Shop Talk

Event season in Scottsdale is more than sunshine, big crowds, and headline events — it’s months (and sometimes years) of planning to keep everyone safe while they’re having fun. In this episode of Shop Talk from the Scottsdale Police Department, Chief Joe LeDuc and Sergeant Allison Sempsis sit down with Commander Matt Evans and Lieutenant Chris DiPiazza, two of the key leaders at the tip of the spear for Scottsdale’s biggest events.

From Barrett-Jackson and the Waste Management Phoenix Open to marathons, festivals, and spring training, the team breaks down how they juggle massive crowds, traffic...

Episode 1, Season 2 of Shop Talk with your new host Chief Joe LeDuc

Join Kat Palma and Vanessa Villalobos from the Crime Scene Specialist, or CSS. These highly trained professionals are the backbone of criminal investigations, meticulously documenting and collecting evidence that helps bring justice to victims and closure to families. Far from what you see on TV, the real work of a CSS demands precision, critical thinking, and emotional resilience. Every scene is different, every case unique, and the methods and technologies are constantly evolving keeping the job both challenging and rewarding.

Now for some...

🎙️ Behind the Scenes of the WM Phoenix Open: Shop Talk Podcast with Chief Jeff Walther & Sgt. Allison Sempsis

Get ready to tee off with an exclusive look at how the Scottsdale Police Department prepares for one of the biggest events of the year—the WM Phoenix Open! 🏌️‍♂️⛳ In this exciting episode of the Shop Talk Podcast, Chief Jeff Walther and Sgt. Allison Sempsis discuss the planning, teamwork, and safety measures that make this iconic event a success. Talking with Thunderbird Chairman Matt Mooney.

🎯 What to Expect in This Episode:

🔹 How the Scottsdale PD works be...

Erica Gaines is the President and CEO of TacMobility: Controlling the Mind + the Machine, a training program whose vision is to heal the racial divide between people of color (POC) and police officers through law enforcement wellness and community dialogue. 

Having met over 100,000 officers since 2013, “The Knife Girl'' has gained wide acceptance into the LEO community. While an unlikely candidate to advocate for police, this dark-skinned, multi-racial woman from Phoenix, AZ, continues to use her voice to talk about trauma recovery, self-awareness, and Suicide: the #1 Cop Killer in America.

Her research began in 2016 when incidents of...

Mr. Daniel Golden, an Arizona Native, joined Department of Public Safety in 1987 where he served for over 30 years.  During his tenure, he held positions in all Bureaus of the Agency.  Aside from the traditional assignment to the Highway Patrol, he held specialty assignments within criminal investigations, undercover operations, executive protection, intelligence, the director’s office, and within the training division.  He was a member of the Special Operations Unit as an operator, negotiator, team leader, and unit commander.

In addition to regular duties and responsibilities, Danny was assigned as the Honor Guard Commander, Mobile Field Force commander, and c...

Laura Pahules is the founder of Control Alt Delete, a nonprofit dedicated to helping domestic violence survivors escape dangerous situations. Inspired by her own experiences, Laura created the organization to bridge gaps in services, providing immediate assistance with transportation, lodging, and safety. Since its founding in 2019, Control Alt Delete has facilitated over 30,000 escapes in Arizona alone. Laura’s unwavering commitment to empowering survivors has earned her national recognition, including being named a 2024 L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth honoree.

Sergeant of our Domestic Violence Unit, Marcus Dunton, who brings with him an impressive 17 years of dedicated. Joining him...

Scottsdale Police Foundation (SPF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that raises funds to support and supplement Scottsdale Police Department programs and initiatives. 

The Scottsdale Police Foundation was established in 2023 to support the Scottsdale Police Department area commands, special units, equipment, training, and community engagement programs and initiatives and crime prevention events that build relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. 

Scottsdale Police Department Officers are here to Protect and Serve our Community and together with law enforcement, we can help make our neighborhoods safer for all. 

Please join us in our imp...

