Law Enforcement Talk: True Crime and Trauma Stories

Is 19 Too Young To Be a Police Officer? A Florida, USA Perspective on Trauma Impact and PTSD. Special Episode. At just 19 years old, Michael A. Laidler was already wearing a badge and responding to some of the most intense calls a police officer can face. Sworn in as a police officer in Tallahassee, Florida, USA, his early entry into law enforcement placed him on the front lines at an age when most of his peers were still navigating college life or their first civilian jobs. The question at the heart of this Special Episode is simple, yet deeply complex: Is 19 too young to be a police officer? Look for The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. Michael’s story, shared through the Podcast available for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and most major podcast platforms, offers a rare firsthand look at how early exposure to trauma can shape both a career and a life. “At 19, I thought I was ready,” Michael reflects. “I passed the tests, I met the requirements, but nothing truly prepares you for repeated exposure to trauma at that age.”  Supporting articles about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . Trauma at the Start of a Career Early in his career, Michael encountered extreme stress and traumatic incidents that would leave lasting impressions. He recounts two particularly disturbing events that occurred while he was still a teenager in uniform, experiences that many officers don’t face until years into the job. Is 19 Too Young To Be a Police Officer? A Florida, USA Perspective on Trauma Impact and PTSD. Special Episode. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and other podcast platforms. “You don’t just see trauma,” he explains. “You absorb it. And when you’re that young, it hits differently.” These experiences didn’t just affect his work performance; they influenced his personal life, emotional regulation, and long-term career decisions. Like many officers of his generation, Michael says there was little discussion about mental health, PTSD, or the long-term Trauma Impact on young officers. “Back then, the mindset was to tough it out,” he says. “You handled it the best you could, often without the tools or language to understand what was happening inside.” The Science Behind Age and Trauma In the United States, the minimum age to become a police officer typically ranges from 18 to 21, depending on the state and department. Florida is unique in that it sets the minimum age for sworn law enforcement officers at 19 years old, while corrections officers may be hired at 18. However some agencies have higher minimum ages. Research suggests that while 18 and 19-year-olds possess adult-level reasoning abilities, the brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex responsible for impulse control, emotional regulation, and decision-making, continues to develop well into the early 20s. This ongoing development may make younger officers more vulnerable to the effects of repeated traumatic exposure. Is 19 Too Young To Be a Police Officer? A Florida, USA Perspective on Trauma Impact and PTSD. Special Episode. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. Studies cited by the National Institutes of Health indicate that trauma exposure can double the risk of major depressive disorder and is a key criterion for developing PTSD. Adolescents and young adults may be especially susceptible, as trauma can intersect with critical stages of identity formation and emotional development. “You’re still becoming who you are,” Michael notes. “When trauma gets layered onto that process, it can redirect your entire path.” Florida Standards and the Bigger Debate Under Florida Statute 943.13, individuals seeking certification as law enforcement officers must meet strict criteria, including U.S. citizenship, a high school diploma or GED, good moral character, and a clean criminal history. In cities like Miami, applicants must be at least 19 years old to apply. The interview can be found on The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and across most podcast platforms where listeners will find authentic law enforcement stories. While these standards ensure legal and ethical readiness, they don’t fully address developmental readiness or long-term mental health outcomes. Critics argue that agencies should more seriously consider age, maturity, and access to trauma-informed support systems when hiring young officers. According to broader research, trauma experienced during sensitive developmental periods may carry a higher risk for long-term psychological effects, including PTSD, substance abuse, and relationship difficulties, especially if left untreated. Is 19 Too Young To Be a Police Officer? A Florida, USA Perspective on Trauma Impact and PTSD. Special Episode. Turning Pain Into Purpose Today, Michael A. Laidler uses his experiences to help others. His career path ultimately shifted toward leadership development and training, driven by a desire to support officers before trauma defines them. “If sharing my story helps even one young officer recognize the signs of PTSD or seek help earlier, then it’s worth it,” he says. The full podcast episode is streaming now on their website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. This Special Episode isn’t just about age requirements or policy, it’s