Law Enforcement Today Podcast

FBI Arresting Serial Killers, From Computer Data to Danger. Forget what you see in movies and on TV about serial killers and how they're caught. In this podcast interview we discuss the true realities of investigating these criminals and the crucial role of the FBI. The interview is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the show's website. A serial killer, or serial murderer, is someone who kills three or more people over a period, driven by psychological gratification. The FBI identifies motives like anger, thrill-seeking, financial gain, and attention-seeking. Serial killers often have specific victim profiles, such as demographic traits or gender. The FBI analyzes these patterns to track down the killers and understand their motives. Though distinct from mass murderers, spree killers, or contract killers, serial killers can share traits with these other types of criminals. FBI Arresting Serial Killers, From Computer Data to Danger. Listen to this for free in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website or most

Dallas Police To TV Star on First 48, To a Salt Water Fishing Captain. The Forensic Interview. Starting as a police officer in Dallas, he rose to become a Homicide Detective and later gained fame as a TV star on the A&E series "First 48". Renowned for his forensic interview expertise, he retired from the Dallas Police Department to teach forensic interviewing to Federal Agents. Simultaneously, he pursued his passion for saltwater fishing and now works as a charter boat captain in Georgia. Listen to this for free in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website or most major podcast platforms. In this podcast episode, John Palmer, our guest, shares his remarkable journey, including his experiences investigating multiple murders committed by a member of the prison gang, the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas. Collaborating with detectives from the Dallas and Mesquite Police Departments, John played a pivotal role in arresting this individual involved in several brutal killings. On August 1, 2006, the suspect murdering a man

American Human Smuggling Facts and Fears, The Ugly Truth. What are the facts and fears about human smuggling and sex slavery? The ugly truth is stark, especially concerning Central and South America and the U.S. border. Join us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and our website as we explore these issues with our guest, Dr. Jarrod Sadulski. Dr. Sadulski retired from the United States Coast Guard, where he specialized in interdicting human smugglers and sex traffickers. He is a national public speaker and expert witness on human trafficking for the U.S. Congress, as well as a published author and professor of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security. Additionally, he consults in the field of global counter-trafficking. Dr. Sadulski shares not only the cold, hard facts but also the warning signs of sex trafficking and how to protect our children from this widespread problem in America. With two decades of federal law enforcement experience, he frequently conducts research in Central America, Mexico, and the Southwest

Daughter and Husband Killed by an Impaired Driver. Her Story and Mission. They were killed in a horrible collision with an impaired driver. The impaired driver reportedly had multiple prior offenses for driving while impaired. She recounts the tragic events, how she found out, her life afterward, and her mission in life. She also talks about the continuing problem with impaired and distracted drivers and how she has become an advocate and instructor for Police Agencies. On February 22, 2016, the impaired driver exited the Holland Tunnel from New York City and drove southbound on the New Jersey Turnpike extension toward the toll booths at Interchange 14C in Jersey City, according to court records. At the same time, Timothy O’Donnell was also driving southbound. He had stopped at the leftmost toll booth to obtain a toll ticket, with his five-year-old daughter, Bridget, in the backseat. Daughter and Husband Killed by an Impaired Driver. Her Story and Mission. Listen to this for free in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, o

Survived the Widowmaker Heart Attack and A Near Death Accident.  He narrowly survived what's known as a widowmaker heart attack—a condition where a blockage obstructs the largest artery in the heart, hindering blood flow through the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, crucial for supplying half of the heart's muscle with blood. Immediate medical attention is crucial for any chance of survival, as highlighted by the Cleveland Clinic. You can listen to this in Apple Podcasts, our website, Spotify or most major podcast platforms. The gravity of seeking assistance promptly is highlighted by statistics from the American Heart Association, indicating that only a mere 12% of individuals experiencing a widowmaker heart attack outside of medical facilities manage to survive. Law enforcement officers, in particular, face escalated risk due to the demands of their profession, characterized by extended, physically demanding shifts and constant vigilance. Studies have indicated that police officers exhibit notably subp

