The CopDoc Podcast: Aiming for Excellence in Leadership Dr. Steve Morreale - Host - TheCopDoc Podcast

Season 6 - Episode 127

Imagine a world where the officers patrolling our neighborhoods not only serve and protect but are also the pinnacle of professional development and adaptability. That's the vision Dr. Matt O'Deane, a prominent figure at California POST, shares as he joins me, Steve Morialli, to unwrap his journey from a safety patrol youngster to a linchpin in the oversight of police training. We traverse Matt's storied career, from his start at the National City Police Department to his impactful days within the San Diego District Attorney's Office, and now his influential work ensuring law enforcement officers across California are well-equipped to face the rapidly changing demands of their duty.

Have you ever wondered what goes into the making of a law enforcement officer in California? Well, prepare to be enlightened as Dr. O'Deane and I examine the intricate pathways from academy to continuous advancement within the force. We strip back the layers of their rigorous training, highlighting the essential training in critical areas such as crisis management and strategic communication. It's not all work, though—Matt shares the personal investment and perseverance needed to climb the ladder from corporal to command, the pivotal probationary periods, and the creative solutions resilient police chiefs employ to maintain high training standards amid resource scarcity.

Finally, we pull back the curtain on the meticulous planning and collaboration required to keep California's police training in step with legislative changes. Hear from Dr. O'Deane about the approval process for new courses, the importance of feedback in shaping responsive training programs, and the stringent selection criteria for consultants at California POST. As we discuss the future of law enforcement education and accountability, you'll get a front-row seat to the ongoing efforts to ensure our peace officers are not only educated but exemplify the utmost in professional conduct and competence.





Contact us: copdoc.podcast@gmail.com

Website: www.copdocpodcast.com

If 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 stephen.morreale@gmail.com

Season 6 - Episode 126
When the mind faces a maze of trauma and stress, finding the exit can be a heroic journey in itself. Dr. Cherylynn Lee, a beacon of hope in the realm of police psychology, joins us to navigate these complex pathways. She shares her transformation from an academic outsider to a pivotal figure in law enforcement mental health, offering an invaluable perspective on the essential balance between a tough exterior and inner emotional resilience.

Embarking on this episode, we venture into the often-overlooked realm of police mental wellness. Dr. Lee and I engage in a candid discussion about the necessity of mental health check-ups for officers, paralleling the care for their minds with that of their bodies. Through her narrative, we learn of the life-altering impacts that unseen injuries can have and the restorative power of wellness initiatives within the department. The conversation takes a deeper turn as we address the cumulative nature of trauma and the multifaceted approaches to therapy, including the integration of hobbies and physical activities as a form of recovery and prevention.

Concluding with a dive into the intense life of a first responder psychologist, we gain an honest look at the demanding nature of this role. Dr. Lee pulls back the curtain on the specialized therapy techniques, such as EMDR, that are tailored to help officers cope with the neurological aftermath of their experiences. Through this dialogue, we underscore the importance of reshaping our understanding of post-traumatic stress as an injury, fostering a healthier, stigma-free perception of the challenges our law enforcement community faces. Join us as we express our deepest gratitude to Dr. Lee for her insights and to you, our listeners, for embarking on this journey of awareness and empathy.


Contact us: copdoc.podcast@gmail.com

Website: www.copdocpodcast.com

If 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 stephen.morreale@gmail.com

Season 6 - Episode 125

Join the conversation with Dr. Grainne Perkins, a trailblazing Irish-born Chief of Police at the University of Southern Maine, whose career arc bends from zoology to the forefront of global law enforcement. Grainna shares her riveting story, a blend of detective work in Dublin's cobblestone alleys, innovative roles in Interpol, and her current tenure shaping the future of policing in the U.S. Her dynamic path showcases the wealth of opportunities within the policing profession and underscores the impact of an international perspective on law enforcement.

Venture into the heart of police accountability with Grainne as she offers her candid thoughts on navigating the shift from the streets of Dublin to the academic corridors of Southern Maine. Tackling intricate communication challenges, she uncovers the layers of adapting an Irish accent for American listeners and the critical role of community trust. Grainne unravels the complexities of Seattle's hybrid police accountability system and reflects on the seismic changes in policing post-George Floyd. Her insight into the utilization of body-worn cameras reveals the delicate balance between technology and traditional investigative work, proving pivotal in the pursuit of justice.

The epitome of a leader, Grainne delves into the nuances of guiding a police force with clarity and vision. She dissects the art of mentorship and the strategic development of officers, drawing parallels between the communicative Irish Garda and her experiences in North America. Her final thoughts touch on the essence of leadership, collaboration across borders, and the indelible mark one aspires to leave on the world. As we close, Grainne muses on the gratification that stems from aiding others and the conversations she yearns to have with historic trailblazers, illuminating the profound journey of a life dedicated to public service.
Contact us: copdoc.podcast@gmail.com

Website: www.copdocpodcast.com

If 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 stephen.morreale@gmail.com

Season 5 - Episode 124

Embark on an intellectual exploration with me, Dr. Steve Morreale, as I sit down with Dr. Frank Schmalleger, a titan in the field of criminal justice education. His pioneering textbooks have shaped the landscape of learning for generations of law enforcement professionals. Throughout this episode, we discuss shifts in criminal justice from its early beginnings to the current era, where cybercrime and AI present new challenges. Frank's teaching philosophy, which marries relevance and problem-solving, alongside his views on the crucial role of leadership philosophy in policing, offers invaluable food for thought for current and future police leaders.