about people, development, and the hidden costs of early exposure to trauma in law enforcement. As the conversation continues across News, Podcast, and social media platforms, Michael’s story adds an essential human perspective to the ongoing debate. “Nineteen isn’t too young to care,” Michael concludes. “But it might be too young to carry trauma alone.” Listeners can tune in on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and most every major Podcast platform and follow updates on Facebook, Instagram, and other major News outlets. You can find the show on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, as well as read companion articles and updates on Medium, Blogspot, YouTube, and even IMDB. You can help contribute money to make the Gunrunner Movie . The film that Hollywood won’t touch. It is about a now Retired Police Officer that was shot 6 times while investigating Gunrunning. He died 3 times during Medical treatment and was resuscitated. You can join the fight by giving a monetary “gift” to help ensure the making of his film at agunrunnerfilm.com . Background song Hurricane is used with permission from the band Dark Horse Flyer. You can contact John J. “Jay” Wiley by email at [email protected] , or learn more about him on their website . Stay connected with updates and future episodes by following the show on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, their website and other Social Media Platforms. Find a wide variety of great podcasts online at The Podcast Zone Facebook Page , look for the one with the bright green logo. Be sure to check out our website . Be sure to follow us on X , Instagram , Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Is 19 Too Young To Be a Police Officer? A Florida, USA Perspective on Trauma Impact and PTSD. Special Episode. Attributions FDLE Miami Government Wikipedia N.I.H. Michael Laidler Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Truth Being a Baltimore, Maryland Police Officer: Crime, Violence, and Survival. A Special Episode. In a media landscape dominated by headlines, hashtags, and heated debates, few stories cut through the noise with honesty. A special episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast does exactly that, by telling the truth about what it really means to be a Police Officer, Cop in Baltimore, Maryland. This special episode is streaming for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and most every major Podcast platform. In this compelling special episode, John Jay Wiley, a Retired Baltimore Police Sergeant and the host of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, appears as a guest on the On Being A Police Officer Podcast with host Abby Ellsworth. The conversation pulls back the curtain on crime, violence, officer-involved shootings, and the often-misreported realities of police use of force. Look for The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. “This episode isn’t about headlines,” Wiley explains. “It’s about what actually happens on the street, when the cameras aren’t there and lives are on the line.” The Truth Being a Baltimore, Maryland Police Officer: Crime, Violence, and Survival. A Special Episode. Supporting articles about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . Four Officer-Involved Shootings, and the Reality Behind Them During his career with the Baltimore Police Department, Wiley was involved in four officer-involved shootings, or as they were called back then shootings, a fact that often shocks listeners unfamiliar with the daily dangers faced by officers in high-crime cities. Contrary to popular narratives repeated across news, Facebook, and Instagram, Wiley reveals that in the first two incidents, he never fired his weapon. He, like most Police Officers, did not shoot back. “The idea that police are always quick to shoot is simply false,” Wiley says during the podcast. “In my first two shootings, I didn’t return fire at all.” Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and other podcast platforms. The final two incidents, however, were prolonged, life-and-death gun battles. The last shooting left Wiley with injuries severe enough to end his police career. “That last gunfight changed everything,” he reflects. “It didn’t just end my career, it reshaped my life.” The Truth Being a Baltimore, Maryland Police Officer: Crime, Violence, and Survival. A Special Episode. Shattering Myths About Police and Use of Force A central theme of the podcast special episode is the disconnect between public perception and on-the-ground reality. Wiley and Ellsworth address the myths frequently spread about policing in American cities, especially Baltimore. