On this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with firearms instructor and content creator Samantha Borgos, co-founder of Sovereign Self Defense. Samantha has built a viral social media presence by blending “edutainment”—educational content wrapped in entertainment—with videos of herself legally ope…

In this episode, we talk with financial consultant and OPOA Treasurer about the new 457(b) Roth option that has a December 1st deadline!Από τον The Shield

Sgt. Betsy Smith sits down with longtime friend and law enforcement legend David Gonzales, whose 48-year career spans small-town patrol, Arizona DPS narcotics work, and over two decades as the presidentially appointed U.S. Marshal for the District of Arizona. Gonzales shares how a 19‑year‑old kid from Flagstaff ended up patrolling one of the larges…

Host Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with police K9 handler Officer Tony Sanborn, president of the Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association (ALECA), for an in‑depth conversation about modern police K9 work. Tony shares why he was “called” to the profession, how K9 units have become powerful ambassadors and recruitment tools for law enforcemen…

This week, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with retired NYPD detective Vic Ferrari—author, podcaster, and Bronx native—for a candid conversation about policing’s past and present in New York City. Ferrari traces his path from a car-obsessed kid to an NYPD detective specializing in auto crime, explains what Law & Order gets closer to right than …

In this episode we talk about Internal Affairs. Its purpose, what types of investigations are done, ensuring officers' rights are protected, expected outcomes, and what you can expect if you get an invite. Always take a Rep!Από τον The Shield

Episode Overview In this powerful episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Dr. Josh McConkey, an Air Force Colonel, ER doctor, and author of The Weight Behind the Spear, to discuss leadership, service, and the future of our country. From the emergency room to the battlefield, from classrooms to campaign trails, Dr. McConkey shares how true…

Episode Summary In this powerful episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with longtime LAPD Detective and union leader Jamie McBride for an unfiltered look at the challenges and changes in modern policing. With 35 years of experience, McBride discusses everything from his early days on the beat to the recruitment crisis, declining standards, a…

In this episode, we go over some recent topics of conversation, including negotiations, union events, a hall remodel and more.Από τον The Shield

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with retired federal agent Peter J. Forcelli, whose 35-year law enforcement career spans street policing in the Bronx and federal investigations. Forcelli recounts his path from a TV-inspired NYPD rookie to a respected federal agent who took on both viol…

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.) sits down with Antoine Thomas, a law enforcement veteran, podcaster, and Christian conservative, to discuss the challenges and triumphs of policing in today’s America. Antoine shares his journey into law enforcement as a personal calling, reflects on the highs and lows of his career, and explains how faith, resilien…

In this gripping episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with former Marion County, Florida Deputy David Ur and his wife, Dr. Lana Krichevsky-Ur, to share their harrowing journey from public service to personal and professional devastation. What began as David’s midlife dream to serve in law enfor…

In this episode, we talk with Sergeant Brett Schrage, Detective Lisa Horton, and Agent Christina Worster about trafficking investigations.Από τον The Shield

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (ret.) sits down with former police sergeant and investigative trailblazer Christine Burke to explore the groundbreaking world of forensic genetic genealogy. Christine shares her compelling personal journey from banking to law enforcement, her passion for solving complex investigations, and how a surprising DNA discovery c…

Episode Overview: In this powerful and emotional episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Tim and Chelsea Putney, a courageous Texas couple whose life was forever changed when Tim, a police officer, suffered a catastrophic on-duty injury. What follows is a deeply personal conversation about trauma, resilience, family, and the life-saving i…

Guest: Jim (James) Walden – former federal prosecutor, private‑practice attorney, and 2025 independent candidate for Mayor of New York City. Quick‑Listen Summary Former U.S. prosecutor Jim Walden explains why New York City is “fighting for its life,” how political mismanagement and anti‑police rhetoric have undermined public safety, and the specifi…

From barber‑shop beginnings in Brooklyn to presidential protection on the White House grounds, Rich Staropoli has lived the “E‑ticket” ride of elite law enforcement. In this candid conversation he and Sgt. Smith examine: Why passion—not quotas—makes or breaks a police recruit The Secret Service’s unforgiving firearms & scenario training (and how “w…