What it's like to be a Police Officer. I was a guest on WGN Radio, The Karen Conti Show. Special Episode. What traits make for a great police officer? What character traits prevent some people from being good police officers? Does a College Degree make a better police officer. Police use of deadly force, shootings. My reaction to the so-called controversy regarding Chicago Police firing 91 rounds in 41 seconds during a car stop. In this special episode I was a guest on the Karen Conti Radio Show on WGN Radio, I offer an insider's perspective on the life of a police officer. From my initial contemplation of a path in the Catholic priesthood to ultimately finding my vocation in law enforcement, I share the journey that led me to this pivotal role. Drawing from the wisdom imparted by veterans of conflicts such as the Vietnam and Korean Wars, I delve into the techniques of verbal judo which used to be part of accepted policing and stress management which is essential in policing. What it's like to be a Police Off

Cop to Homicide Detective to ATF. His Lung Cancer from the WTC after 9-11, To On Scene at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. He weathered a tumultuous career marked by adversity and trauma. From battling lung cancer stemming from his Ground Zero efforts post 9/11 to confronting the horrors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, Peter Forcelli's journey is a testament to resilience. Despite facing backlash and personal hardships, Forcelli emerged as a voice for accountability and transparency within government agencies. His dedication to justice, showcased through his relentless pursuit of violent criminals and corrupt practices, serves as an inspiration to fellow law enforcement professionals and advocates alike.  Available on Apple Podcasts , our website or most major podcast platforms. Transitioning from a beat cop to a Senior Executive in the ATF, Forcelli's career trajectory mirrors his steadfast determination to uphold the principles of justice and inte

Friendly Fire Deputy Sheriff Left Paralyzed. His Heartbreaking Story. Jaime Morales, once an esteemed Special Deputy with the Scott County Kentucky Sheriff's Department, recounts the events of September 11, 2018, a day that forever altered the course of his life. Assigned to the Special Response Team (SWAT), Morales found himself caught in the crossfire during a joint operation to apprehend a serial bank robber. In a tragic twist of fate, he was struck by friendly fire, leaving him paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. Deputy Sheriff Jaime Morales's heartbreaking story—a narrative of courage, resilience, and the enduring struggle for justice and healing. Listen to this for free in Apple Podcasts or most major podcast platforms. As Morales shares his journey, listeners are invited into his world of pain, frustration, and unwavering determination. Despite the physical and emotional toll of his injuries, Morales remains resolute in his pursuit of justice. He speaks candidly about the ongoing legal battle with

Retired DEA Agent Shot and Left Blind. His Story and Inspiring Life. Special Episode. He shares his remarkable journey of overcoming adversity. While serving in Afghanistan as part of the DEA's FAST (SWAT) team, tasked with combatting the heroin industry, he faced numerous violent encounters with the Taliban.  You can listen to this in Apple Podcasts, our website or most major podcast platforms. Retied DEA Agent Joe Piersante embodies resilience after surviving a gunshot to the head in Afghanistan. Despite enduring severe injuries that left him blind, his story is one of inspiration and motivation. Piersante, a retired DEA agent with 23 years of service, during one mission, he  was shot through the head by a Taliban sniper, an incident that many believed would be fatal. Miraculously, with the aid of skilled medical teams, he survived, though he lost his sight as a result of the injury. Retired DEA Agent Shot and Left Blind. His Story and Inspiring Life. Piersante's determination to thrive despite his blindnes

Abducted Kidnapped and Molested Multiple Times As A Juvenile. Her Powerful Warning and Amazing Recovery. At the vulnerable ages of twelve and fourteen, Broberg fell victim to the sinister intentions of a trusted family acquaintance. The depth of manipulation and betrayal that she endured is staggering, as her abductor exploited the trust of her family to commit heinous acts. These traumatic experiences have been meticulously documented in her mother Mary Ann Broberg's book, "Stolen Innocence: The Jan Broberg Story," as well as in the revealing documentary "Abducted in Plain Sight" and the compelling drama miniseries "A Friend of the Family." Jan Broberg is our guest. Her life is a testament to resilience and courage in the face of unimaginable adversity. Abducted and kidnapped multiple times as a juvenile by a family friend, her story serves as both a powerful warning and an inspiring tale of recovery. You can listen to this in Apple Podcasts or most major podcast platforms. Despite the trauma she endured, Br

