The untrained trainer
When passion isn’t enough
There’s a quiet problem spreading through police training rooms, and it’s not laziness or lack of effort. It’s something harder to spot and easier to excuse: good intentions. Every year, […] Read More
December 2025
Maintain your mental armor
Wellness visits are one more tool to keep you mission-ready
Cops aren’t typically known for their proactive approach to their mental health. They often wait for a crisis to erupt before seeking help, or they struggle and suffer in silence. […] Read More
Smart power
A leadership case study of Eisenhower and Patton
Dwight Eisenhower and soft power Joseph S. Nye, the author of The Powers to Lead, argues that soft power rests on getting results using influence, so that others want to […] Read More
The power of calm-edy
When the job fires you up, sometimes a sense of humor can cool you down
It’s strange seeing so much violence and death, and so much violent death, so regularly, especially being away from any war zone. That’s not even factoring in the constant natural […] Read More
Can your staff keep pace with your leadership goals?
How many times do you regret not communicating with another colleague or agency, failing to acknowledge the accomplishments or significant events of others, not providing condolences at the passing of […] Read More
New Mexico’s Law Enforcement Retention Fund keeps experienced, certified officers in state
When it comes to saving lives and keeping New Mexicans safe, what could be more important than certified and experienced law enforcement officers? It’s so critical that the New Mexico […] Read More
Domestic violence
Prevention and intervention: A proven guide
In my nearly 47 years in law enforcement, I have seen numerous women who were pursued by a jealous suitor, an ex-husband or an unknown stalker. Those men would make […] Read More
Is anyone listening?
Recruiting and retaining the next generation of officers
Recruitment and retention aren’t just administrative headaches anymore — they’re operational survival. Across America, more than 18,000 law enforcement agencies are fighting a common battle — not against crime, but […] Read More
Gear that moves with you
Roller duffel bags for law enforcement
Earlier in the year, I noticed more people than ever were using roller duffel bags while traveling to the 2025 SHOT Show. When I got to SHOT, I continued seeing […] Read More
Code Red, all hands on deck
Ensuring security at the Charlie Kirk memorial service
Dave, I need to give you a heads-up.” It was Saturday, September 13, and I was on the horn with the Chief. He had my attention. I mean, when the […] Read More
An unexpected burglar
Uniformed patrol can be a thankless job, but many cops find that the occasional dose of adventure makes it worthwhile. In Watertown, South Dakota, a couple of officers stepped into […] Read More
A new breed of cop car
The rookie of today faces a host of challenges that weren’t necessarily present for their forebears. Body cameras, activist groups and ever-present cellphone cameras make for an especially challenging career […] Read More
Texas manhunt captures suspect in shooting of officer and K-9
On November 5, Texas law enforcement officers took Bobby Michael Dennis into custody on charges of attempted capital murder of a peace officer, interference with a police service animal and […] Read More
Beyond crisis response
A holistic approach to officer wellness and resilience
In recent years, police officer wellness has rightfully taken center stage in conversations about reform, retention and leadership. Much of this attention has focused on the mental health crisis within […] Read More
A Christmas loss
On December 22, 1980, 6-year-old Brian Perry and his younger sister were at their grandmother’s house with their mother, busy with holiday preparations. Brian and his sister were filled with […] Read More