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. “So much of what people believe about police use of force comes from misreporting or outright misinformation,” Wiley notes. “The truth is far more complex, and far more human.” The episode offers listeners an unfiltered look at how decisions are made in seconds, under extreme stress, amid rampant crime and violence. Baltimore: A City With a Complicated History Baltimore, Maryland has long struggled with violent crime rates above the national average. In 2019, Baltimore recorded 348 homicides, second only to its 1993 peak, when the population was significantly higher. Yet the story doesn’t end there. By 2024, the city recorded 201 homicides, the lowest number since 2011, evidence that progress, while uneven, is possible. City leaders have credited focused efforts on repeat violent offenders and increased community engagement. The Truth Being a Baltimore, Maryland Police Officer: Crime, Violence, and Survival. A Special Episode. The interview can be found on The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and across most podcast platforms where listeners will find authentic law enforcement stories. “Baltimore isn’t just statistics,” Wiley says. “It’s people, good people, trying to survive in some very hard neighborhoods.” “It’s Baltimore, Gentlemen…” A haunting quote from The Wire: “It’s Baltimore, gentlemen. The gods will not save you.” For Wiley, that line resonates deeply. “There were moments when I needed God to save my life, during and especially after Policing in Baltimore” he says quietly. “And I believe He did.” A Podcast You Don’t Want to Miss On Being A Police Officer is known for offering a civilian-led, inside look at law enforcement through deeply personal interviews. Drawing on over 15 years of ride-alongs, filming, and conversations with officers, Abby Ellsworth gives listeners access to stories rarely told so candidly. The Truth Being a Baltimore, Maryland Police Officer: Crime, Violence, and Survival. A Special Episode. The full podcast episode is streaming now on their website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. This special episode featuring John Jay Wiley is available for free on The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and other major podcast platforms. Posts about it are also being shared across Facebook, Instagram, and digital news outlets. “People deserve to hear these stories directly from those who lived them,” Ellsworth says. “That’s how understanding begins.” Are You Ready to Hear the Truth? Baltimore has been called many things, dangerous, broken, violent. But is it only that? Or is it a city shaped by history, policy, and people doing their best under extraordinary pressure? The Truth Being a Baltimore, Maryland Police Officer: Crime, Violence, and Survival. A Special Episode. This episode doesn’t offer easy answers, but it does offer the truth. And sometimes, the truth is exactly what’s been missing. Be sure to follow us on X , Instagram , Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Listeners can tune in on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and most every major Podcast platform and follow updates on Facebook, Instagram, and other major News outlets. You can find the show on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, as well as read companion articles and updates on Medium, Blogspot, YouTube, and even IMDB. You can help contribute money to make the Gunrunner Movie . The film that Hollywood won’t touch. It is about a now Retired Police Officer that was shot 6 times while investigating Gunrunning. He died 3 times during Medical treatment and was resuscitated. You can join the fight by giving a monetary “gift” to help ensure the making of his film at agunrunnerfilm.com . Background song Hurricane is used with permission from the band Dark Horse Flyer. You can contact John J. “Jay” Wiley by email at [email protected] , or learn more about him on their website . Stay connected with updates and future episodes by following the show on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, their website and other Social Media Platforms. Find a wide variety of great podcasts online at The Podcast Zone Facebook Page , look for the one with the bright green logo. Be sure to check out our website . The Truth Being a Baltimore, Maryland Police Officer: Crime, Violence, and Survival. A Special Episode. Attributions Medium.com Wikipedia On Being A Police Officer   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are the Claims of Racism True, or a Distraction? Special Episode. From Chicago to West Virginia, a Law Enforcement Perspective. Few accusations are repeated as often, or with as much certainty, as the claim that American policing and the criminal justice system are inherently racist. It’s a powerful narrative, amplified daily across social media, headlines, and political talking points. But is it true? Or has it become a dangerous distraction from facts, context, and real solutions? Look for The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. That question is at the center of a special episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, available on their website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and many major streaming platforms, and discussed across Facebook, Instagram, and the news. The episode features Maurice “Maury” Richards, a former Police Chief in Martinsburg, West Virginia, and a retired Chicago Police Lieutenant with decades of frontline experience. Experience From Two Very Different Cities Richards’ career spans two vastly different policing environments, urban Chicago and small-city West Virginia. His perspective is not theoretical or academic; it’s built on years of responding to violent crime, managing officers, and confronting the realities that don’t always make headlines. Supporting articles about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . During the conversation, Richards challenges the popular claim that police shootings in America are driven by racial bias. Instead, he argues that crime patterns, suspect behavior, and officer encounters with violence, not race, largely explain police use-of-force outcomes. Are the Claims of Racism True, or a Distraction? Special Episode. What the Data Shows National data consistently reveals that police shootings closely track rates of violent crime and armed encounters, not racial animus. In 2019, police officers fatally shot just over 1,000 individuals nationwide. The majority were armed or posed an immediate threat. While African Americans represented roughly a quarter of those killed, that proportion has remained stable for years and is lower than what crime and suspect data would predict, given the frequency with which officers encounter armed violent offenders. That context is often missing from public debate. