Policing In America

Tom Datro
  • 5.0 (38)
  • PHILOSOPHY

Welcome to Policing in America – a podcast about race and policing: the good, the bad and the ugly. The goal? To have, at times, uncomfortable conversations to spark positive change. Your host is currently the Officer in Charge of a unit that creates, delivers and maintains police training in the largest urban police department on the west coast of America: Sergeant Tom Datro.

  1. DEC 1

    The Future of Police is Already Here

    In this episode we speak with James Bueermann.  Chief Jim Bueermann (ret.) is the Founder and President of the Future Policing Institute, a think tank dedicated to advancing policing that is effective, empathetic and just. He has been involved in various aspects of policing since 1978. From 1978 to 2011 he was a member of the Redlands Police Department (CA). His last 13 years with the RPD he served as the Chief of Police and Director of Housing, Recreation and Senior Services. After his retirement in 2011, he worked for a year for the USDOJ, National Institute of Justice as an Executive Fellow. In 2012 he was appointed the president of the National Police Foundation (now the National Policing Institute), America's oldest non-partisan, non-profit police research organization. He retired from the Foundation in late 2018. James now runs the Future Policing Institute and what he has to say about policing and the future is sure to excite and scare you!

    1h 2m

  2. OCT 27

    The RISE of Rashmi Airan

    In this gripping episode, I sit down with Rashmi Airan, whose fall from grace exposed the quiet power of rationalization, cultural pressure, and the slow erosion of integrity. From the courtroom to a prison camp, Rashmi's story is a masterclass in how smart people can make devastating choices—and how redemption starts with radical honesty. For law enforcement professionals, this isn't just a cautionary tale—it's a mirror. We explore: The slippery slope of "just this once" How ethical drift sneaks into every profession Why accountability isn't about punishment—it's about prevention And what it really means to lead with values when no one's watching If you think it can't happen to you... tune in.

    1h 17m

  3. MAY 1

    The Real Operative: Inside Child Trafficking with Paul Hutchinson

    By far the most emotional podcast I have done.  Paul Hutchinson is a modern day hero.  He has walked through the gates of hell to meet the Devil himself in order to save the most innocent among us.  Please enjoy this episode!   If you want to support Paul (see below)   Get the first 3 chapters of Paul's book for free: soundoffreedombook.com   Websites: Liberating Humanity Website: liberating-humanity.com Child Liberation Foundation Website: childliberation.org Social: Instagram: instagram.com/liberating.humanity Facebook: facebook.com/liberating.humanity TikTok: tiktok.com/@liberating.humanity X: x.com/paulhutchinson Youtube: youtube.com/@liberatinghumanity LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/paulhutch

    1h 26m

  4. APR 10

    Getting of the X - Lessons from a CIA Operator

    Former CIA counterterrorism officer Michele Rigby Assad joins us to talk espionage, fear, intuition, and how to own your presence in the world's most dangerous places. This isn't Jason Bourne, because that's Hollywood.  Michele lived that life without any safety nets.  Often times she was alone and her only "weapons" were her abilities to read the situation and make the best decisions available;  to get off the X and act.   You can find Michele here https://michelerigbyassad.com/ You can fund her book here https://www.amazon.com/s?k=get+off+the+x+book&adgrpid=1344705197077485&hvadid=84044349456447&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=48792&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-84045198700376%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=22537_13494504&mcid=2777b98fad5c3c2ea27572c6945247d4&msclkid=0e7c973bfdb31a839009f0cc4539e9cc&tag=mh0b-20&ref=pd_sl_2fznzhylmu_e

    1h 4m

  5. MAR 25

    Too Many Rules, Too Little Thinking

    In this episode, Sgt Tom sits down with Professor, philosopher, and martial artist Barry Lam to unpack the hidden costs of rule-heavy systems in high-stakes professions like policing. Together, they explore why too many rules can actually undermine judgment, initiative, and moral reasoning on the front lines. From the ethics of discretion to the neuroscience of decision-making, this conversation challenges the idea that more policy equals better outcomes. What if better training in judgment—not more rules—is the key to better policing? Tune in for a conversation that bridges street-level experience with deep philosophical insight. Find Barry here https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-lam-54ba0b15/ Find Barry's book here https://www.amazon.com/s?k=fewer+rules+better+people&crid=2DTXP9X3R0OP9&sprefix=fewer%2Caps%2C286&ref=nb_sb_ss_mvt-t9-ranker_1_5   Listen to Barry's podcast here https://hiphination.org/

    1h 2m

  6. JAN 27

    The Flaw in Fighting Crime - The Dark Side of Data.

    In this we hear from a former FBI Cyber Special Agent who pulls back the curtain on how data can be a game-changer in the fight against crime—but also reveals the startling ways many police agencies are getting it wrong. Our conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities of leveraging data for public safety. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a law enforcement professional, or just curious about the intersection of technology and justice, this episode will leave you with a new perspective on the power—and potential missteps—of data in modern policing.

    1h 14m

  7. 08/18/2024

    Service, Honor, and Sacrifice - A conversation with a War Nurse.

    Ret. Captain Christine Collins is a decorated veteran and trauma nurse during a pivotal deployment to Afghanistan in 2009. Stationed at Bagram Air Base, she found herself at the epicenter of the conflict, tirelessly working to save the lives of American troops, Afghan civilians caught in the crossfire, and even enemy fighters. Through her raw and poignant memoir, Christine unveils the physical and emotional toll of war, not just on those fighting but also on the medical personnel tasked with picking up the pieces. Her amazing book titled Service Honor and Sacrifice can be found on Amazon, Audible, or wherever you purchase your books.  Christine is a truly amazing woman and after spending some time with her I can tell you this - I am glad she is on our side! Tough, intelligent, and unstoppable.

    1h 50m

  8. 05/31/2024

    What's the truth about crime rates? A conversation with economist John Lott

    I have been wrestling with the recent news reports about the historic plummeting of crime rates for some time.  I am left thinking, "Don't believe your lying eyes."  Depending on which news outlets you watch you might have a very different perspective on crime.  The left tells you the drop in crime is historic - https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/04/30/trump-crime-fbi-data-murder-statistics/73443631007/ Right-wing outlets tell you Blue States are basically hellscapes and it's Mad MAX everywhere. I want an honest conversation to find the truth and perhaps some nuance.  I have reached out to Jeff Asher (with no luck) to come on the show and share his data.  John Lott was more than willing to come on and share his.  Enjoy and please let me know your thoughts.

    1h 4m
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5
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

Welcome to Policing in America – a podcast about race and policing: the good, the bad and the ugly. The goal? To have, at times, uncomfortable conversations to spark positive change. Your host is currently the Officer in Charge of a unit that creates, delivers and maintains police training in the largest urban police department on the west coast of America: Sergeant Tom Datro.

Information

  • Creator
    Tom Datro
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2021
  • Show Website
    Policing In America