PATC Podcast: Behind the Badge (Uncut)

In this episode, Mike Heisinger sits down with Katie Armstrong, CEO of Public Agency Training Council (PATC), to discuss her journey leading one of the nation’s premier public safety training organizations. They explore how law enforcement training has evolved, highlight upcoming national conferences, and share strategies for increasing accessibility and agency collaboration. Katie offers a behind-the-scenes look at PATC’s growth and its role in shaping the future of public safety education.

In this episode of Behind the Badge (Uncut), host Mike Heisinger sits down with Allyn Goodrich of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to explore the intersection of leadership, officer wellness, and the evolving demands of modern policing. With over two decades of experience—including assignments in major crimes and tactical operations—Allyn shares how his background in psychology continues to shape his leadership style and his day-to-day work in law enforcement.

They discuss the importance of prioritizing mental health, the realities of managing accountability while supporting your team, and the need to modernize training across the prof...

In this episode, Mike Heisinger interviews Lt. Simon Wolfsen of the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office for an inside look at modern law enforcement in South Louisiana. With nearly 18 years of experience, Lt. Wolfsen shares his path from corrections to leading FTO programs, emphasizing the value of hands-on, scenario-based training and strong team leadership. He highlights the department’s specialized units—like SWAT, narcotics, drone ops, and the Real-Time Crime Center—and their forward-thinking initiatives under Sheriff Garber.

The conversation also explores career development, efforts to prevent burnout, and the impact of in-person PATC training. Beyond the job, Mike a...

In this episode, Mike Heisinger sits down with K9 experts Don Slavik and Steve White for a powerful conversation on the current landscape of police canine operations. From certification standards and case law to training methodologies and ethical deployment, this discussion covers the critical issues shaping K9 work today. The trio explores the increasing scrutiny from the media and legal system, the importance of decision-making over dog-handling skills, and how organizations like the Western States Police Canine Association are leading the charge in professional development. They also talk about key industry conferences, the role of K9s in tactical...

In this engaging episode, Mike Heisinger sits down with officers Macy Breaux and Jacob Small to discuss the intersection of patrol work, martial arts, and long-term goals in law enforcement. Macy shares how her passion for night shifts and crime interdiction ties into her use of defensive tactics and martial arts, while also opening up about her aspirations to join SWAT and help grow her agency's DT (defensive tactics) program. The conversation expands into opportunities within major crimes units, task force collaborations, and the path toward becoming a certified firearms instructor through Louisiana POST.

Mike dives into...

In this powerful episode of PATC Podcast: Behind the Badge (Uncut), host Mike Heisinger sits down with Randy Sutton, founder of The Wounded Blue, an organization dedicated to supporting injured and disabled law enforcement officers. Randy shares the organization's mission to provide advocacy, financial assistance, and essential resources to officers who have been injured on duty. He highlights heartwarming stories of support, including how they aided a Ferguson officer suffering from a traumatic brain injury and their special Christmas campaign to help families in need.

Randy also discusses the ongoing fight to improve workers' compensation laws, which...

Welcome to the trailer episode of PATC Behind the Badge Uncut! Hosted by Mike Heisinger, this podcast offers an unfiltered look into public safety training. Mike, a seasoned law enforcement professional and PATC instructor, introduces the mission of the podcast: raw, candid conversations with industry professionals, law enforcement, first responders, and trainers. Expect discussions on real-world training, active shooter response, leadership, and more, all aimed at equipping you with the skills to serve with compassion and a warrior spirit. New episodes will release every Wednesday, so stay tuned!

Reach out at behindthebadge@patc.com.