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and other podcast platforms. Equally overlooked: in 2019, police fatally shot more unarmed white suspects than unarmed Black suspects, and those numbers have declined significantly since 2015. When placed alongside broader homicide data, unarmed Black suspects killed by police represent a tiny fraction of overall violent deaths involving African Americans. What Research Actually Concludes Multiple large-scale studies, spanning economics, criminology, and peer-reviewed science, have examined police use of force. Their findings repeatedly undermine the claim of systemic racial bias in police shootings. Are the Claims of Racism True, or a Distraction? Special Episode. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. Researchers have found that: The likelihood of a fatal police encounter increases with exposure to violent suspects, regardless of race. There is no statistically significant evidence of anti-Black bias in fatal police shootings when crime rates and behavior during encounters are considered. White officers, in some departments, have been found less likely than minority officers to shoot unarmed Black suspects. These conclusions don’t deny that misconduct occurs or that bad officers exist. Rather, they challenge the idea that racism is baked into the system itself. The Cost of a False Narrative Richards and the show’s hosts argue that the real danger lies in what happens when an unproven narrative is treated as fact. The portrayal of policing as systemically racist has had consequences, some deadly.  In past years, false assumptions fueled targeted attacks on officers and led to pullbacks in proactive policing, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. When officers disengage, it is often law-abiding residents in minority communities who pay the price through increased violence, drug activity, and gang control. Are the Claims of Racism True, or a Distraction? Special Episode. Check out The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and across most podcast platforms where listeners will find authentic law enforcement stories. As Richards explains, fewer arrests and less enforcement don’t eliminate crime, they simply shift power to those who exploit the absence of law and order. Politics, Policy, and the Bigger Picture Claims of systemic racism have become foundational to movements such as “Defund the Police,” opposition to Broken Windows policing, and calls to dismantle traditional drug enforcement. Even national leaders have echoed these allegations, often without defining what “systemic racism” actually means. When examined closely, the arguments fall apart: Claims of widespread racial animus ignore how aggressively modern institutions punish and correct discriminatory behavior. Assertions that past racism explains all present disparities assume causal links unsupported by evidence. Psychological theories of subconscious bias have been widely challenged and debunked. Disparity-based arguments focus solely on offenders while ignoring victims, who are disproportionately minority themselves. Perhaps most troubling, many proposed “solutions” would harm the very communities they claim to protect by reducing safety, enforcement, and accountability. The Bottom Line The conversation reaches a clear conclusion: the claim of systemic racism in American policing and the criminal justice system does not stand up to scrutiny. That doesn’t mean reform isn’t needed or that every police action is justified, but it does mean debates should be grounded in facts, not fear or political convenience. Are the Claims of Racism True, or a Distraction? Special Episode. A Special Episode of the podcast episode is streaming now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. To hear the full discussion, listen to this special episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, available now on their website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and other major platforms, and join the conversation across social media and news outlets nationwide. Listeners can tune in on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and most every major Podcast platform and follow updates on Facebook, Instagram, and other major News outlets. You can find the show on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, as well as read companion articles and updates on Medium, Blogspot, YouTube, and even IMDB. You can help contribute money to make the Gunrunner Movie . The film that Hollywood won’t touch. It is about a now Retired Police Officer that was shot 6 times while investigating