TIPS: The Innovators of Public Safety

Matt White

Welcome to TIPS! The Innovators of Public Safety explores the people, companies, investors, and communities at the forefront of public safety tech and innovation. We engage with the technology leaders building the future, public safety professionals and visionaries on the front lines, and the nexus of investors and companies working tirelessly to keep communities across the country safe.

  1. 08/06/2025

    Walter Katz: From Public Defender to Police Reformer—Inside Chicago’s Body‑Cam Rollout, Union Politics, and Getting AI Right

    Walter Katz and I discuss the intersection of technology and criminal justice, focusing on police oversight, the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies, and the adoption of new technologies such as body-worn cameras and AI. Walter shared his extensive experience in police reform and oversight, highlighting the importance of trust-building within agencies and the community. We spent some time exploring the slow adoption of technology in policing, the influence of unions, and the potential risks and benefits of AI in law enforcement.

    55 min

  2. 06/10/2025

    Tommy Joyce: A Storied Career From The Gang Units To The Tech Stack

    Summary: Join me for an episode with the unstoppable Tommy Joyce. We talk cars, his early career, and AI. How important is "human in the loop" technology with AI? How are leaders thinking about adoption of AI-tooling? What can we learn from the rollout of LPR 10-years ago and apply to AI? You won't want to miss this one.

    58 min

  3. 06/03/2025

    Sean Bair: Bootstrapping Bair Analytics

    Summary Sean Bair shares his journey from being a reluctant crime analyst to founding Bair Analytics, a company that, until his exit, provided software solutions for public safety. We discussed the challenges of bootstrapping a business, the importance of demos and selling, and the transition to working with the defense sector. Every entrepreneur loves an exit: In Sean's case Bair Analytics was acquired by LexisNexis. We discussed the post-exit changes in his professional life, including his current work focused on improving the health and well-being of public safety personnel. Dive in with me!

    1h 11m

  4. 05/07/2025

    Amanda Wood: How Public Safety Gets Funded — And What Lobbyists Really Do

    Summary: Federal dollars don’t move themselves. In this episode, Amanda Wood—veteran lobbyist and public safety funding expert—pulls back the curtain on how law enforcement agencies actually win (or lose) in D.C. From the power of relationships with congressional staffers to why earmarks are back in play, Amanda breaks down what it really takes to unlock federal money. We get into how shifting political winds affect public safety funding, what local leaders should understand about the procurement process, and why lobbyists are often the unsung heroes behind breakthrough technology deployments. If you’ve ever wondered how law enforcement tech gets funded—or why it doesn’t—this is the episode for you.

    48 min

  5. 04/22/2025

    David Thorp: Law Enforcement Innovation, Private Sector Collaboration, and Smarter Policing

    Summary: In this conversation, David Thorp and I discuss the evolution and impact of Real-Time Crime Centers (RTCC) in law enforcement. David shares his journey from military signals intelligence to becoming a key figure in RTCCs, emphasizing the importance of technology, collaboration with private sectors, and the challenges of data sharing. We explore the future of policing, the need for innovation, and the significance of hiring the right personnel to adapt to modern technology. And fun, we talk about what fun we're actually having these days.

    51 min

  6. 04/15/2025

    Chris Mastroianni: The beating heart of the Hartford C4 RTCC, measuring the impact of crime technologies, and the evolution of real-time tech

    Summary Join me for this interview of Chris Mastroianni, a Sergeant at the Hartford Police Department, who discusses the evolution and impact of real-time crime centers in policing. Chris won't say this but I will, he is one of the most important leaders in the space helping push the envelope on what is possible in real time crime centers. He's also wildly engaged on publishing research that actually seeks to measure how successful each new peace of technology is. Takeaways Real-time crime centers have evolved significantly over the past decade.Technology in policing is essential for effective crime prevention.Video evidence is more reliable than witness testimony in many cases.The process of using technology is as important as the technology itself.Policing technology must be accompanied by proper training and management.The future of policing will increasingly rely on technology and community partnerships.

    53 min

  7. 04/08/2025

    Kevin Fray: The Mark43 model, building samurai sales teams, vets in public safety, patriotic capital, building teams, and building families

    Summary Kevin Fray, the Field CTO of Mark 43, discusses his journey from the Navy to public safety technology. We explore the role of AI in law enforcement, the importance of networking, and the challenges faced in the industry. Kevin shares insights on building a successful team, his leadership philosophy, and the current trends shaping the future of Mark 43. You won't want to miss this conversation which somehow covers everything from sales to samurais. Chapters 00:00 The Rise of Virtual Executive Assistance 04:05 Navigating Partnerships and Agency Relationships 06:54 Kevin Frey's Journey to Mark 43 09:40 Understanding Technical Sales in Public Safety 12:51 The Navy Influence in Public Safety Tech 15:29 Investment Trends and Opportunities in Public Safety 18:32 Mark 43's Growth and Future Directions 21:17 Building a Customer-Centric Product Strategy 26:20 The Role of AI in Public Safety 28:47 AI Limitations and Ethical Considerations 30:56 Market Dynamics and Competition in AI 32:45 Regulatory Landscape and Public Safety 35:17 Funding and Grant Opportunities 38:30 Leadership and Team Dynamics 43:11 Personal Insights and Life Balance 50:38 Intro Animation_Public Safety_Final-Cut.mp4 50:56 Introduction to Multitude Insights and Podcast Goals

    52 min

  8. 03/20/2025

    Morgan Hitzig: Investing in Public Safety, What Peregrine Gets Right, and Where LE Tech is Heading

    Summary Morgan Hitzig is a venture investor at Venrock and a Navy Reserve officer and we asked her to share her insights on the intersection of technology and public safety. Our discussion (hosted at Venrock NYC) covers her investment thesis, the impact of companies like Peregrine on law enforcement, and the challenges faced in the tech landscape. Morgan emphasizes the importance of user-centered design, the need for trust in technology adoption, and the potential of generative AI in transforming public safety. She also reflects on her personal journey from the NYPD to the Navy, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of balancing military and civilian roles. Takeaways Venture capital is increasingly focused on public safety technologyPeregrine's commitment to law enforcement has made a significant impact and has driven excitement in the spaceLaw enforcement agencies are sophisticated buyers of technology, despite the perception otherwise. Trust is crucial for technology adoption in law enforcement.Collaboration among law enforcement agencies is a key driver of innovation in the space. Links: www.venrock.comwww.multitudeinsights.com

    47 min
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About

Welcome to TIPS! The Innovators of Public Safety explores the people, companies, investors, and communities at the forefront of public safety tech and innovation. We engage with the technology leaders building the future, public safety professionals and visionaries on the front lines, and the nexus of investors and companies working tirelessly to keep communities across the country safe.

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