Policing Matters

Serial killers fascinate the public, but behind every infamous case lies a network of law enforcement officers, journalists and communities grappling with the horror. True crime stories like those of Ted Bundy, Son of Sam and Jeffrey Dahmer continue to captivate audiences. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Anne E. Schwartz, the journalist who first reported on the Jeffrey Dahmer case, to recount her experiences during the investigation. Having covered night shifts on the crime beat, Schwartz was the first on the scene and had unparalleled access to the detectives and officers who uncovered Dahmer’s atrocities. In this conversation, she offers insight into the challenges of reporting such a case, the psychological toll on law enforcement, and why, decades later, the public remains fascinated by true crime. Schwartz also addresses the portrayal of Dahmer in the media, including the controversial Netflix series, and offers a candid perspective on the real events behind the dramatization. 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.

The tragic issue of officer suicide continues to challenge law enforcement agencies nationwide. In recent years, the focus on mental health support within the law enforcement community has intensified, leading to strategies like peer support programs and trauma-focused therapies. By understanding the contributing factors — such as accumulated trauma, organizational stress and personal challenges — agencies can develop comprehensive solutions that address the mental wellness of officers, from recruitment to retirement. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Matt Walsh, Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), who shares his vast experience on the topic of law enforcement suicide. Walsh discusses the groundbreaking data collection efforts by FDLE, which are shedding new light on the true scale of officer suicides. He also highlights FDLE's proactive approaches, such as peer support programs and trauma-focused therapy, aimed at reducing the devastating impact of suicide in the law enforcement community. 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.

This episode was recorded at Axon Week 2024. Axon Week 2025 will take place April 22-25 in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://www.axonweek.com/. In this special episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks with Thi Luu, vice president and general manager of virtual reality for Axon, and Andy Wrenn, head of training for Axon, during Axon Week 2024. The three meet to discuss a standout innovation: a self-contained, portable virtual reality (VR) training pod designed to address the common challenge of limited training space. Axon VR includes specialized controllers that simulate the TASER 10, TASER 7 and even a handgun, offering officers a realistic training experience. This setup enables officers to practice with true-to-life weapons in various scenarios, from static targets to dynamic, fast-moving situations. The VR range allows for extensive, cost-effective practice, providing invaluable experience in deploying TASER energy weapons on moving targets and under different conditions, which traditional training methods often lack. For a behind-the-scenes look, visit this Policing Matters podcast article on Police1.com/policing-matters to see Jim in person! About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Axon, a global leader in public safety technology. To learn more about Axon's ecosystem of hardware and software products for policing defense and security, visit Axon.com.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is increasingly recognized as an essential skill in policing, transforming how officers interact with their communities, manage high-pressure situations, and take care of their mental health. At its core, emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, manage and effectively express one’s emotions while navigating interpersonal relationships. For law enforcement, this skill can make the difference between de-escalating a tense encounter and letting it spiral into conflict. By improving self-awareness, social awareness and relationship management, emotional intelligence training is helping officers make better decisions under stress, communicate more effectively with their teams and the public, and improve overall well-being on and off the job. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley interviews Gregory Campbell, Ph.D., a federal law enforcement veteran and emotional intelligence expert, about the profound impact emotional intelligence can have on policing. Drawing from his extensive experience and research, Dr. Campbell shares insights on how emotional intelligence training is being implemented in police academies and departments across the country. He discusses real-world examples of how developing self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management skills have led to significant improvements in officer well-being, reduced misconduct, and better community relations. From yoga sessions replacing traditional physical training to mentorship programs that enhance emotional resilience, this episode reveals how emotional intelligence is changing the future of policing. 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.

This episode was recorded at Axon Week 2024. Axon Week 2025 will take place April 22-25 in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://www.axonweek.com/. In this special episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley interviews Noah Spitzer-Williams, senior principal product manager of generative AI at Axon, about the company's new tool, Draft One, at Axon Week 2024. This tool, Spitzer-Williams tells Dudley, can significantly reduce the time officers spend on paperwork. The conversation dives into the capabilities of Draft One, its potential impact on officer efficiency and morale and the future possibilities for this technology in policing. For a behind-the-scenes look, visit this Policing Matters podcast article on Police1.com/policing-matters to see Jim and Noah in person! About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Axon, a global leader in public safety technology. To learn more about Axon's ecosystem of hardware and software products for policing defense and security, visit Axon.com.