Domestic violence investigations are key to homicide prevention
Domestic violence is often dismissed as unpredictable, but the data says otherwise. Red flags — like strangulation, firearm access and prior abuse — frequently precede fatal outcomes. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Captain Eric K. Threlkeld of the Eddy County (New Mexico) Sheriff’s Office, who makes the case that proactive, well-trained investigators can identify these signs and intervene before violence turns deadly.
Captain Threlkeld brings decades of specialized experience in domestic violence investigations to this conversation, including work with a nationally recognized domestic violence response team in Colorado Springs and the launch of a similar program in New Mexico. He outlines practical steps first responders and investigators can take to treat every domestic violence call as a potential homicide case. From leveraging victim advocates and lethality assessments to tracking co-occurring abuse patterns, this episode delivers field-tested insight for every officer.
About our sponsor
This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.
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29:13
What New York’s 1990s crime drop can teach police today
Over the past 30 years, American cities have seen crime rates surge and fall — sometimes dramatically. No city illustrates this swing better than New York, where murders dropped from more than 2,200 in 1990 to under 300 by 2017.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, former Baltimore cop and current John Jay professor Peter Moskos discusses the story behind that decline, as told in his new book, “Back from the Brink: Inside the NYPD and New York's Extraordinary 1990s Crime Drop.” The conversation covers leadership, accountability, crime data and the lessons law enforcement leaders can apply today.
Host Jim Dudley interviews Moskos about the origins and impact of New York’s historic crime decline in the 1990s. Moskos explains how NYPD's shift in focus — from scandal and corruption control to crime prevention — was spurred by leaders like Bill Bratton and Jack Maple, along with innovations like CompStat. He outlines how data, accountability and political will converged to create a seismic shift in policing outcomes, and why understanding this history matters for today’s police leaders.
About our sponsor
This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.
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37:04
Inside Snohomish County's $67.5M investment in emergency communications
Snohomish County 911 has officially opened a new $67.5 million emergency communications center designed to keep first responders connected and supported — no matter the crisis. The facility consolidates operations under one roof for the first time in the agency’s history, dramatically improving coordination, communications and continuity of service across all 44 law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies in the county.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks with SNO911 Executive Director Kurt Mills and ECC Supervisor Kim Crannell about the planning, challenges and people behind the $67.5 million upgrade. The conversation highlights how the facility was designed with dispatcher input, how it’s built to withstand disasters and how unified operations are already improving service for first responders in the field.
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.
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Why this sheriff put his jail on national TV — and doesn't regret a second of it
What happens inside a jail is often hidden from public view — unless you’ve been booked yourself. But for Flagler County, Florida, Sheriff Rick Staly, transparency isn’t just a talking point — it’s a strategy. By opening his facility to A&E’s “Booked: First Day In,” Staly hopes to reshape perceptions of corrections work, showcase the professionalism of his staff and highlight how modern jails play a vital role in community safety.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Sheriff Staly about his decision to allow A&E cameras into his jail and the positive ripple effects it has had. From building empathy with the public to drawing in new recruits, Staly says the program has helped humanize corrections work, combat stereotypes and reinforce accountability inside the walls of his award-winning facility.
“Booked: First Day In” is available On Demand and to stream on the A&E app and aetv.com.
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.
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23:53
5 threats police officers face in 2025 — and what leadership must do now
Police1’s "What Cops Want in 2025" survey delivers a stark message: officers feel increasingly vulnerable on the job. In a wide-ranging conversation, host Jim Dudley and Below 100 founder Dale Stockton break down the survey’s key findings, exposing persistent safety threats and a growing disconnect between command staff and the realities of front-line policing.
About our sponsor
This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by Utility. Utility is transforming how law enforcement captures, manages and shares critical data through body-worn cameras, in-car video, and a fully integrated digital evidence platform. Our mission is to empower officers with technology that’s intuitive, reliable, and built for the realities of the job. We're proud to sponsor today’s conversation around what officers need most to serve their communities safely and effectively. To learn more about how we’re supporting agencies nationwide, visit Utility.com
Talking the beat to cover what matters to you as an LEO. Join deputy chief Jim Dudley (ret.) every weekly as he sits down with law enforcement leaders and criminal justice experts to discuss strategy, challenges and trends in policing.
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