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Every day, law enforcement officers put themselves in harm's way to ensure public safety and are often severely injured in that process. The repercussions of on-duty injuries can extend far beyond the physical. The aftermath often brings a cascade of challenges that affect not only the injured officers but also their families and colleagues.
In this episode of the "Policing Matters" podcast host Jim Dudley speaks with Dr. Patricia Kay Reyna about her family's ordeal following a devastating on-duty accident that left her husband, Humberto Reyna, a North Carolina State Highway Patrol Master Trooper, with a traumatic brain injury.
Currently working with the Center on Brain Injury Research and Training at the University of Oregon, Dr. Reyna discusses her transformative journey from a finance professional to a traumatic brain injury expert and advocate. Her story sheds light on the physical, emotional and bureaucratic struggles that ensue following such injuries in the line of duty.
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.

In recent years, law enforcement agencies across the United States have navigated through tumultuous waters, marked by heightened scrutiny and significant shifts in operational norms. This complex landscape has given rise to a phenomenon known as de-policing, where officers may exhibit reluctance to engage proactively due to various external and internal pressures.
Doctoral candidate Jacob Foster from Arizona State University, alongside Dr. Michael Rossler at Illinois State University and Dr. Charles Scheer at the University of Southern Mississippi, embarked on a rigorous investigation into the nuances of de-policing. Their research, born out of the desire to empirically examine the anecdotal experiences surrounding modern law enforcement challenges, provides an empirical foundation to understand how external events like the Ferguson effect and the George Floyd incident, coupled with internal departmental dynamics, influence police behavior.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Foster, Rossler and Scheer about their findings, which were recently published in Police Practice and Research, and how they illuminate the complexities of policing in an era of unprecedented scrutiny.
About our sponsor
This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

In the history of American policing, the need for strong, effective leadership has never been more apparent. As law enforcement agencies across the nation grapple with evolving challenges, the role of leadership in navigating these complexities comes into sharp focus. Leadership is not just about guiding an organization through its daily operations; it's about setting a vision, inspiring trust, and fostering a culture of integrity and accountability.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with recently retired Captain William Fraass, who took his 27 years of law enforcement experience and wrote a book on leadership titled: “Leadership in Law Enforcement: 10 Key Traits and What Law Enforcement Agencies Can Do To Develop These in Future Leaders.” His book is not just an accumulation of personal experiences but a comprehensive study that includes interviews with law enforcement professionals, historical analysis and a deep dive into what makes a leader effective in the high-stakes realm of policing.

In a profession as demanding as law enforcement, mental wellness and health are paramount, yet often sidelined. Addressing this critical aspect, the latest episode of the Policing Matters podcast delves into the innovative approaches and best practices for fostering mental health and wellness among officers.
Chief Dave Norris of the Menlo Park (Calif.) Police Department and Chaplain Jared Altic from the Kansas City (Kan.) Police Department join host Jim Dudley to shed light on the proactive measures and support systems necessary to ensure the well-being of those who protect and serve.
Chief Norris and Chaplain Altic share their extensive experiences in handling critical incident aftermaths and emphasize the importance of preemptive strategies for mental wellness. From establishing peer support programs and chaplaincy initiatives to leveraging technology and community resources, our guests offer a comprehensive overview of how agencies can build a supportive environment for their officers.
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 landscape of law enforcement in the United States is in a constant state of evolution. From the transition to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) from the traditional FBI Uniform Crime Report (UCR) to the growing need for comprehensive officer training and community engagement strategies, police departments nationwide are navigating a complex web of changes and challenges.
These shifts underscore the critical need for innovative approaches to support law enforcement agencies in their mission to serve and protect. As the demands on police officers grow more complex, the importance of access to high-quality training, resources and technical assistance cannot be overstated.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks to David T. Snively, a program manager for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), to explore how the Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC) program can assist law enforcement agencies in navigating current challenges.
This initiative offers police agencies access to tailored training and resources designed to meet their unique needs. Through this conversation, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how CRI-TAC empowers agencies to improve their operations and foster better relationships with the communities they serve.
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 transition to retirement for law enforcement officers is a journey that often begins much earlier than the last day on the job, yet it is a topic that doesn't always receive the attention it deserves.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley shines a spotlight on the future well-being of law enforcement professionals, a timely discussion set against the backdrop of First Responder Wellness Week.
Guest Troy Anderson, who serves as the Executive Director, Officer Safety and Wellness, for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), shares expert insights into making this critical transition a successful one.
About our sponsor
This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.