Life after the badge: Preparing for the quiet that comes next
For most officers, retirement is a finish line they measure in days and years, but few are ready for what happens when the radio goes silent and the badge comes off for good. And recently, that reality hit home nationwide when a Police1 article on police retirement went viral, striking a nerve with thousands of current and former officers.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks with a retired deputy chief about the fear, isolation and loss of relevance many officers feel after they leave the job, and what agencies and officers can do now to make that transition healthier for cops and their families.
Jason Kates started his law enforcement career with the Oak Brook (Illinois) Police Department in 1992, rising through the ranks to sergeant, lieutenant and eventually deputy chief before retiring in 2021. A Marine Corps veteran, Kates now hosts “My Journey With the Badge,” a podcast and YouTube channel where he interviews retired officers about their careers, the trauma they carry and the challenges of life after policing.
About our sponsor
This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is brought to you by LVT, the mobile surveillance solution trusted by public-sector leaders nationwide. LVT’s solar-powered mobile surveillance units put eyes and AI analytics where fixed cameras can’t — parking lots, remote borders, disaster zones, and large events. Agencies using LVT have seen up to an 83% drop in parking-lot incidents and a 54% reduction in burglaries. Each unit is rapid to deploy, cloud-connected via cellular or satellite, and secured end-to-end so your team can monitor and respond in real time with fewer resources. See how LVT’s self-powered units protect communities, secure critical infrastructure and support law-enforcement operations and schedule a free trial today at LVT.com.
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America's forgotten cops — and the journalist exposing what they're up against
When the headlines fixate on big-city crime and national politics, the daily realities of small and rural law enforcement fade from view. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks with award-winning journalist and rural LEO advocate Kathleen Diaz about the communities where officers patrol alone for miles, train less because grants dry up and keep rolling on bald tires because budgets don’t stretch.
They discuss the human stakes behind the statistics — from the sheer number of tiny agencies serving towns under 10,000 to the compounding effects of federal funding gaps — and the practical steps chiefs, sheriffs and local leaders can take now to keep their people safe.
About our sponsor
Equipping Protectors with Passion. That’s how we operate, and it’s how we live. We understand that having the right gear can mean the difference between life and death. Our goal is to get you the gear you need, when you need it, at prices you can afford. This holiday season, listeners receive 10% off now through 12/31 with promo code PR10. Visit OfficerStore.com.
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The new playbook for high-stakes events in 2026
As agencies prepare for a busy 2026 event calendar — including national celebrations, elections and major sporting events, including Super Bowl 60, the FIFA World Cup and America 250 — law enforcement leaders are reexamining how they plan, equip and coordinate special event operations.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Lieutenant Jon Zimmer of the Anne Arundel County (Maryland) Police Department and Captain John Mocello of the City of Winchester (Virginia) Police Department.
They share how intelligence-led planning, interagency coordination and the right mix of equipment — from barriers to drones — can make the difference between smooth operations and preventable chaos.
About our sponsor
L3Harris Public Safety and Professional Communications is a leading supplier of communications systems and equipment for public safety, federal, utility, commercial and transportation markets. The business has more than 80 years of experience in public safety and professional communications and supports more than 500 systems around the world. L3Harris has approximately $17 billion in annual revenue and 50,000 employees, with customers in 130 countries. Learn more at L3Harris.com.
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Understanding police suicide: Research-based strategies to prevent officer loss
Law enforcement suicide remains one of the most difficult and urgent challenges facing the profession — a crisis that affects officers, families and agencies alike. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with researchers Dr. Kathleen Padilla and Jessica Dockstader to discuss their study, “Bearing the Badge, Battling Inner Struggles: Understanding Suicidal Ideation in Law Enforcement.”
Their research explores how factors like organizational stress, access to mental health resources, and even relationship status influence officer wellness. In this conversation, they share what one in four officers’ reports of suicidal ideation tell us about policing today — and how changing culture, communication and leadership can turn awareness into prevention.
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 firearm detection dogs may be the future of school security
You’ve seen K-9s track suspects and detect drugs, but a new generation of dogs is focused on something different — firearms. From school hallways to community events, these highly trained dogs are helping keep people safe while reshaping what modern security looks like.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks with Andre Lemay, former DOJ firearms task force supervisor and founder of Bullseye K9 Detection, about how firearm detection dogs are redefining safety in schools and communities.
Lemay introduces listeners to Rocket, the German shepherd who’s become a campus favorite — both protector and morale booster. He explains the science behind “scent pictures” that let dogs detect everything from Glocks to ghost guns, the rigorous monthly training that keeps them sharp, and why collaboration among educators, parents and students is key to program success.
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.
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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