Was Her Sickness Caused By Domestic Violence? She Says Yes. Her sickness, she claims, was indeed caused by domestic violence, a truth she now openly acknowledges. For years, she endured the torment of walking on eggshells to maintain an illusion of peace, but the toll on her mental health was severe. It wasn't until a psychiatrist delivered the verdict: her marriage was the source of her illness. Debbie Griffiths recounts the harrowing years of her life, marked by domestic violence and insidious gaslighting. She paints a vivid picture of the relentless emotional abuse, the sporadic yet terrifying instances of physical violence, and the constant barrage of blame and control from her spouse that drove her to the brink. Was Her Sickness Caused By Domestic Violence? She Says Yes.  But Debbie's story doesn't end in despair. She shares her journey to freedom, detailing the arduous process of leaving her abusive marriage and rebuilding her life from the ground up. With resilience and determination, she forged a new

Dog Eating Person, Other Police Traumas Impact on Him, and His Recovery.  In the line of duty, he encountered a tragic scene where a woman had passed away from natural causes, leaving her dog to resort to gruesome means of survival, feeding on her remains. This harrowing incident, along with other death investigations he conducted, including the difficult task of delivering death notifications, left a profound impact on him. Coupled with years of exposure to extreme trauma, these experiences took a toll on Donn. Following a career-ending injury in law enforcement, Donn Bradley embarked on a journey of recovery, transitioning to become a mental health therapist in California. His own struggles with trauma inform his approach to therapy, eschewing the conventional "patches-on-the-sleeves" style for a more empathetic yet pragmatic approach. Dog Eating Person, Other Police Traumas Impact on Him. As a trauma recovery specialist, Donn draws from his personal experiences to provide effective therapy. Trauma therapy,

Police Shootings Explained, Politicians Often Make It Worse. Special Episode.  With a focus on debunking misconceptions around terms like "excessive force" and "police brutality," Lance sheds light on the legal boundaries governing law enforcement actions. He also highlights how responses from departments and cities can escalate rather than resolve such incidents. Attorney Lance LoRusso, a former law enforcement officer turned practicing lawyer, specializing in critical incident response and civil litigation. With firsthand experience in law enforcement, Lance sheds light on the legal intricacies surrounding the use of force by police officers, often amidst heated public reactions. In his distinguished career, Lance has delved into the nuances of law enforcement officers' use of force, deciphering what the law dictates, and debunking misconceptions surrounding terms like "excessive force" and "police brutality." He brings to light how the reactions from departments and cities can exacerbate rather than mitiga

Life For Police Officer's Families, His Badge, My Story. Life for police officers and their families, their spouses is a very unique journey, filled with both joy and hardship. The traumas and dangers of the job can have a profound impact on the officer, the family and their spouses.  Vicki Gustafson is our guest, married to Jay, a dedicated law enforcement officer in Texas, this life has been her story, her book, her testament to faith and resilience. As an author and Christian life coach, Vicki's mission is to support others navigating the stresses and dangers inherent in law enforcement marriages. In her book, "His Badge, My Story," she opens up about the challenges they've faced over decades. Through her words, she offers a beacon of hope for families enduring the strains of the badge. Life For Police Officer's Families, His Badge, My Story. Drawing from over thirty-six years of personal experience, Vicki delves into the complexities of communication, scheduling, and balancing career demands with family l

Forced Sex Slaves, Prostitution and Human Trafficking Prosecution. Special Episode. Forced prostitution of both boys and girls by pimps and other forms of human trafficking remains a brutal and far-reaching crime, often underestimated in its scope and brutality.  Danielle Buckley, a seasoned legal expert and former Chief Assistant Prosecutor of Atlantic County, is renowned for her expertise in prosecuting such cases. Certified by the Attorney General’s Office to instruct on human trafficking investigation and prosecution, Buckley sheds light on this seldom-discussed but widespread issue. With a career marked by dedication to law enforcement and public speaking, Buckley's advocacy is deeply victim-centered and trauma-informed. She possesses a wealth of experience in professional writing, advocacy, and litigation, earning her national recognition as an expert in the field of human trafficking. Forced Sex Slaves, Prostitution and Human Trafficking Prosecution. Buckley's commitment to combating human trafficking

