Inside the FBI National Academy: How 10 weeks at Quantico shapes police leaders
Born from a push to professionalize policing, the FBI National Academy has evolved into a 10-week residential program where law enforcement leaders sharpen their fitness, academics and communication while building a global network. On this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley and two recent FBI NA graduates explore what the experience looks like today, from class selection and study habits to weekend field trips and the capstone Yellow Brick Road run.
Hamilton Township, Ohio Chief Scott Hughes and retired California Chief Tricia Seyler reflect on their NA journeys, the mentors who nudged them to apply and the discipline it takes to thrive once you arrive. They discuss practical prep, why leaving your office behind is essential, how to make the most of the networking culture and what they brought back to their agencies.
About our sponsor
Flock Safety works with more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide, delivering real-time intelligence through a holistic ecosystem of technology designed to keep officers safe, reduce crime, and build stronger communities. And if you’re looking for real stories from the front lines — how your peers are using these tools to shape the future of safety in their cities — tune in to Flock’s “Real Time Policing” podcast, with new episodes dropping on Wednesdays. Watch episodes on YouTube or tune in wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to view.
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When the world turned on cops, she listened
For more than a decade, Abby Ellsworth has been listening to police officers, first through interviews in the Seattle area and later through her podcast, On Being a Police Officer. She launched the show in 2020, at a moment when policing was under intense scrutiny and officers faced both public criticism and personal strain from COVID restrictions and civil unrest. Ellsworth’s mission is clear: create a safe space where officers can share candidly, remind them of the wins that sustain their calling, and give civilians a more human, unfiltered view of the profession than news headlines allow.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks with Ellsworth about why a civilian voice can bridge divides, how she helps officers “remember the wins,” and why context is the missing ingredient in media coverage. The conversation also explores how storytelling eases trauma, how public support can go beyond slogans and what keeps Ellsworth committed despite pushback.
About our sponsor
Flock Safety works with more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide, delivering real-time intelligence through a holistic ecosystem of technology designed to keep officers safe, reduce crime, and build stronger communities. And if you’re looking for real stories from the front lines — how your peers are using these tools to shape the future of safety in their cities — tune in to Flock’s “Real Time Policing” podcast, with new episodes dropping on Wednesdays. Watch episodes on YouTube or tune in wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to view.
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Training under pressure: Making every dollar — and decision — count
Training police officers for real-world encounters requires more than classroom instruction — it demands safe, repeatable and cost-effective tools that prepare officers for high-stress situations. This special episode of the Policing Matters podcast, part of Police1’s Police Training Week series, showcases how agencies can expand training opportunities that sharpen skills, strengthen readiness and fit within limited budgets.
In this episode, host and Police1 columnist Warren Wilson talks with Mike McCaslin, law enforcement and government channel manager for T4E – Training for Engagement. With more than 23 years of experience across municipal, county, tribal and federal policing, McCaslin brings a deep passion for officer readiness and less lethal training. Together, they discuss how realistic, affordable force-on-force platforms help officers train more often and with greater confidence.
About our sponsor
T4E – Training for Engagement provides the industry’s most realistic training equipment to help professionals build skills with confidence and safety. From precision-engineered paintball markers that replicate duty firearms to high-quality gear for scenario-based training, T4E helps you prepare for real-world situations without real-world risk. Equip your team with tools that enhance muscle memory, accuracy, and decision-making under pressure. To explore the full line of training products, visit T4Eguns.com.
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The hidden sleep risks putting cops at risk
Fitness, training, discipline and communication are core to good policing, but sleep underpins them all. Quality sleep sharpens judgment, reaction time and restraint while buffering stress and trauma. For officers working long shifts, odd hours and high-stress scenes, better sleep is a practical readiness tool — not a luxury.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Dr. Leah Kaylor, an FBI clinical psychologist who provides trauma therapy and critical-incident debriefings. Kaylor’s new book, “If Sleep Were a Drug: Why Sleep Is the Ultimate Advantage — No Prescription Required,” breaks down common sleep myths, explains how REM restores emotional balance and offers field-tested strategies officers can use tonight. The episode also tackles shift work realities, caffeine and alcohol traps, and when to seek help for sleep apnea.
About our sponsor
Flock Safety works with more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide, delivering real-time intelligence through a holistic ecosystem of technology designed to keep officers safe, reduce crime, and build stronger communities. And if you’re looking for real stories from the front lines — how your peers are using these tools to shape the future of safety in their cities — tune in to Flock’s “Real Time Policing” podcast, with new episodes dropping on Wednesdays. Watch episodes on YouTube or tune in wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to view.
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How police can prepare for AI, doxxing and disinformation
Online threats amplified by AI — from doxxing and deepfakes to coordinated influence operations — are collapsing the time between rumor and real-world risk. Expect pressure points across campuses and big cities, immigration enforcement and politically charged events, with protests only one piece of the picture. For police leaders, the task is to detect signals sooner, verify and communicate faster, and protect officers and targets while safeguarding First Amendment rights.
On this week’s Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Alex Goldenberg, director of intelligence at Narravance, senior adviser to the Network Contagion Research Institute and a fellow at Rutgers University. He investigates online extremism, foreign influence and child safety threats, advises lawmakers and practitioners, and helps platforms and nonprofits remove threat actors at scale. His work translates narrative and behavioral intelligence into practical steps for protest preparedness and officer safety.
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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