Gunrunning. He died 3 times during Medical treatment and was resuscitated. You can join the fight by giving a monetary “gift” to help ensure the making of his film at agunrunnerfilm.com . Background song Hurricane is used with permission from the band Dark Horse Flyer. You can contact John J. “Jay” Wiley by email at [email protected] , or learn more about him on their website . Stay connected with updates and future episodes by following the show on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, their website and other Social Media Platforms. Find a wide variety of great podcasts online at The Podcast Zone Facebook Page , look for the one with the bright green logo. Be sure to check out our website . Be sure to follow us on X , Instagram , Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Are the Claims of Racism True, or a Distraction? Special Episode. Attributions Manhattan Insitute Liberty University Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is the Word Cop an Insult or Offensive? In Defense of a Title Earned. Few words tied to law enforcement spark online arguments as quickly, or as emotionally, as the word cop. For some, it’s an instant trigger. For others, it’s harmless shorthand. But for many who have worn the badge, worked the streets, and answered the calls, cop is neither an insult nor a slur. It’s a title of respect, earned through action, accountability, sacrifice, and service. This special episode is streaming for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and most every major Podcast platform That’s why this conversation matters, and why a special episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast was dedicated to defending the word “Cop.” Look for The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. Why One Word Creates Such Big Reactions. Ask ten people what comes to mind when they hear “cop,” and you’ll likely get ten different answers. Online, the word ignites debate at lightning speed, often led by people with little to no firsthand connection to the profession itself. The disconnect is striking. Opinions about the word rarely come from the street, the squad car, or the midnight shift. They come from the outside looking in. Is the Word Cop an Insult or Offensive? In Defense of a Title Earned. Supporting articles about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . As a retired Baltimore Police Sergeant, I use the word intentionally and unapologetically. Growing up in the job, cop was always a compliment. It was what fellow cops called you when they knew you were reliable, when they trusted you to show up, back them up, and do the work. It was never whispered as an insult or tossed around in a derogatory way. It was a term of respect shared among people who understood exactly what the job demanded. A Word Big Enough for the Whole Profession One of the greatest misconceptions about law enforcement is the idea that it’s a single job with a single title. In reality, it’s a massive profession made up of countless roles: Police Officers, Deputy Sheriffs, State Troopers, Highway Patrol, Game Wardens, Wildlife Officers, Park Rangers, Corrections Officers, Probation and Parole Officers, Federal Agents, and many more. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and other podcast platforms. Each agency has its own mission, culture, and rank structure: Officer, Agent, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Chief. Titles and ranks matter in this profession because they’re earned. Technically, the most accurate way to address someone is by their full title. That’s exactly where the word cop fits. It’s universal. It cuts across agencies, uniforms, patches, and ranks without erasing them. Whether someone works urban streets, rural highways, a jail tier, or a federal task force, “cop” recognizes the shared commitment to a job most people wouldn’t last a week doing. It acknowledges the brotherhood and sisterhood beneath the badges. Is the Word Cop an Insult or Offensive? What “Cop” Really Means on the Inside Among those who lived the job, being called a cop meant something very specific: you actually did the work. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. The uncomfortable truth is that not everyone who wears a badge lives up to that standard. Every agency has individuals who technically show up but avoid the real work whenever possible. They dodge hot calls, arrive late to dangerous scenes by choice, and stay “clean” by doing the bare minimum. Ironically, those are often the people who climb the promotional ladder the fastest, because staying invisible protects them from scrutiny. In the Baltimore Police Department, there was a word for officers like that: humps. They mastered the art of stretching simple calls into hour-long events, lingering in the station, and letting other officers absorb the risk. That behavior didn’t just burden coworkers, it hurt the community by reducing real response and proactive policing. A cop, what our old-timers called “real police”, was different. A cop showed up. A cop backed their partners without hesitation. A cop stepped into chaos, took responsibility, and handled business when it mattered. The job wasn’t about comfort, popularity, or fast promotions. It was about service and accountability. That’s the standard behind the word. Is the Word Cop an Insult or Offensive? In Defense of a