Guardian Mindset Podcast Attorney Eric Daigle

Show Notes:
In this episode of the Guardian Mindset Podcast, Host Attorney Eric Daigle sits down with Chief Donna McNamara of the Stoughton Police Department, Massachusetts. They discuss her extensive career, leadership philosophy, and the evolution of mentorship in law enforcement.
Key Topics:

Introduction and Background:

Chief Donna McNamara's career journey, starting in 1996 with the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office and her rise through the ranks in the Stoughton Police Department.
Her educational background, including a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Curry College and a Bachelor’s degree from Westfield State University.

Leadership and Mentorship:

The importance of mentorship for female officers and the challenges faced by women in law enforcement.
Chief McNamara's efforts to create a supportive environment for new officers, emphasizing communication skills and de-escalation techniques learned during her time as a corrections officer.

Career Development:

The significance of lateral moves within the department to gain diverse experiences.
The role of professional development programs and certifications in shaping her career and preparing for leadership roles.

Community and Technology:

The evolving relationship between law enforcement and communities, especially in the wake of significant events.
The future of policing, including the integration of AI and other technologies to address staffing challenges.

Highlights of Chief McNamara’s Year as President of FBI-LEEDA:

Representing the organization at the Candlelight Vigil and the leadership conference in Dubai.
Insights into Dubai's advanced policing technologies and the potential benefits of international law enforcement collaborations.


About our Guest:
Chief Donna McNamara began her criminal justice career in 1996 with the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff/ Corrections Officer in the County House of Correction. McNamara was hired by the Stoughton Police Department in 2001 as a Police Officer. She has served in various positions within the organization including Detective, Patrol Sergeant and Lieutenant before her appointment to Interim Chief.  Chief McNamara was appointed in 2017 as the permanent Chief of Police for the Stoughton Police Department, a Massachusetts Accredited Police Agency.
Chief McNamara earned a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Curry College.  She also received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Westfield State University.
Chief McNamara was the recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award in 2014. She has continued to pursue extensive professional development by attending the Police Executive Research Reform (PERF) Senior Management Institute Session 65.
She has attended the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Women and Power: Leadership in a New World, as well as the International Association of Chiefs of Police Women’s Leadership Institute and the New England Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar.
Additional Resources:

FBI-LEEDA: https://www.fbileeda.org

Episode Overview:
In this engaging episode of the Guardian Mindset podcast, host Attorney Eric Daigle catches up with Gregory Jbara at the FBI LEEDA 2024 Annual Executive Training Conference. Known for his role in the popular TV series "Blue Bloods" and his recent appearance in a major film, Greg shares insights from his unique position at the intersection of entertainment and law enforcement.
Highlights of the Episode:

FBI LEEDA Conference Insights: Greg talks about his experience at the FBI LEEDA Executive Training Conference, detailing how the event deepened his connection with the law enforcement community.
Entertainment and Law Enforcement: Greg discusses his role in "Blue Bloods" and how it parallels real-world law enforcement issues, highlighting the impact of his work on public perception and law enforcement relations.
Personal Anecdotes: Greg shares personal stories that show the deep respect and appreciation he has developed for law enforcement through his roles and real-life interactions.
Community and Law Enforcement: The conversation also touches on the critical topic of community relations and the importance of mutual respect and understanding between the public and law enforcement.

About the Guest:
Gregory Jbara began his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan with a minor in physics and a major in communications. By his second year he was enrolled as a theatre major and his third year was a founding inaugural class member of the renowned University of Michigan Musical Theatre Department. He also co-founded the still flourishing Impact (Jazz) Dance Company through the University Activities Center.
He transferred to The Juilliard School where he completed his BFA in acting in 1986.
The fall of his fourth year of training at Juilliard he was selected to join five other acting students to represent the Drama Division performing live on the televised 80th anniversary celebration of the Juilliard School, “PBS Live From Lincoln Center: Juilliard at 80”.
He remained a New York resident through December of 1997. Born and raised in suburban Detroit, Jbara now resides with his wife Julie and their sons Zachary and Aidan in Los Angeles.
Learn more about Gregory Jbara: https://www.gregoryjbara.com/
 

Episode Overview: In this episode, Attorney Eric Daigle provides a detailed exploration of "excited delirium," a term with deep roots in law enforcement and medical fields, now facing significant scrutiny. He delves into its historical background, examines its medical and legal ramifications, and discusses the evolving perspectives on its use and legitimacy.
Key Points Discussed:

Historical Context and Usage: Attorney Daigle covers the origin and development of 'excited delirium', its ties to law enforcement, and its relevance in notable cases such as those of George Floyd and Elijah McClain. This term, historically used to describe individuals in a state of extreme agitation, is now under scrutiny for its scientific validity and origins.
Controversies and Challenges: The episode brings to light the growing controversy over 'excited delirium' and its questionable validity, as noted by organizations like the American Psychiatric Association.
Training and Recognition: The episode emphasizes the critical need for law enforcement training in recognizing and appropriately responding to individuals in crisis, regardless of the terminology employed.
Recommendations for Law Enforcement: Attorney Daigle offers practical guidance and suggestions for law enforcement in scenarios that might have been previously categorized as 'excited delirium', focusing on de-escalation techniques and medical interventions.
Future Directions: The conversation concludes with thoughts on the future role of terms like 'excited delirium' in law enforcement and medical practices, proposing alternatives and underscoring the importance of continuous education and training.

