The CopDoc Podcast: Aiming for Excellence in Leadership

• Why Police Leaders Must Borrow and Share Good Ideas-Jason Sieczkowski, Asst. Chief Chandler, AZ Police

  The CopDoc Podcast - Season 9 - Episode 161In an interesting conversation from Chandler, Arizona, Assistant Chief Jason Sieczkowski reveals the innovative leadership approaches transforming his department into what he calls "the Silicon Valley of the desert." As an IACP 40 Under 40 honoree who's spent his entire 19-year career with Chandler PD, Jason shares the philosophy that's helped him rise to overseeing all field operations: continuous improvement.The discussion dives deep into how modern police departments can measure success beyond traditional enforcement statistics. Chandler's implementation of a real-time community feedback system (their version of "Yelp for cops") displays citizen ratings throughout department facilities, reinforcing that policing is fundamentally about customer service. With an impressive 4.73/5 rating, officers receive constant visual confirmation that their community values their work.Sieczkowski's most powerful insights come when discussing leadership vulnerability. "Vulnerability equals trust," he explains, sharing how a formative experience shaped his approach. When a superior once told him, "I don't pay you for your opinion," he resolved never to lead that way. Instead, he creates psychological safety in meetings, explicitly telling teams that their honest feedback isn't just welcome but required.The conversation explores Chandler PD's innovative succession planning, which includes extended transition periods for critical positions, and their embrace of lateral transfers from agencies nationwide. Perhaps most refreshing is Jason's perspective on generational differences in policing. Rather than lamenting changing work attitudes, he celebrates how younger officers prioritizing wellness represents evolution, not decline: "They're better equipped mentally, physically, emotionally to do this job than we've ever been."Whether you're a law enforcement professional, aspiring leader, or citizen interested in police innovation, this episode offers valuable insights into how one department is balancing tradition with progress. As Sieczkowski emphasizes throughout: "Care for and value people. They are everything to us."Hey there! Send us a message. Who else should we be talking to? What topics are important? Use FanMail to connect! Let us know!Contact us: [email protected] Website: www.copdocpodcast.comIf you'd like to arrange for facilitated training, or consulting, or talk about steps you might take to improve your leadership and help in your quest for promotion, contact Steve at [email protected]

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• From Fine Arts to Tucson Police Chief: Chad Kasmar's Journey

  The CopDoc Podcast - Season 8 - Episode 160What happens when you combine a fine arts degree with police leadership? Chief Chad Kasmar of the Tucson Police Department demonstrates how creative thinking transforms modern policing challenges into opportunities for innovation.Kasmer's journey from beach bum to nationally recognized police leader reveals the unexpected value of diverse perspectives in law enforcement. With refreshing candor, he shares how his background in painting and sculpture equipped him with problem-solving skills that have proven invaluable in reimagining police services. Rather than merely modifying existing systems, Kasmar approaches challenges with a blank canvas, asking fundamental questions about what modern communities truly need from their police departments.The results speak for themselves. Under Kasmar's leadership, Tucson PD has expanded their Community Service Officer program to handle 70,000 calls annually that don't require armed response, reducing lower-priority response times by 50%. His department distinguishes between mistakes and misconduct, creating space for officers to learn and grow while maintaining accountability. Perhaps most remarkably, their Struggle Well program has saved multiple officers in crisis by focusing on post-traumatic growth rather than simply preventing PTSD.Kasmar doesn't shy away from difficult truths, questioning how America expects perfect performance from officers with just nine months of training when other trades require years of preparation. He advocates for growing police talent internally, developing leaders who understand their communities, and creating organizational cultures where seeking help isn't career-ending.For anyone interested in the future of policing, Kasmer offers this wisdom: "You don't get paid to have all the answers; you get paid to surround yourself with people who will help you find the best answer." This episode provides a masterclass in humble, innovative leadership that places community needs and officer wellness at the center of police work.Hey there! Send us a message. Who else should we be talking to? What topics are important? Use FanMail to connect! Let us know!Contact us: [email protected] Website: www.copdocpodcast.comIf you'd like to arrange for facilitated training, or consulting, or talk about steps you might take to improve your leadership and help in your quest for promotion, contact Steve at [email protected]

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• Dr. David Weisburd - Police Need Cookbooks, Not Just Theory - George Mason University

