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In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley welcomes Thor Eells, Executive Director of the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA).
With over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, Eells shares his expertise on current NTOA activities and trends in SWAT training and deployment. He discusses challenges facing tactical teams today, including civil unrest, evolving standards for SWAT teams and the importance of regional cooperation among agencies.
The conversation also explores the implications of recent legislation on law enforcement practices and the role of advanced technology in enhancing tactical training and operations.
About our sponsor
LETS Corp is the technology company behind LETS Respond, one of the most sought-after smart solutions by law enforcement to prevent and de-escalate crises. Endorsed by law enforcement agencies from LA to New York, LETS Respond helps bring enhanced awareness and safer resolutions in response to hostage/crisis situations. With LETS Respond, you’ll instantly save costs, and improve time to response and resolution, without ever needing to deal with the hassle of setting up a throw phone. Explore the benefits by visiting letscorp.us/respond today.

Drug addiction is often described as a public health crisis, with the United States seeing a significant rise in overdose deaths over the past two decades. Despite various approaches ranging from harm reduction to using alternative drugs for rehabilitation, the effectiveness of these strategies remains questionable. With overdose deaths soaring from 10,000 to over 100,000 annually, it raises the question: is it time to reconsider our approach and perhaps start a new War on Drugs?
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with retired DEA agent Mike Brown, who has dedicated over 32 years to fighting drug trafficking. The discussion centers around the escalating crisis of fentanyl addiction and overdose deaths in the United States, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement and the need for improved bilateral cooperation and innovative strategies to combat the issue.
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.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and its Office for Bombing Prevention (OBP) are at the forefront of maintaining national security, working closely with local police to prevent and respond to threats involving explosive devices.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Jeff Dade, section chief of OBP, to discuss the vital partnerships, advanced training programs and innovative technologies that enhance the resilience of America's critical infrastructure against potential attacks.
About our sponsor
LETS Corp is the technology company behind LETS Respond, one of the most sought-after smart solutions by law enforcement to prevent and de-escalate crises. Endorsed by law enforcement agencies from LA to New York, LETS Respond helps bring enhanced awareness and safer resolutions in response to hostage/crisis situations. With LETS Respond, you’ll instantly save costs, and improve time to response and resolution, without ever needing to deal with the hassle of setting up a throw phone. Explore the benefits by visiting letscorp.us/respond today.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various industries and policing is no exception. AI offers tools that can enhance efficiency, accuracy and overall effectiveness in law enforcement. However, the adoption of these technologies also raises critical questions about privacy, bias and the ethical use of AI in public safety.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Chief Philip Lukens on how AI is being used in policing.
With a career spanning nearly three decades, Chief Lukens has been at the forefront of integrating innovative technologies in policing. As a leading expert in AI, he has been instrumental in pioneering the use of artificial intelligence in tandem with community policing, significantly enhancing police operations and optimizing patrol methods. Learn more about Chief Lukens’ policing initiatives here.
About our sponsor
This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by Skydio. Learn more about how Skydio enhances public safety and operational efficiency by visiting Skydio.com.
 

Recently, we saw a first-of-its-kind arrest of two middle school students who created deepfake nude images of their classmates. This arrest marks a new milestone for law enforcement as they consider how to address the use of generative AI relative to child sexual abuse material and nonconsensual deepfakes — by even juvenile offenders.
The rapid advancement of AI technology has brought significant benefits, but it also poses new challenges, especially for law enforcement agencies. AI-generated images and voices can be incredibly realistic, making it difficult to discern authentic evidence from fabricated content. This new landscape requires investigators to develop sophisticated techniques and legal frameworks to keep pace with these technological innovations.
In this episode, Policing Matters podcast host Jim Dudley speaks with Heather Mahalik Barnhart, Senior Director of Community Engagement at Cellebrite, about the complexities law enforcement faces due to AI advancements. Heather highlights the difficulty in distinguishing real from AI-generated images, the legal ambiguities surrounding AI evidence and the mental toll on investigators. She also shares practical advice on securing personal and family digital presence, emphasizing the importance of updated security settings and awareness.
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.

In the latest episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Alison Esposito, a former NYPD Deputy Inspector who is now making a bid for Congress. The episode dives into the pressing issues facing law enforcement today, including the movement to defund the police, the repercussions of policy changes following the 2020 protests, and the challenges of law enforcement recruitment and public perception.
Alison Esposito brings nearly 25 years of experience with the NYPD to the table, where she rose to the rank of Deputy Inspector and commanded the 70th Police District. Following in the footsteps of her father, NYPD Chief Michael Esposito, Alison joined the force because she believes that those who are in danger, and cannot defend themselves, have the right to be safe, free and protected.
Her career, marked by a commitment to public safety and community service, now extends into the political arena where she aims to influence law enforcement policy on a national level. As a candidate for Congress, Esposito focuses on strengthening public safety, supporting law enforcement officers, and addressing the consequences of recent criminal justice reforms. For more information, click here.
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.