAN, RETIRED POLICE CHIEF AND RECENT AUTHOR PART 2
9/19/2023
In part two of our interview with retired police chief and recent author Kristen Ziman (Imagining Blue: Thoughts on Life, Leadership, and a New Way Forward in Policing), we focus on recent events and the resultant calls for police reform with an increased expectation of deliverable police services. We discuss the best way for law enforcement to meet those demands as well as the need for a significant government investment of money and resources to provide more education and training for all police departments.
Kristen talks about the development of leadership in the police service, and why it is now an important component of all levels of training. We talk about the essential qualities of a leader and the need to show respect and build trust with others if you expect them to follow your lead. A chief or supervisor should not hide their vulnerabilities in areas where they are deficient or unqualified. They should seek the help of subject-matter experts to support and aid in the pursuit of the Department’s mission(s).
Listen as the conversation segues from theoretical to real-world situations. Kristen candidly describes three events that not only tested her leadership but left indelible marks on both her career and life. The first occurred in 2019 when a shooter opened fire on co-workers, killing five and, in the ambush that followed, five responding officers were wounded. The following year COVID struck, virtually shutting down everything in her city, except police operations. She speaks to the unified effort of all Department members and their willingness to adapt and adjust to ensure that the safety and protection of all Aurora’s residents came first. The last, and perhaps most debilitating crisis, was the unexpected need to confront the rioting, looting and the loss of public trust in the aftermath of the George Floyd killing in Minneapolis, more than four hundred miles away. As Kristen succinctly puts it, “We went from heroes to zeroes in less than two years” and did nothing wrong.
Our episode concludes with Kristen reflecting on her retirement and relocation to Florida. In her newly found “free time” she has turned to writing essays. This prompted her desire to write a book about her life and the lessons she’s learned about leadership along the way. Her important life messages shared in print and in podcasts such as this one, have led to speaking engagements about leadership and consultant opportunities with other police departments.
Duration:00:39:25
INTERVIEW WITH KRISTEN ZIMAN, RETIRED POLICE CHIEF AND RECENT AUTHOR PART 1
9/12/2023
Kristen Ziman is the boss you always wish you had! Like the legendary example of the kid who started in the mailroom and rose to be company CEO, Kristen started her police career as a 19-year-old cadet and rose through the ranks to become Chief of the Aurora, Illinois Police Department.
Listen as she talks about growing up in Aurora, the daughter of a police officer, and why, from the time she was six, she had only one goal., to follow in her father’s footsteps.
Kristen discusses her career and the personal and professional challenges she faced, and how she worked through them. She also addresses the juxtaposition of being a woman, a police officer, and a leader and how she has had to judiciously deal with questions, comments, and biases, both pro and con, about women as leaders in a police environment. She speaks to character, competency and experience as the critical and defining attributes of an effective leader.
To learn more about Kristen, go to her website: www.kristenziman.com where you can also access information about her podcast “The Hollow Bunny”, and her book “Re-Imagining Blue: Thoughts on Life, Leadership and a New Way Forward in Policing”
Duration:00:30:53
“SCHOOLED IN COMMUNITY POLICING”
8/30/2023
Community policing is both a policy and a strategy that requires buy-in and participation not only by the police department, but the community as well. It is never a “quick fix” but a long-term commitment that is built on mutual trust and respect, and that doesn’t happen overnight. Not an easy mission under any circumstances, but in higher education where the resident population turns over almost completely every four years, the challenges can be greater.
Listen and learn as Bill talks about his experiences as a police chief at a college in Boston and how collaborative efforts, both internal and external led to trust and relationship building that in turn provided a safer working and living environment for students, administrators, faculty and the residential and business communities bordering the school.
Duration:00:33:38
Health of Law Enforcement Part 2
8/24/2023
Our conversation with Terry Cunningham continues with a discussion about the political motivation and movement to “defund the police”. He explains that with crime now at an all-time high, most of the defund arguments and proposals have had disastrous results with high homicide rates and the physical and financial destruction of many cities. In their place, new anti-police schemes have risen. “Demoralize the police” is their newest campaign, delivering mistruths on both social and mainstream media outlets. The consequences are not only affecting recruitment and retention, but the overall mental wellness of police officers and their families.
Regarding the need or desire for greater diversity in policing, we talk about the difficulties in recruiting potential candidates in communities where the residents have been led to believe that the police are their enemy.
Cunningham speaks to the problems that result when a community lowers basic entry level requirements as a recruitment tool.
We discuss the philosophy of community policing and the need for all stakeholders to come together and work as one to not only solve crime issues, but to create safer environments for all.
Duration:00:37:27
The Health of Law Enforcement, Part 1
8/15/2023
The IACP is the primary organization representing police leaders throughout the world. With more than 33,000 members in 173 countries, it is the advocate and the voice for police chiefs throughout the United States and the world. As the Deputy Director, Terry Cunningham is a primary diplomat, educator, and negotiator for the Association with both the Executive and Legislative branches of the federal government. I could think of no better or more informed guest to begin our series of podcasts about law enforcement and related topics. In the first segment of this two-part interview, we discuss the current state of policing in the United States. With national polls indicating that both police morale and public trust have eroded to all-time lows, the ability to recruit and retain officers is now at a critical stage. How do we go about righting the ship and move forward? Moreover, the seemingly endless mantra for national police reform has resulted in legislative initiatives currently before Congress and state legislatures. While some concerns deserve our attention, many proposals are far-fetched, and if passed, would be potentially harmful to both the police and the people we are sworn to protect. Listen as Terry explains the efforts of his organization to set the record straight based on truths and not the fallacies to the arguments. It is an uphill battle but worth every inch of the fight.
Duration:00:21:32