A Service Dog Helped Save This Police Officer's Life. Special Episode. A police detective in New Jersey, found himself facing challenges beyond the ordinary. A former Marine Corps reservist deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, he encountered the harsh realities of combat firsthand. It was during his service in Afghanistan that a grenade blast left him with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Hearing Loss, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Returning home, Andrew resumed his police career, but the scars of war weighed heavily upon him. The invisible wounds threatened to consume him, pushing him to the brink of despair. However, amidst the darkness, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of his faithful companion, Gunner, a service dog specially trained to assist him. A Service Dog Helped Save This Police Officer's Life. Special Episode. Gunner, along with other people, played a pivotal role in Andrew's journey to recovery. Their unwavering support and companionship helped him navigate the tumultuous waters o

Shooting Ambush by Cartel In Mexico, His Federal Agent Partner Was Killed and He Was Severely Injured.  Special Episode. In a chilling interview of survival amidst extreme violence and chaos during an ambush attack, a retired Federal Agent  recounts the brutal ambush orchestrated by the Zeta Cartel in Mexico, resulting in the tragic loss of his partner, Federal US I.C.E. Agent Jaime Zapata, and leaving him, Victor Avila, gravely wounded. What began as a routine assignment navigating the perilous Mexican terrain swiftly descended into a nightmare as their vehicle was forcefully diverted off the road and besieged by cartel gunmen. Gunfire erupted, engulfing the agents in a deadly confrontation where they stood vastly outnumbered and outmatched by their merciless assailants. The haunting events of February 15, 2011, remain seared in Avila's memory as he revisits the harrowing ordeal of facing the cartel's unbridled aggression. Despite asserting their status as American diplomats, their desperate pleas went unans

Assault on College Campus by an Acquaintance, Her Powerful Story. Special Episode.She was the victim of a sexual assault on College Campus by an acquaintance and the University covered it up. In our schools and universities, a silent yet pervasive issue persists: acquaintance rape. Megan, a courageous survivor, recounts her traumatic experience of being assaulted by someone she once trusted on her college campus. She bravely shares the harsh reality of her assault and the challenges she faced in seeking justice and how that experience drives her to help others. Despite its widespread occurrence, acquaintance rape often remains concealed, buried under layers of shame, fear, and societal stigma. We call our guest Megan.  Like Megan, many victims grapple with self-doubt and internalized guilt, making it difficult to come forward and identify themselves as survivors. The failure of the legal system to recognize these cases as genuine rape only perpetuates the cycle of injustice, leaving perpetrators unpunished an

Murder of Police Officer Garrett Hull and the Group that Helps After. The tragic murder and loss of his former teammate and close friend, Officer Garrett Hull. Police Officer Hull was fatally shot on September 14, 2018, while bravely attempting to apprehend three serial robbers. Police Detective Mitchell Ellis of the Fort Worth Texas Police Department reflects on Garrett Hull. Describing Hull as not only a colleague but also a brother, Detective Ellis recounts the profound impact of Hull's murder on himself, their department, Hull's family, and the entire community of Fort Worth. He emphasizes Hull's exceptional qualities as a dedicated police officer, father, husband, and friend. Officer Hull, with 17 years of service in the FWPD, had served in various specialized units, demonstrating his commitment to protecting the community. Outside of his police work, he was known as an avid outdoorsman and a loving family man survived by his wife Sabrina and their two daughters. Murder of Police Officer Garrett Hull and

PTSD Broken By Trauma, Deaths of Children Shaped Her Life. Her recovery and mission. Special Episode. This retired Deputy Sheriff from the Orange County Sheriff's Office talks about the impacts of her law enforcement career. The violence and trauma, plus the profound impacts of the drowning deaths of two children. In addition to all the violence, she talks about the drowning deaths of children and the impact it had on them. Donna "D.A." Michaels is our guest. Donna is a retired Orange County Florida Deputy Sheriff, she is also a Veteran of the US Navy. Donna discusses her law enforcement career, including the violence and trauma that she witnessed. She discusses the drowning deaths of two young children, being on scene and the devastating effects that those events had on her. Donna is also and author, having written the book "Courageously Broken" using the name D.A. Michaels. In addition her mission after retiring from Law Enforcement is being an advocate and assisting veterans and first responders that have