4-Star Conversations

California Police Chiefs Association
  • 5.0 (4)
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  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

This podcast exists to spotlight the leadership journeys of California Police Chief members—past, present, and future. We’re building a space where police leaders can connect through shared experiences, lessons learned, and bold visions for the profession.

Episodes

  1. Leaps of Faith: Leading Through Change and Building from the Ground Up

    4D AGO

    Leaps of Faith: Leading Through Change and Building from the Ground Up

    What does it take to leave a department you’ve spent more than two decades in and start over somewhere new? In this episode of 4-Star Conversations, Chief Jim Munro shares what it was like to spend 24 years with the Clovis Police Department before making one of the hardest — and best — decisions of his career: moving to Grover Beach to take on a new challenge. Starting as a Commander and later becoming Chief, Jim reflects on the leap of faith that reshaped his leadership perspective. We talk about leading a young department, mentoring the next generation, and why great leadership isn’t about the size of the agency — it’s about investing in your people. Jim also shares his thoughts on recruitment, wellness, technology, and the unique challenges of leading in a small department. This is a conversation about courage, adaptability, and what happens when you’re willing to start fresh — even after decades in the profession.

    40 min
  2. Built From Within: Leading the Department That Shaped You

    JAN 12

    Built From Within: Leading the Department That Shaped You

    In this episode, we sit down with Chief Jason Salazar of the Visalia Police Department and the current President of the California Police Chiefs Association. Chief Salazar began his career more than 30 years ago as a Community Service Officer, worked his way through every rank, and has now served as Chief for over a decade. He shares what it is like to grow alongside an organization, navigate shifting relationships as you move into leadership, and lead the same community that shaped you. From defining moments and hard lessons to wellness, mentorship, and the responsibility of balancing local leadership with statewide service, this conversation offers an honest look at leadership built over time. This episode invites you to reflect on the power of purpose, the importance of consistency, and the connections that sustain a long and meaningful career.

    40 min
  3. Retiring Well: What You Leave Behind, and Where You Go Next

    12/22/2025

    Retiring Well: What You Leave Behind, and Where You Go Next

    In this episode, retired Chief Neil H. Gang joins us for a candid conversation about legacy, leadership, and what it really means to retire well. After 36 years in law enforcement, including nearly a decade leading the Pinole Police Department, Neil became known for innovative programs, people-first leadership, and creating the Asher Model, an organizational wellness framework now used across the country. We look back at the moments that shaped his career, from his early days in New Jersey to the experiences that pushed him to champion wellness and culture change. Neil also shares how he prepared to step away from the badge, what surprised him about retirement, and how he continues serving the profession through consulting, speaking, and running his own podcast. This episode brings clear insight, honest reflections, and practical wisdom for leaders at any stage of their career. To learn more about 4th Watch Consulting or to connect with Neil directly, reach out at 4thwatchconsulting@gmail.com

    38 min
  4. Steady at the Center: Leadership, Resilience, and Showing Up When It Matters Most

    12/08/2025

    Steady at the Center: Leadership, Resilience, and Showing Up When It Matters Most

    In this episode, Richmond Police Chief Bisa French joins us for a grounded and deeply personal conversation about what it means to lead when life feels anything but steady. Chief French began her career in Richmond in 1998 and, in 2020, became the first woman and the first African American and Latina to lead the department. Her path has been marked by moments of transition, growth, and navigating challenges both public and private. We explore the early experiences that shaped her leadership, the responsibility she stepped into during a time of organizational upheaval, and the deeply personal crisis that tested her resilience in ways few leaders ever face. Chief French shares how she stayed centered during her nine months on leave, who she leaned on, and the habits that helped her show up for her team even when her own world felt unsteady. This conversation offers honest insight into resilience beyond the buzzwords, the balance between transparency and strength, and what it means to lead authentically through uncertainty. Whether you’re a new supervisor, a seasoned chief, or somewhere in between, Chief French’s story is a reminder that leadership is not about being unshaken, but about learning to stay steady at the center.

    40 min
  • 4 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

This podcast exists to spotlight the leadership journeys of California Police Chief members—past, present, and future. We’re building a space where police leaders can connect through shared experiences, lessons learned, and bold visions for the profession.

Information

  • Creator
    California Police Chiefs Association
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © California Police Chiefs Association
  • Show Website
    4-Star Conversations