In this episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith welcomes Mike Fadden, CEO of Galls—the premier supplier of uniforms and gear for first responders across North America. As the son and grandson of police officers, Fadden brings a deeply personal passion to his leadership, which has helped transform Galls into one of the most law enforcement-supportive com…

A wide‑ranging, fast‑moving conversation between Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith and retired Mesa, AZ Police Lieutenant Daniel Byram,an officer, instructor, Homeland‑Security textbook author and prolific novelist. From patrolling hundreds of rural square miles as a 20‑year‑old deputy in 1970s Ohio to supervising an exploding police force in one of Americ…

In this inspiring episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith speaks with Daniel Marquardt, Illinois businessman, father of ten, and founder of the nonprofit We Love Police. Born out of a deep sense of calling and faith, We Love Police was created in response to growing hostility toward law enforcement, particularl…

Dr. Yates explains how Department of Justice consent decrees have cost cities hundreds of millions of dollars, depressed staffing, and, according to his independent review, were built on evidence that was mostly inaccurate or misleading. The conversation details the constitutional problems with federal oversight of local police, the political dynam…

In this episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Chief Joel F. Shults, Ed.D., a retired police chief turned author and trainer, to explore the human side of policing and the challenges officers face today. Drawing on decades of experience leading law enforcement agencies and writing extensively on topics ranging from compassion in policing…

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with congressional candidate Christian Maxwell—a straight-talking Chicago resident determined to revive her home city and state. From battling skyrocketing crime to defending the Second Amendment, Maxwell lays out a candid, data-driven plan to make Illin…

In this episode Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX)—litigator, author, and host of Verdict with Ted Cruz—for a wide-ranging conversation on his lifelong mission to “fight to defend freedom,” Texas’s uniquely decentralized policing model, and the national battle against anti-police activism. From personal stories of his …

Join Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith as she speaks with Kate Klasen, founder of Bishop's Mission, and her remarkable Dalmatian companion, Bishop. Kate shares how her personal journey as a first responder led her to create an organization dedicated to supporting law enforcement and first responders through PTSD recognition and peer support, aided by s…

In this compelling episode, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith speaks with Janeen Baggette, a former combat aerovac medic, veteran law enforcement officer, and expert canine handler. Janeen founded K9s for Freedom, an innovative organization utilizing highly-trained dogs to support first responders dealing with trauma, stress, and critical incidents. Ke…

Episode Overview Barbara Oldrati details the night her son, Corporal Sal Oldrati, responded to a 911 burglary-in-progress call on September 21, 2021—a volatile encounter that ended in a fatal, officer-involved shooting. Cleared internally and returned to duty within weeks, Sal was indicted 20 months later (May 23, 2023) for reckless manslaughter af…

In this episode, we talk with Dr Paul Taylor about Human Factors in use of force investigations.Από τον The Shield

Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Commander Dave Case—cop, author, and lifelong Midwesterner—to unpack four decades of frontline experience. From patrolling in the 1980s crack era to policing the vertical combat zone of Cabrini‑Green, Case explains how multigenerational gangs, heroin‑to‑fentanyl trafficking, and politicized prosecution r…

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith welcomes longtime law enforcement professional and outspoken advocate Jim Hill—known on X as Mr. Thin Blue Line—to the National Police Association Podcast. With decades of experience from Maryland to Pennsylvania to Arizona, Hill brings an unfiltered, street-level perspective on gangs, policing standards, law enforcement l…

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith welcomes longtime friend and special guest Dr. Trevor Wilkins, also known as The Angry Viking Therapist. Once a high-performing state officer, Dr. Wilkins shares his transformative journey from the front lines of law enforcement to becoming a nationally recognized mental health advocate and trauma therapist for first respo…

In this episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith speaks with U.S. Representative Michael Cloud about pressing issues surrounding law enforcement, immigration policy, and border security. As a representative from a border state and a strong supporter of law enforcement, Rep. Cloud offers insight into legislation designed to help local police agencies work…

Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Deputy Matt Swartz—an officer whose life story is a true testament to grit, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to service. From growing up in a law enforcement family to surviving two devastating vehicle crashes—one of which left him a below-the-knee amputee—M…