Grapple with the complexities of evidence-based policing as we confront issues like black-on-black violence and the misuse of firearms in communities of color, dissecting the implications these have on media reporting and societal perception. Frank unpacks the nuanced concept of 'wokeness' within law enforcement and how it intertwines with the threads of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our conversation also ventures into the balancing act required between embracing diversity and fostering a cohesive societal consensus, all while keeping the criminal justice curriculum responsive to the rapidly evolving landscape of threats in the digital age.

In a candid reflection, Frank opens up about the enduring legacy he aims to leave through his extensive written works and the transition from print to digital media. This episode is not just a look into the past but also a call to action for future collaborative writing ventures, promising to keep the flame of intellectual curiosity burning brightly. Join us for a dialogue that weaves through the fabric of criminal justice, leadership, societal dynamics, and the timeless craft of writing, ensuring you walk away with a richer understanding of the forces that shape our legal landscape.
The episode closes with a poignant reflection on Frank Schmalleger's professional pride and legacy in publishing, addressing the shift from print to digital media and the importance of preserving academic works for future generations. The open invitation for collaborative writing endeavors encapsulates the spirit of continuous learning and intellectual growth that the episode champions.

Overall, the podcast episode with Dr. Frank Schmalleger serves as a comprehensive dialogue on the dynamic and ever-evolving world of criminal justice. It promises to leave listeners with a richer understanding of the forces that shape our legal systems and the critical role of education, leadership, and technology in this domain.
Contact us: copdoc.podcast@gmail.com

Website: www.copdocpodcast.com

If 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 stephen.morreale@gmail.com

The CopDoc Podcast - Season 5 - Episode 123

From the hard-knock streets of New York to the high-stakes realm of federal law enforcement, Pete Forcelli’s journey epitomizes the life of a quintessential lawman. This episode peels back the curtain on an illustrious career marked by courage and integrity, as Pete, a retired ATF executive and former NYPD homicide detective, recounts the days that forged his path. Together, we navigate through his vivid memories of community policing, the intricacies of transitioning from New York's finest to the ATF, and the leadership challenges that tested his mettle.

Pete's tale takes a gripping turn as he recounts the emotional upheaval experienced during and after the September 11 attacks, and the profound partnerships between federal agents and prosecutors. His accounts provide a rare lens into the unspoken battles and survival instincts that come with the badge. As we probe deeper, Pete opens up about the perplexing inertia he encountered with the legal system in Phoenix and the unyielding pursuit of justice in the face of bureaucratic resistance—a true testament to the real-life grit over glamor in law enforcement.

The episode crescendos with the heart-wrenching narrative of whistleblowers within the ranks, who risk everything in defiance of wrongdoing. Pete details the eye-opening saga of "Operation Fast and Furious" from his book and the chilling effects of whistle-blower retaliation, all while maintaining a resolve that commands respect. This conversation does more than recount a decorated career; it's an education in the sacrifices made behind the badge and the indelible legacy of a man whose convictions never wavered. Join us for an unforgettable glimpse into the life and lessons of Pete Forcelli, whose story is as impactful as it is instructive.
Contact us: copdoc.podcast@gmail.com

Website: www.copdocpodcast.com

If 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 stephen.morreale@gmail.com

Season 5 - Episode 122

Join the conversation with James F. "Jim" Pastor, a former Chicago Police Officer turned author, as he unpacks the tumultuous atmosphere enveloping police leadership today. Our chat delves into ideologies that shape our society, touching on race, religion, and politics, and their effects on law enforcement. Pastor's book "You Say You Want a Revolution" serves as our backdrop, exposing the intense pressures officers face during societal upheaval and the forewarning of potential perils that lie ahead. It's a dialogue that transcends the pages, shedding light on the readiness required in these unpredictable times.

Strap in for this deep discussion of policing's evolution over the past four decades, as we dissect the escalating police-involved incidents and the heart-wrenching rise in officer suicides. Pastor, with his multifaceted expertise, guides us through the socio-political minefields that today's officers must navigate, and we probe the contentious nature of modern-day politics, especially within the heated discussions of college campuses. The conversation extends to the necessity of public safety policing, as Pastor's insights challenge us to consider the alignment of policing practices with the core values of our communities.

The chat ends as we tackle the relationship between patriotism and the challenges facing policing against the backdrop of globalism and its critique of nationalistic sentiments. Pastor illuminates the impact of political decisions on the ground, stressing the critical role of police leadership in steering officers through treacherous waters. It's a crucial discussion for those vested in the intersection of law enforcement and the fabric of our national identity, and Pastor doesn't shy away from the tough questions that confront the very essence of public safety.
Contact us: copdoc.podcast@gmail.com

Website: www.copdocpodcast.com

If 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 stephen.morreale@gmail.com