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We have a political supremacist problem in America where certain ideologies believe their viewpoint is so morally correct that violence becomes an acceptable response to their opponents.

• A Rutgers University study found over 50% of left-of-center respondents believed the assassination of political figures was justified
• The FBI Assailant Study revealed 28% of cop killers acted for "social and political reasons"
• Law enforcement needs federal support, resources, and intelligence to address this domestic terrorism threat
• We cannot expect this situation to improve without acknowledging and confronting the reality of domestic terrorism
• Speaking truth professionally and boldly is essential even in the face of intimidation

Visit the Courageous Police Leader at travisyates.org or subscribe to the weekly articles at courageouspoliceleader.com for more insights and leadership guidance.

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Law enforcement leadership training avoids addressing toxic leadership because the very leaders creating toxic environments are often the ones funding training programs. The focus on positive psychology and war stories rather than confronting real leadership problems prevents meaningful change in police organizations.

• Most popular law enforcement speakers either have no police experience or tell entertaining stories without addressing real issues
• Training companies explicitly instruct trainers to avoid discussing toxic leadership to protect revenue streams
• External challenges to policing (media, politics, activists) haven't changed significantly in decades
• What has changed is how leaders respond—now apologizing and sacrificing officers instead of defending them
• Rank-and-file officers recognize leadership problems immediately while higher-ranking officials often resist these conversations
• Leadership improvement requires honestly addressing problems, not just offering positive platitudes
• Plans to develop online programs and train-the-trainer certification to empower officers regardless of rank
• True leadership isn't about rank but about influence and integrity at all levels

Remember to lead on and stay courageous as you navigate the challenges of law enforcement leadership.

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Randy Sutton, 34-year law enforcement veteran and founder of The Wounded Blue, examines America's criminal justice crisis and its devastating impact on police officers nationwide. He traces how political decisions and false narratives have undermined public safety while offering solutions to restore respect for law enforcement.

• The diminishment of law enforcement began under the Obama administration with the "police acted stupidly" comment
• Ferguson's "hands up, don't shoot" narrative was a fabricated story that continues to harm police credibility
• Political leaders have prioritized activist agendas over public safety, resulting in understaffed departments
• Claims about "disproportional policing" are easily debunked by comparing police activity to criminal behavior rather than general population
• Police chiefs serve at the pleasure of political leaders while sheriffs answer directly to voters
• The Wounded Blue organization has helped over 16,000 injured officers navigate physical injuries and psychological trauma
• Many officers fear their administration more than criminals on the street
• The National Law Enforcement Survival Summit (September 22-25) offers free registration for injured officers

Visit thewoundedblue.org or twbsummit.com to learn more about supporting injured officers and attending the upcoming Survival Summit in Las Vegas.

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Non-negotiables are the minimum daily actions that leaders refuse to skip, which over time transform unpredictable outcomes into predictable success.

• Daily behaviors entirely within your control that you commit to no matter how busy, tired, or stressed you become
• Focus on realistic commitments across body, mind, mission, people, and integrity
• Start with three manageable non-negotiables rather than creating an overwhelming list
• Leadership success comes from consistent small actions rather than occasional grand gestures
• Examples include daily scripture reading, 30 minutes of movement, and expressions of love to family
• Consider how to "gamify" your commitments to maintain motivation over weeks and months
• Focus on what you can control when choosing your non-negotiables

What small, consistent action will you commit to today that could transform your leadership tomorrow?

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John Drozdowski, known as "The Millionaire Cop," shares how financial wellness is the overlooked component of officer wellbeing and reveals why pensions alone won't secure a comfortable retirement for law enforcement professionals. Travis and John discuss how the traditional academy mindset of "you'll never be rich, but you'll live comfortably" limits officers' financial potential and keeps them trapped in unhealthy overtime cycles.

Check out John's content on Instagram @TheMillionaireCop or visit his website at thedrozdowskigroup.com for more information on financial wellness for law enforcement.

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What happens when police officers make split-second decisions under immense pressure? How do we fairly evaluate these actions after the fact? These questions lie at the heart of our riveting conversation with Sergeant Jamie Borden, one of law enforcement's most respected use-of-force experts.

Jamie takes us on his remarkable journey from witnessing his brother's scrutinized police shooting in 1992 to becoming a sought-after expert who has consulted on over 400 high-profile cases. His passion for ensuring that officers receive fair and objective reviews of their actions shines throughout our discussion as he reveals how he created a groundbreaking Use of Force Training and Analysis Unit that has become a model for departments nationwide.

Jamie's book, "The Anatomy of a Critical Incident," represents the culmination of his decades of experience and offers what many consider the definitive resource on use of force analysis.

Whether you're in law enforcement, interested in criminal justice, or seeking a deeper understanding of police actions beyond the headlines, this conversation offers profound insights that will transform your perspective on critical incidents. Connect with Jamie's work through Critical Incident Review to learn more about his approach to fair and thorough analysis of police use of force.

Critical Incident Review

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Darrell Kriplean from the Phoenix Law Enforcement Officers Association reveals how his department successfully challenged the Department of Justice's pattern-or-practice investigation, resulting in a nationwide halt to consent decrees.

• Phoenix police faced a three-year DOJ investigation despite promises of collaboration
• City officials requested evidence behind DOJ allegations, which the federal agency repeatedly refused to provide
• Department created a public website comparing DOJ claims with actual body camera footage and reports
• Independent analysis found 97% of DOJ claims were misleading or false
• New legislation proposed to shift police accountability from the federal to the state level
• State-based oversight would standardize training, policies, and create more localized accountability
• A small group of Phoenix officers helped inspire other departments, like Memphis, to question DOJ tactics

Visit savephx.org to read the full report comparing DOJ claims with actual evidence, and savephx.com to see the messaging directed at city officials during this process.

Additional Articles:

DOJ Nixes Phoenix Investigation After Misleading Report

DOJ Scaps Consent Decrees

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A deep dive into the often-ignored repercussions of federal consent decrees on local law enforcement agencies. We explore the historical context, emerging trends, and an unparalleled response from the Phoenix Police Department to recent DOJ investigations.

• Overview of federal consent decrees and their intent
• Discussion on cities that have undergone consent decrees and their resulting challenges
• Focus on Phoenix Police Department's response and transparency initiative
• Analysis of misleading reports from the DOJ regarding police practices
• Examination of metrics showing the impact of federal oversight on community safety
• Call for accountability and an informed discourse on policing reforms

Article: Anatomy of a Scandal

Article: Phoenix Rising or Falling?

Phoenix PD Website Discussed In Podcast

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