Episode Overview: In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith welcomes Jess Flores, a former police officer who transformed her career-ending injury into a mission to help others transition out of law enforcement. Jess shares her personal journey, the challenges of leaving the profession, and how she found …

🔹 Episode Summary: In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith welcomes investigative journalist and former Border Patrol agent Randy Clark from Breitbart News. With over 32 years of experience in border enforcement, Randy offers a frontline perspective on the evolution of the U.S. Border Patrol, the ongoin…

Episode Summary: In this compelling episode of the National Police Association Podcast, host Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with one of law enforcement’s most renowned homicide experts—Vernon Geberth. Known as the “Godfather of Homicide,” Geberth has trained thousands of investigators, authored seminal works on homicide investigation, and …

In this compelling episode of the National Police Association Podcast, host Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith speaks with retired detective Heidi Chance, a veteran investigator and expert in human trafficking awareness. Detective Chance shares her journey in law enforcement to undercover work in vice and human trafficking investigations, shedding light…

Episode Summary: In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Scott Lowry, a retired lieutenant from the Findlay, Ohio Police Department and an expert in active shooter response training. With a rich background in law enforcement and a passion for preparedness, Scott shares his journey fro…

In our latest **LVPPA Podcast Episode #22**, we had the pleasure of hosting **Alex Dell** from the **Law Firm of Alex Dell**. Alex and his team specialize in **helping law enforcement officers who have served in the military** by providing expert representation for **VA disability claims**. During the episode, Alex breaks down **what a VA disabilit…

Episode Summary: In this episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Bert Eyler, VP of the Police Officers Defense Coalition, to discuss critical issues impacting law enforcement across the country. Bert shares insights from his career in law enforcement and explains the legislative efforts his organization is leading to protect officers, inc…

Episode Title: Congressman Anthony D'Esposito: From First Responder to Political Trailblazer Podcast Host: Betsy Smith Guest: Congressman Anthony D'Esposito Episode Summary: In this insightful episode, Betsy Smith sits down with Congressman Anthony D'Esposito to explore his journey from serving as a police officer and volunteer fire chief to enteri…

Episode Title: The National Police Association Podcast with Guest, Amy Hawkins Guest: Amy Hawkins, Chair of Police Week Michigan, Writer, and Speaker Host: Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith Release Date: January 23, 2025 Duration: 28:32 minutes Episode Summary: In this episode, Amy Hawkins shares her journey from a background in communications and poli…

In this episode we talk with 3 lateral officers from class L1-23. We discuss the previous agencies they worked at and also touch on their hiring process with the Omaha Police Department.Από τον The Shield

Episode Title: The National Police Association Podcast with Dr. Andrew Dennis Guest: Dr. Andrew Dennis, Trauma Surgeon, SWAT Team Member, and Author Host: Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith Episode Summary: In this episode, Sgt. Smith speaks with Dr. Andrew Dennis about tactical medicine in law enforcement. They discuss the evolution of officer medical trai…

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith engages in a compelling conversation with retired Detective Kevin Davis, a renowned police use of force expert witness. They delve into the complexities of law enforcement, focusing on the challenges officers face regarding use of force decisions and the incre…

Here’s a brief summary of the podcast episode featuring retired detective Chip DeBlock, host of LEO Round Table. In the episode, Chip discusses his journey in law enforcement, starting at 21 with the Tampa Police Department, his experiences over 30 years, and the transition into media through his platform. He shares insights on policing, challenges…

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, host Betsy Brantner Smith interviews retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent Christopher W. Hinkle. They discuss Hinkle’s career journey, from his early inspiration to join law enforcement, his time in the Air Force, and his extensive work with the FBI in areas such as counterintelligence, c…

In this episode, Justin and Adam talk about taking advantage of some of the financial benefits of the job and ways you can utilize them to better prepare yourself financially for the future and retirement.Από τον The Shield

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Dorothy Bones McCoy—a former law enforcement officer, psychotherapist, and author. Dr. McCoy shares her unique journey from providing therapy to law enforcement personnel to becoming an officer herself, highlightin…

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith engages in a compelling conversation with Lieutenant Brian Steel, a 23-year law enforcement veteran, Marine Corps alumnus, and current president of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 9. They delve into topics ranging from personal motivations for joinin…