Policing Matters

Every agency talks about tactics — training harder, shooting better, moving faster. But when critical incidents unfold, the difference between success and failure often comes down to something less visible. On this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Jon Becker, founder of Aardvark Tactical and host of The Debrief podcast, about why culture — not tactics — is the true driver of elite performance in law enforcement.

Drawing on nearly four decades working alongside elite military and law enforcement units, Becker explains how the best teams operate with a shared sense of purpose, humility and continuous improvement. From SWAT selection to patrol supervision, he breaks down how agencies often overvalue measurable skills like fitness and certifications while overlooking the traits that sustain performance — trust, communication and team alignment. As Becker prepares to release his book, “Culture First: Nine Leadership Principles That Build Elite Teams,” he outlines how leaders at every level can build teams that make better decisions under pressure, avoid toxic high performers and create a culture where accountability and initiative thrive.

Editor’s Note: Join Lexipol, Police1 and our partners for First Responder Wellness Week from March 23-27, 2026. Each day, we’ll provide webinars, articles, videos and more, all within the overarching theme of being “Total Wellness. True Readiness.” Register for five wellness webinars now.

We say it all the time — our people are our greatest asset. But if that’s true, why do we spend more time maintaining vehicles than we do maintaining the people driving them? In this special episode of the Policing Matters episode, Aaron Zamzow from FireRescue1’s Better Every Shift podcast takes over to talk to Gordon Graham about what’s missing in how agencies approach wellness, leadership and long-term performance — and what needs to change.

From the stigma around mental health to the reality of financial stress and leadership blind spots, Gordon keeps it simple and direct. Take care of your people early, or deal with the consequences later. His “10 Fs” framework isn’t theory — it’s a practical way to think about how first responders actually live and work.

About our sponsor
This episode is sponsored by BLTN, Powered by Multitude Insights. Better bulletins solve crimes. BLTN is the nationwide intelligence-sharing platform built by law enforcement, for law enforcement. One centralized system to create, distribute, and analyze bulletins—connecting agencies in real time so critical intel reaches the right people when it matters most. No more inbox sprawl, no more missed leads—just faster coordination and better outcomes. Visit multitudeinsights.com to see how agencies are closing more cases, faster.

What happens when a key less-lethal tool disappears from the public order toolbox? A recent federal court order halting LAPD’s use of 40mm projectile launchers has reignited a national debate about crowd control, use of force policy and the limits of modern policing.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Joshua Coleman of the California Force Instructors Association and retired Berkeley Police Captain Spencer Fomby, Chair of the National Tactical Officers Association’s Public Order Section, to unpack the ruling and its broader implications for agencies across the country.

Drawing on decades of experience in protest response, use-of-force training and courtroom testimony, Coleman and Fomby explore how removing intermediate force options can leave officers with fewer safe alternatives when protests turn violent. They discuss the training gaps that often lead to misuse of less-lethal tools, the growing influence of litigation and policy reform on police tactics, and the difficult balance between community expectations and operational reality when unrest escalates.

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.

We talk constantly about training in law enforcement, but are we investing enough in leadership? Tactical skills are reinforced from the academy through specialty assignments, yet the challenges facing today’s agencies demand more than operational competence. Ethical judgment, resilience, culture building and strategic thinking are now mission-critical. In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley sits down with leaders from three major agencies who decided to tackle that gap together.

Chief Paul Noel of the Knoxville Police Department, Deputy Chief Emily McKinley of the Louisville Metro Police Department and Captain Michael Vaughn of the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department break down the creation of the Tri-City Police Leadership Academy. They discuss how the idea evolved from the DC Police Leadership Academy, how three chiefs aligned on vision and funding, what three weeks of “future-focused leadership” actually looks like, and how the program is shaping sergeants, lieutenants and professional staff to lead through culture change, crisis and complexity.

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.

When the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to Kansas City, the operational impact will extend far beyond the stadium. Surrounding communities like Overland Park, Kansas, are preparing for large-scale watch parties, transportation hubs and an influx of international visitors — all while maintaining day-to-day patrol operations.

In this episode of Policing Matters, Major Kyle Livengood of the Overland Park Police Department talks with host Jim Dudley about how his agency is coordinating with local, state and federal partners to build a comprehensive safety and security plan for one of the world’s largest sporting events.

The discussion explores staffing constraints, intelligence sharing through regional fusion centers, the launch of a new real-time information center and the challenges of managing heat, alcohol and language barriers during a global event. It also underscores the “team of teams” approach guiding preparations across the Kansas City metro and the lessons agencies nationwide can apply to capacity planning, mutual aid and interagency coordination when a major event comes to town.

About our sponsor
Flock Safety works with more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide, delivering real-time intelligence through a holistic ecosystem of technology designed to keep officers safe, reduce crime, and build stronger communities. And if you’re looking for real stories from the front lines — how your peers are using these tools to shape the future of safety in their cities — tune in to Flock’s “Real Time Policing” podcast. Watch episodes on YouTube or tune in wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to view.