Title Earned. Check out The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and across most podcast platforms where listeners will find authentic law enforcement stories. The Fake Outrage Over Language Every so often, usually on social media, someone erupts in outrage when I use the word cop. What’s telling isn’t just the anger, but where it’s aimed. It’s not about the crime. Not about the victim. Not about the officer injured or killed. It’s about the word. That says everything. When a headline reads A COP WAS SHOT and someone ignores the violence to lecture about terminology, priorities are clearly misplaced. Fixating on language while glossing over criminal violence raises serious questions about motive and intent. Outrage over vocabulary is easy. Standing up for truth, accountability, and human life is much harder. Is the Word Cop an Insult or Offensive? A Special Episode of the podcast episode is streaming now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. So let me be clear: when I call someone a cop, it is a compliment. If someone chooses to be offended, that’s their issue, not mine. Proud of the Title I don’t casually refer to myself as a cop, out of respect for what the word represents. If others call me that, I accept it with gratitude. I’m honored to have served. Honored to have stood alongside men and women who ran toward danger while others ran away. Honored to be part of a profession that demands courage, resilience, sacrifice, and integrity. And I’m proud to defend a word that represents the best of that profession. So yes, I’ll keep using the word cop. Because it’s not just a name. It’s a standard. It’s a legacy. It’s a badge of honor. To those who lived the job and did it the right way, “cop” is a quiet salute, one that carries respect, not disrespect. Is the Word Cop an Insult or Offensive? In Defense of a Title Earned. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. So I’ll leave you with this question: When you hear the word cop, what do you hear? If you believe it’s an insult, that belief belongs to you alone. It does not reflect the mindset of those who earned the title, lived the work, and still stand proudly behind the word. ️ This discussion is featured in a special episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, available on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, LinkedIn, X, and major news and podcast platforms. Is the Word Cop an Insult or Offensive? Be sure to follow us on X , Instagram , Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Listeners can tune in on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and most every major Podcast platform and follow updates on Facebook, Instagram, and other major News outlets. You can find the show on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, as well as read companion articles and updates on Medium, Blogspot, YouTube, and even IMDB. You can help contribute money to make the Gunrunner Movie . The film that Hollywood won’t touch. It is about a now Retired Police Officer that was shot 6 times while investigating Gunrunning. He died 3 times during Medical treatment and was resuscitated. You can join the fight by giving a monetary “gift” to help ensure the making of his film at agunrunnerfilm.com . Background song Hurricane is used with permission from the band Dark Horse Flyer. You can contact John J. “Jay” Wiley by email at [email protected] , or learn more about him on their website . Stay connected with updates and future episodes by following the show on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, their website and other Social Media Platforms. Find a wide variety of great podcasts online at The Podcast Zone Facebook Page , look for the one with the bright green logo. Be sure to check out our website . Is the Word Cop an Insult or Offensive? In Defense of a Title Earned. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Stranger Saved a Retired NYPD Officer’s Life on Christmas Eve, A Special Episode Worth Hearing. This is more than a headline. It is a true story of survival, loss, depression, and an unexpected moment of human connection that changed everything. Look for The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. Dean Simpson is a retired police officer from the New York City Police Department. Years before this Christmas Eve, he was shot in the line of duty during a violent, life-and-death encounter. He survived the attack, but the shooting left him permanently disabled. What followed was a slow, painful unraveling that many first responders know too well. The inpsiring episode is streaming for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and most every major Podcast platform Purpose disappeared. Pain remained. Alcohol filled the silence. By December of 2001, Dean’s life had narrowed to drinking, isolation, and attending one police funeral after another. Just three months earlier, the Twin Towers had fallen. While his fellow officers ran toward the chaos on September 11, Dean woke up late, hungover, and drowning in guilt. He still put on his uniform and reported to Ground Zero, working at “The Pile” for weeks, until he realized he wasn’t helping anymore. A Stranger Saved a Retired NYPD Officer’s Life on Christmas Eve, A Special Episode Worth Hearing. Supporting articles about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . Then came Christmas