  The CopDoc Podcast - Season 9 - Episode 160What if police departments made decisions based on solid evidence rather than gut feelings? Dr. David Weisburd, a dual faculty member at George Mason University and Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has spent decades proving that scientific approaches can revolutionize policing.From his unexpected start evaluating one of America's first community policing programs in 1984, Weisburd discovered something remarkable: crime isn't random. His groundbreaking "law of crime concentration" demonstrates that approximately 5% of streets produce about 50% of crime in cities worldwide. This discovery challenged conventional wisdom and launched the hotspot policing movement that continues to transform law enforcement today.Contrary to what many might assume, Weisburd's research in high-crime neighborhoods reveals that residents overwhelmingly want more police presence, not less. When surveyed, only 6-7% of people living in these areas wanted fewer officers. What they actually desire isn't the absence of police but officers who treat them with respect and dignity—a finding that led Weisburd to conduct successful experiments combining focused policing with procedural justice training.Despite these advances, Weisburd argues that policing research remains drastically underfunded compared to fields like medicine. While the NIH receives around $45 billion annually, criminal justice research gets merely $200 million. This disparity explains why we lack what Weisburd calls a "cookbook" for police—practical, evidence-based guidance for officers working in different contexts and communities.Throughout our conversation, Weisburd shares stories from his international work, the challenges of conducting research during times of conflict in Israel, and his vision for a National Institute of Policing that would elevate law enforcement science to the level it deserves. Whether you're a police professional, researcher, or concerned citizen, this episode offers rare insight into how evidence-based approaches can build safer, more just communities.Listen now to understand why police science deserves billions, not millions, and how research can help departments navigate today's complex challenges with greater effectiveness and legitimacy.Hey there! Send us a message. Who else should we be talking to? What topics are important? Use FanMail to connect! Let us know!Contact us: [email protected] Website: www.copdocpodcast.comIf you'd like to arrange for facilitated training, or consulting, or talk about steps you might take to improve your leadership and help in your quest for promotion, contact Steve at [email protected]

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• Bruce O'Brien - From New Zealand to London: Policing Without Borders

  The CopDoc Podcast - Season 8 - Episode 159When criminal networks operate across continents, police must work beyond borders. In this compelling conversation with Assistant Commissioner Bruce O'Brien, we explore the critical world of international police collaboration from the perspective of someone building these vital connections daily.As New Zealand Police's Senior Liaison Officer in London, O'Brien bridges law enforcement across four regions: the UK, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. He reveals how these partnerships function in practice – from facilitating evidence gathering in transnational cases to sharing intelligence about emerging threats. "Criminal networks are very well connected and know no boundaries," O'Brien explains, highlighting how technology enables criminals to coordinate sophisticated operations remotely.The discussion delves into the methamphetamine trade threatening New Zealand and Australia, requiring close cooperation with Pacific partners to intercept shipments. O'Brien offers fascinating insights into the UK's approach to facial recognition technology, balancing effective crime-fighting with transparent ethical frameworks that maintain public trust.We explore O'Brien's leadership journey from frontline supervisor to strategic leader, examining how policing leadership evolves while its fundamental purpose remains constant: "delivering good services to the community and holding those who create harm accountable." His perspective on what future police leaders need – technological fluency paired with unwavering integrity – provides valuable guidance for anyone in law enforcement.For those interested in global security, criminal justice, or leadership development, this conversation offers rare insights into how international police cooperation works in our increasingly interconnected world. What emerging threats might travel from one continent to another? How do police agencies share information across different legal systems? Listen to discover how these critical relationships protect communities worldwide.Hey there! Send us a message. Who else should we be talking to? What topics are important? Use FanMail to connect! Let us know!Contact us: [email protected] Website: www.copdocpodcast.comIf you'd like to arrange for facilitated training, or consulting, or talk about steps you might take to improve your leadership and help in your quest for promotion, contact Steve at [email protected]

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• From Italy to US: Police Commander's Journey - Diego Zannella - Lake Forest Park, WA Police

  The CopDoc Podcast- Season 8 - Episode 158 Ever wonder what American policing looks like through the eyes of someone trained in European military special forces? Commander Diego Zanella offers that rare perspective, having journeyed from Italian paratrooper to American police commander. His story isn't just about cultural transitions—it reveals universal leadership truths that transcend borders.Born and raised in Florence, Zanella moved to Seattle at age 31 with minimal English skills but a wealth of tactical experience. After 9/11, he felt compelled to serve his adopted country, joining law enforcement rather than returning to military service. Now commanding patrol operations at Lake Forest Park Police Department near Seattle, Zanella brings fresh eyes to American policing traditions.What makes this conversation particularly fascinating is Zanella's ability to compare European and American approaches to police leadership. While many European officers undergo 3-5 years of academic training before assuming leadership roles, American officers often pursue higher education mid-career. This contrast raises thought-provoking questions about how we develop police leaders.Zanella champions what he calls the "upside-down pyramid" of leadership—where commanders exist primarily to support sergeants, who support officers, who serve the community. "I am not the face of the department," he emphasizes. "My officers are." This servant-leadership philosophy has shaped his approach across multiple agencies.Perhaps most inspiring is Zanella's commitment to continuous learning. He maintains an Italian-language podcast sharing American policing methods with Carabinieri and Polizia officers, mentors aspiring leaders, and encourages officers to keep leadership journals for reflection. His parting wisdom resonates regardless of your field: "No matter your experience or education, keep learning something new every day, so tomorrow you can be better than today."Whether you're in law enforcement, interested in cross-cultural leadership perspectives, or simply appreciate stories of reinvention, this conversation offers valuable insights on building bridges between traditions while never stopping your leadership journey. Subscribe to hear more thought-provoking discussions with innovative police leaders from around the world.Hey there! Send us a message. Who else should we be talking to? What topics are important? Use FanMail to connect! Let us know!Contact us: [email protected] Website: www.copdocpodcast.comIf you'd like to arrange for facilitated training, or consulting, or talk about steps you might take to improve your leadership and help in your quest for promotion, contact Steve at [email protected]

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