Get ready for an adrenaline-packed episode as we gear up for the upcoming K9 Trials! This annual event is not just a competition but a celebration of the skill, dedication, and teamwork that defines ALECA’s K9 units. We’ll be talking with participants, events, and spectators to give you an insider’s view of what it takes to compete in these high-stakes trials. Discover how these trials hone the skills of our K9 teams, ensuring they remain at the top of their game when it matters most. Whether you’re a law enforcement professional, a dog lover, or someone...

Katie Gregory, the new General Manager of WestWorld, brings over 30 years of experience in public management to Scottsdale. Before joining WestWorld, Katie served as Prescott’s City Manager, and she has held various key positions in Peoria, including Deputy City Manager.

Katie holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in political science from Western Oregon University and a master’s degree in public administration from Arizona State University. With a strong background in community building, municipal operations, and strategic management, Katie is excited to lead WestWorld into a new era of growth and innovation. Her vi...

Since October 2007, Nicole Patterson has been a dedicated Detention Supervisor in Scottsdale. Originally from New York, she's the youngest of eight, with a passion for the Dallas Cowboys, Yankees, and Lakers. A true dog lover, Nicole enjoys life with her 3-year-old red Doberman, Buddy. Snacks are her jam!!!

Kelvin Rawlins grew up in Oxnard, California before coming to Arizona in 2005. Sports has always been a passion and played baseball until his junior year in high school and basketball that allowed an opportunity to play at the junior college level, at the Division 1 level (Boise State), and two...

Dom Vattuone grew up Germantown, Maryland, played varsity baseball for UNC Greensboro Spartans, spent three and a half seasons in the minor leagues with the Oakland Athletics before starting with Scottsdale PD in 2016 where he currently serves as a member of the Downtown District Bike Unit. During his professional career posted 84 strikeouts in 78.1 innings pitched all out of the bullpen as a set up/ closing pitcher.

Rob Katzaroff hails from Seal Beach,  California, played varsity baseball for UCLA, spent six and a half seasons in the minor leagues with a .300 career average before starting with Scottsdale PD i...

The Thunderbirds, hosts of the WM Phoenix Open Presented by Taylor Morrison, have named George Thimsen the Tournament Chairman for the 2024 edition of “The People’s Open”, which is set to tee it up Feb. 5-11 at TPC Scottsdale. Additionally, The Thunderbirds announced that Matt Mooney has been named Assistant Tournament Chairman for the 2024 event.

Thimsen assumes the role of Tournament Chairman after serving last year as Assistant Tournament Chairman alongside Pat Williams. He will guide The Thunderbirds organization in the planning and execution of all facets of the 2024 event, including sponsorship generation and renewals, security and safety...

Alessandra “Alex” Sachs is originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, but grew up in the US and France. In 1993, she moved back to Brazil and pursued an undergraduate degree in Physical Education at FEFISA. She followed with a Master’s degree in Sports Psychology at UNIFMU, where she worked under Brazil’s top Sports Psychology, Dr. Regina Brandao. In 2000, her Master’s thesis was published at the Sports Psychology World Conference in Skiathos, Greece. She met Dr. Darren Treasure and Dr. Cristina Versari at the conference and in 2001 was invited to be a doctoral candidate at Arizona State University under the guidance of Dr...

Joe Iturri brings nearly 30 years of hospitality experience to Caesars Republic Scottsdale, previously serving as General Manager of Saguaro Scottsdale for nine years, the opening Director of Sales and Marketing at W Scottsdale for six years, and Regional Director of Revenue Management for all of Starwood’s Southwest hotels for 13 years. During his tenure with Starwood, he was also a leader in their process improvement effort, acting as a “Black Belt" in Six Sigma at the Phoenician Resort.  A Scottsdale resident with longstanding roots in the community. Joe Iturri serves on many boards in the community, including Vice Chair of th...

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a period dedicated to discussing measures that can guide those affected towards understanding the situation and finding avenues to escape harmful circumstances.

Data from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reveals that over 10 million adults in the United States face domestic violence each year. Closer to home, Scottsdale’s Victim Services extended assistance to approximately 1,200 domestic violence victims in the fiscal year spanning July 2021 to June 2022. Their support encompasses facilitating victims in obtaining orders of protection or injunctions against harassment, directing them to relevant support services, aiding in applications for the Ad...