Eve. That morning, Dean put his father’s revolver in one pocket and his father’s worn Bible in the other. He boarded a train at Penn Station with a one-way ticket upstate. He had already decided that once he reached his destination, his life would end. He chose a secluded place so no one would have to clean up the mess, a thought that haunted him even then. While the train rolled north through snow-covered landscapes, a stranger sat down next to him. Her name was Erin. She was a chatty grandmother with a red scarf and a warm smile, exactly the kind of person Dean did not want to talk to. She spoke about the beauty of the city, the holidays, life, and love. Dean sat in silence, angry at her optimism, angry at everything. When she finally asked what he loved about New York City, his response was cold and sharp. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and other podcast platforms. “I love being left alone.” Instead of snapping back or moving seats, Erin stayed. When Dean apologized, she accepted. Slowly, gently, she drew him into conversation. She shared her own story, her late husband, her children, her grandchildren. And for the first time in a long while, Dean talked about his life. About being shot. About losing his father. About feeling useless and invisible. A Stranger Saved a Retired NYPD Officer’s Life on Christmas Eve, A Special Episode When the train reached Albany, Erin handed him a small pink note. “I don’t know where you’re headed,” she told him, “but when you get there, read this.” They hugged, and she was gone. Dean continued on to Black Mountain, climbing toward Lake George with ice-capped water below. At the summit, he opened his father’s Bible. A scrap of paper fell out, marking a verse: Corinthians 10:13. To a cop, that number meant something else entirely, police code for officer needs assistance. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. Then he read Erin’s note: “Dean, life is a gift meant to be shared. Don’t ever give up hope. Merry Christmas. Erin.” In that moment, something lifted. The weight inside him eased. Dean emptied the revolver and threw it into the abyss. Then he turned around and walked back down the mountain. A Stranger Saved a Retired NYPD Officer’s Life on Christmas Eve. That was the day a stranger saved his life. In this special episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, Dean Simpson tells his story openly, not for attention, but to reach others who may be standing on the same edge. He speaks about trauma, addiction, purpose, and recovery. He shares how the badge shaped him, how it nearly broke him, and how one unexpected act of kindness redirected his life. His interview can be found on The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and across most podcast platforms where listeners will find authentic law enforcement stories. Dean is also the author of two books: The Blue Pawn: A Memoir of an NYPD Foot Soldier, a raw and unfiltered account of life in law enforcement, and Godless v. Trust: The Radical Left’s Quest to Destroy Western Civilization, reflecting the worldview forged through experience and service. His story has been shared across Facebook, Instagram, and various news outlets, and is now featured in a special episode of a powerful podcast conversation. Listeners can hear Dean tell this story in his own words on Apple, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms. A Stranger Saved a Retired NYPD Officer’s Life on Christmas Eve, A Special Episode Worth Hearing. The full podcast episode is streaming now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. This is not just a story about a retired NYPD officer. It’s a reminder that you never know when a simple conversation, a shared moment, or a stranger’s kindness might save a life. And sometimes, angels don’t have wings, they just won’t stop talking. Be sure to check out our website . Be sure to follow us on X , Instagram , Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Listeners can tune in on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and most every major Podcast platform and follow updates on Facebook, Instagram, and other major News outlets. You can find the show on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, as well as read companion articles and updates on Medium, Blogspot, YouTube, and even IMDB. You can help contribute money to make the Gunrunner Movie . The film that Hollywood won’t touch. It is about a now Retired Police Officer that was shot 6 times while investigating Gunrunning. He died 3 times during Medical treatment and was resuscitated. You can join the fight by giving a monetary “gift” to help ensure the making of his film at agunrunnerfilm.com . Background song Hurricane is used with permission from the band Dark Horse Flyer. You can contact John J. “Jay” Wiley by email at [email protected] , or learn more about him on their website . Stay connected with updates and future episodes by following the show on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, their website and other Social Media Platforms. Find a wide variety of great podcasts online at The Podcast Zone Facebook Page , look for the one with the bright green logo. A Stranger Saved a Retired NYPD Officer’s Life on Christmas Eve, A Special Episode Worth Hearing. Attributions Amazon NY Post Amazon Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.