Additional Resources: 

https://www.forcescience.com/tag/excited-delirium/
https://www.ipicd.com/articles.html#/

Episode Summary:
In this compelling episode of the Guardian Mindset Podcast, Attorney Eric Daigle returns to further explore the intricate concept of duty of care in law enforcement, with a special focus on the public duty doctrine. Building on the foundations laid in our previous episode, this discussion delves deeper, intertwining legal theory with human perspectives to offer a comprehensive understanding of law enforcement responsibilities.
We begin by examining the delicate balance law enforcement officers must maintain in differentiating between subjects and suspects in both non-criminal and criminal situations. This episode takes a close look at landmark legal cases such as South vs Maryland, Warren vs District of Columbia, and Shaney vs Winnebago County, dissecting their impact on the duty of care in the field of law enforcement.
Our conversation then shifts to the complex interplay between the legal and moral duties of care for officers, especially when dealing with individuals who are incapacitated or suffering from mental health issues. Attorney Daigle provides insights into the challenges and potential liabilities officers face in their tactical decision-making processes.
A crucial part of this episode is dedicated to clarifying the often misunderstood distinction between a 'suspect' and a 'subject', and why grasping this difference is essential for law enforcement professionals. We wrap up the discussion by underlining the importance of protecting and assisting those in need, while simultaneously ensuring the safety of all parties involved.
Tune in for an enlightening session that not only sheds light on the legalities but also humanizes the complex decisions faced by law enforcement officers daily. Join us as we navigate these challenging yet vital issues that are fundamental to the role of every law enforcement officer.



 

 




 

Episode Summary:
Hosted by Attorney Eric Daigle, this episode of the Guardian Mindset Podcast offers a deep dive into the intricate landscape of duty of care in law enforcement. Attorney Daigle opens with a compelling analysis of the history of use of force, qualified immunity, and key Supreme Court cases, highlighting the critical importance of officers adhering to established laws.
The discussion explores essential questions surrounding the moral and legal obligations of law enforcement, particularly in crises like mental health emergencies and suicide threats. Drawing on real-life examples, the episode highlights a deputy initially charged with child abuse for hesitating during an active shooter situation, sparking a broader exploration into the historical aspects of use of force, qualified immunity, and recent Supreme Court cases that shape the legal landscape.
Shifting to the intersection of mental health and law enforcement, the episode conducts a thorough analysis of court cases, advocating for a joint approach to effectively assist individuals in crisis situations. The exploration extends to the use of force in medical cases, featuring an in-depth examination of two court cases and introducing the Hill Test as an evaluation tool for an officer's use of force against non-criminal suspects.
The episode concludes by scrutinizing the legal and moral responsibility of law enforcement to act against individuals posing a threat to themselves and others. As a thought-provoking finale, the implications of mental health applications on law enforcement are explored, emphasizing the nuanced balance between legal and moral obligations.
Tune in for an insightful conversation that unveils the duty of care concept, navigates the evolving landscape of policing, and underscores the crucial guardianship role of law enforcement in preserving both legal standards and moral imperatives.
 

Episode Summary:  
Today, we welcome Dr. Katherine Kuhlman to the Guardian Mindset podcast. As a distinguished police and public safety psychologist, Dr. Kuhlman brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our exploration of wellness and resilience in law enforcement.
Our conversation takes us back to the history of mental health in the folds of law enforcement, highlighting the deep-rooted mantra of "suck it up, buttercup" and its lingering influence in many departments. We shed light on the preventive measures that can act as anchors during times of crisis, such as the power of simple conversations and building direct contacts. Dr. Kuhlman articulates the importance of mental health support in law enforcement, debunking common misconceptions and emphasizing the crucial role of family support in an officer’s well-being. The episode concludes with a focus on self-care practices and resilience strategies for officers, showcasing the crucial role of mental health professionals in supporting those who protect our communities.
 
About the Guest:
Dr. Katherine (Katie)  Kuhlman, ABPP, is a board-certified psychologist in Police and Public Safety Psychology, and has expertise in the treatment of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and general life stressors. She has worked since 2014 providing services to first responders and their family members, truly understanding the unique stressors inherent in these occupations. She has presented nationally on wellness issues related to law enforcement, as well as school safety. She served as a subject matter expert on traumatic stress on the Colorado Governor's Expert Emergency Epidemic Response Committee prior to moving to Arizona. Dr. Kuhlman has responded and provided debriefing services to critical incidents including officer-involved shootings, suicides, line-of-duty deaths, and mass shootings. Understanding trauma, keeping schools and workplaces safe, and helping first responders are her true passions.
Resources: 

More about Dr.Kuhlman 
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