Sarah Kearney leads Blue Zones Project Scottsdale as the Executive Director. Her leadership experience is diverse and rooted in community well-being, service, and forward-thinking optimism. She most recently worked for Experience Scottsdale, whose mission is to enhance the Scottsdale community through tourism. In Sarah’s 16+ year tenure at the organization, she held several leadership roles and specialized in worldwide leisure sales, partner development strategy, membership and community engagement, program development, and more.

Driven by her passion for the Scottsdale community, Sarah has served, led, and guided several local organizations, leaving a cross-sector imprint. She has served as th...

Chris and Jihae Watson have been married for 18 years and they have 7 amazing children ranging from age 7 to 30. Chris and Jihae have been actively involved in the foster/adoptive community since 2015 and Chris currently serves as the president on the boards of the Jaxon Foundation and Men’s Practice.

Jihae is an HR generalist for Showit Inc in Chandler, where she has worked for the past seven years. Jihae started the Fostering Voices Podcast to help those involved in the foster and adoptive community. Jihae has also trained and certified new foster parents for the past three ye...

John Loleit has been with the City since 2000 after spending 25 years with the National Park Service. He has his spent entire career in the Northern part of the Preserve starting with the opening of Pinnacle Peak Park in 2002. When Browns Ranch Trailhead opened in 2013 he moved there and most recently to the new trailhead at Pima Dynamite. As a Natural Resources Supervisor,  his job is constantly evolving and varied every day. John also conducts guided hikes,  manage trail maintenance projects, train staff and volunteers, provide fire mitigation, invasive weed control and various other natural resource projects.

Ofc. Sa...

Chris Henningson starting as a Cadet in 1998, then served as a parking control checker and police aide, and evolved to a crime analyst, he's now leading the groundbreaking team of the Scottsdale Police departments Real Time Crime Center.

He is also the National President of the real Time Crime Center Association https://www.nrtcca.org/

Akil Davis, a former officer in the Scottsdale Police Department back in 1999, who embarked on a new path after a few years, embracing a captivating career with the prestigious FBI.

Davis is a 17-year veteran with the FBI. He served in Palm Springs, Los Angeles and Kabul, and has investigated organized crime, drug trafficking, violent crime, human trafficking and crimes against children. He served with FBI's SWAT team in Los Angeles and with the U.S. Army's 10th Special Forces Group.

He has also been involved with the Weapons of Mass Destruction Director at the FB...

Experience Scottsdale President & CEO Rachel Sacco has been an integral part of the highly regarded Arizona destination marketing organization since 1986.

She joined the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce that year to lead its tourism division, which became the convention and visitors bureau in 1987. In 2001, Experience Scottsdale – then known as the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau – officially separated from the Chamber to become a stand-alone, non-profit organization with Sacco as its first president and CEO.

Over the years, Sacco has been inducted into Scottsdale’s History Hall of Fame, the Arizona State University College of Public Programs’ Alumni C...

Detective Tom Houk joined the Scottsdale Police Department in February 2000 after spending time playing and coaching professional baseball in the minor league. He spent 6 years in the minor leagues and, in 1990 led the Gulf Coast League with a .344 ba!

Tom went from patrolling the baseball diamond to patrolling the streets of Scottsdale until February 2007 when he joined the Traffic Enforcement Section as a motorcycle officer.  He worked closely with the Vehicular Crimes and Reconstruction Unit until he was transferred in March 2014.

 Detective Houk has completed over 900 hours of Vehicle Crash related training. This training includes sp...

Executive Managing Director

Pat is the Managing Director of the Phoenix Tenant Representation Group and is responsible for all day-to-day operations.

He represents clients in facility and site acquisition. His responsibilities include marketing, strategy implementation, site evaluation and selection, detailed financial analysis and lease review and negotiations. His technical knowledge of the real estate process gives him a broad understanding of the important principles that must be incorporated into a transaction.  His leadership skills and unparalleled knowledge of the office, industrial and medical industries continue to exceed clients' expectations, including but not limited to Axway, B...

Human Trafficking is a growing danger in Arizona and it could be going on right next to you. Join Chief Walther and Sgt Quon as they talk to a panel of experts on this important topic.

Lissa Druss, Cav., OSI Founder + CEO

https://www.teamstrategia.com/

For more than 30 years, Lissa has established a powerful reputation– from Los Angeles to Chicago and New York – as a highly seasoned communications strategist, crisis management leader, nine-time Emmy award-winning television journalist, media consultant, guest lecturer, and tireless client advisor. In addition to leading the...

Rachel Cole is an anchor, reporter, and multi-skilled journalist for 12News.

Rachel joined Team 12 from KRIS-TV, Channel 6 in Corpus Christi, Texas, where she was a morning anchor and reporter. While in Texas, Cole covered several high-profile trials, including the Hannah Overton case, involving a foster mother convicted in the death of her 4-year-old foster son, who served seven years in prison before her conviction was overturned.

A native Arizonan, Rachel is a Cum Laude graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. In her spare time, she enjoys...

Jessica Nicely is a passionate advocate for child abuse prevention, awareness and treatment. A survivor herself, Jessica founded her own non-profit 501c3, Winged Hope Family Advocacy Foundation in January 2013. 

Dedicated to serving victims of family violence and trauma, since it’s inception Winged Hope has provided direct services or training to over 55,000 people around the state of Arizona. Winged Hope was the Recipient of the Arizona Attorney General's 2018 Arizona Crime Victims' Rights Week Award for their work with victims of violence.  

A graduate of Arizona State University, Jessica's memoir All My Friends Are Zeros: My Secre...

Dr. Casey Solem is a Board Certified Emergency Physician and he serves as the Medical Director of the Scottsdale Fire Department.

Casey was born and raised right here in Scottsdale. After graduating from Chaparral High School, he studied Biology at Arizona State University. He then joined the inaugural class of the University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix Campus.

He now practices full-time Emergency Medicine in three local hospitals: HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center (where he was born), HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, and HonorHealth Thompson Peak Medical Center.

Casey loves the Scottsdale...

Angela Harrolle came to be the CEO of The 100 Club of Arizona in an unconventional way, as a line of duty death family beneficiary. She is a true testament of ‘you never know where life will take you.’ Prior to my arrival as the CEO she championed legislation known as “Harrolle’s Law”, which provides surviving families with lifetime access to health insurance benefits following a line of duty death.

The 100 Club of Arizona, a non-profit organization that provides statewide assistance for public safety agencies, officers, firefighters, EMT/Paramedics and their families. As a 501(c)(3), the 100 Club of Arizona...

Dr. Wayne Svoboda joins Scottsdale Police Chief Jeff Walther and Commander Chris Coffee on Shop Talk. He grew up in the small town of Wahoo, Nebraska. His background in the medical/science field and great love of animals influenced his decision to pursue a career as a veterinarian. He earned his B.S. degree in Microbiology from Kansas State University. He received his M.S. in Cellular Biology in 1982 from Purdue University. He received his D.V.M. in 1986 from Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.

He enjoys both small animal and exotic pet medicine and...

Dominic was born and raised on the east coast. He moved to Arizona to “begin his adult life.” After several interactions with valley police officers, he started to make note how they were different and what made Scottsdale Police stand out from the rest. Join us on episode 11 to hear his story and the interaction with a Scottsdale Police Sergeant that changed his perspective of policing forever.

Alessandra “Alex” Sachs is originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, but grew up in the US and France. In 1993, she moved back to Brazil and pursued an undergraduate degree in Physical Education at FEFISA. She followed with a Master’s degree in Sports Psychology at UNIFMU, where she worked under Brazil’s top Sports Psychology, Dr. Regina Brandao. In 2000, her Master’s thesis was published at the Sports Psychology World Conference in Skiathos, Greece. She met Dr. Darren Treasure and Dr. Cristina Versari at the conference and in 2001 was invited to be a doctoral candidate at Arizona State University under the guidance of Dr...

Adan Leon came and talked to Chief Walther and Sgt Quon this month about an adventure of a lifetime. Aden is a detention officer in the Scottsdale City Jail and spent years working indoors. He decided it was time to get out and see the world and in this show you will hear all about his trek on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Dennis Robbins has been the Executive Director of the Scottsdale Charros for 5 years.  He is a past President of the Charros and has been a member of the Charros since 1995. 

Robbins was born and raised in Scottsdale and served two terms on the Scottsdale City Council. 

Robbins has owned multiple automotive franchises across the state of Arizona.  He has also practiced law in the areas of business, real estate and commercial transactions.

Robbins has a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from California Lutheran University, a Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University School of Law, and is...

Ivan Gilreath is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale (BGCS). With more than two decades of corporate executive experience including success in strategic planning, growth, and community engagement Ivan will strive to serve more kids and teens with an exceptional Club experience.

Gilreath is relocating to the Valley from Omaha, Nebraska, where he served for 10 years as President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of The Midlands. Prior to that, he spent five years as President of ING’s Employee Benefits Division and 20 years in Mutual of Omaha’s Grou...

The Thunderbirds, hosts of the WM Phoenix Open, have named Michael Golding the Tournament Chairman for the 2022.

Golding assumes the role of Tournament Chairman after serving last year as Assistant Tournament Chairman alongside Scott Jenkins.  He will guide The Thunderbirds in the planning and execution of all facets of the 2022 event, including sponsorship generation and renewals, security and safety, recruiting PGA TOUR players to the event, community relations, logistics, and development of on-course venues.

Dr. Golding is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon who co-leads the practice of Oral and Facial Surgeons of Arizona.  He also is t...

Mayor Ortega is focused on safeguarding public health and safety; maintaining Scottsdale’s family-friendly neighborhoods; protecting the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and strengthening Scottsdale’s world-renowned reputation.

As mayor, he is committed to equal rights for all, responsive city government and adoption of citizen-driven General Plan 2035 to support economic vitality.

Mayor Ortega is a registered Arizona architect and designed many landmark buildings in Old Town. He is a graduate of the University of Arizona and was an apprentice architect to Bennie Gonzales FAIA, the award-winning designer of Scottsdale City Hall, Civic Center Library and Scottsdale Center for...

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Join Chief Walther and Sgt Quon who are joined by special guests Detective Jarred Clark from the Domestic Violence Unit and Police Crisis Intervention Specialist, Kelly Wills.  Together, they talk about some of the most important questions, concepts and resources about domestic violence.

Detective Clark talks about the process and what law enforcement encounters during Domestic Violence situations. Police Crisis Intervention Specialist Kelly Wills brings her experience, education, and perspective about domestic violence victims and the resources that are available.

October is the designated as an Domestic Violence awareness m...

Jim Thompson started as city manager Jan. 9, 2017. He has over 30 years of experience in local government, previously holding positions in Tucson, Arizona, Casa Grande, Arizona, Bothell, Washington, Bullhead City, Arizona, and Sterling, Colorado. Jim has also served on the Arizona State Personnel Board since 2004 and as an adjunct professor in Arizona State University’s Department of Public Affairs since 2011. 

Special Guest: Jon Rosenberg, co-founder of LevRose Commercial Real Estate which is based in Scottsdale. Originally from New York,  Jon grew up in Scottsdale and is a graduate of the University of Arizona in Tucson. With a background in both commercial brokerage and property management, Jon co-founded LevRose Commercial Real Estate (www.levrose.com) in 1992 with Robert Levine and MODE Real Estate Management Services (www.modecommercial.com), a commercial property management firm in 2008.  

Under his leadership, LevRose is a four time honoree as one of the Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in the U.S.  LevRose has consistently bee...

Special Guest: City of Scottsdale Councilwoman Tammy Caputi, who is also a local business owner and elected to the council in November 2020, joins Chief Walther for a conversation.

Facebook: @tammycaputi Instagram: @caputioncouncil Twitter: @TammyCaputi