National Police Association Podcast

What happens when a police detective becomes an author, crime commentator, and stand-up comedian? Steven Lampley joins Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith on the National Police Association Podcast for a conversation about unexpected career turns, the demands of police work, and why supporting officers begins with supporting their families.

A veteran of 21 years in law enforcement, Lampley shares his unconventional path from the Army to banking and real estate appraisal before answering the call to police work. He also recounts a chilling realization: a quiet fellow soldier he encountered during Army medical training was Jeffrey Dahmer—a connection La...

On this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith welcomes back Jason Johnson of the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund (LELDF) to discuss the consequences of Brady and Giglio lists and the safeguards his organization believes officers deserve.

Johnson explains LELDF’s two central missions: funding legal representation for officers the organization believes have been wrongfully charged in connection with their duties and producing investigative reports on issues affecting law enforcement. He also describes how the fear of criminal prosecution and the cost of defending against charges can influence officers’ decisions to remain in t...

On this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, host Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.) welcomes retired Sheriff Dr. Currie Myers for a conversation about service, leadership, organizational culture, and the importance of caring for the whole officer.

Myers traces his career from summer lake patrol assignments and the Kansas Highway Patrol to undercover investigations, homicide cases, a federal task force assignment, and service as sheriff of Johnson County, Kansas. He explains how those experiences shaped his commitment to supporting fellow officers, developing talented employees, and leading through service. The discussion also explores his transition into teaching...

What happens when the people who answer everyone else’s call for help need support themselves?

On this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith welcomes Dr. Stephanie Conn, a former police officer who now helps first responders navigate the emotional demands of their profession. As the daughter and wife of police officers, Conn brings both professional expertise and personal experience to a conversation about resilience, trusted relationships, and building effective peer support programs.

Conn explains how losing two coworkers in the line of duty and witnessing the difficulty of connecting of...

On this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, host Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith welcomes retired Chicago Police Lieutenant Richard Rybicki for a candid conversation about his 29-year law enforcement career, the enduring importance of talking to people, and his second career as an author.

Rybicki, whose father also served as a Chicago police officer, explains why he chose a life inside the yellow tape. Beginning his career in 1977, he witnessed major changes in policing, from partners sharing a single portable radio to the arrival of automated fingerprint searches and DNA analysis. Through those advances, one principle...

Thomas Kenniff on Defending Police Officers, Equal Justice, and the Omar Habib Case

Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith welcomes attorney, Army veteran, and author Thomas Kenniff to the National Police Association Podcast for a conversation about service, constitutional protections, and the legal challenges facing police officers.

Kenniff shares his journey from corporate law to working as a prosecutor under Jeanine Pirro, followed by military service after September 11. Drawing on his experience on both sides of the courtroom, he explains why supporting law enforcement and providing a rigorous defense to the accused are compatible commitments.<...

On this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, host Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.) welcomes retired NYPD Detective Marique Bartoldus, author of 20 and Out and host of Monz on the Mic. With humor and candor, Bartoldus shares stories from a career spanning transit, patrol, street narcotics, anticrime, and field intelligence.

Bartoldus explains how her daughter’s simple question, “Mommy, what’d you do at work today?” inspired a book. What began as a private account for her children became a collection of stories capturing the danger, absurdity, friendships, and unforgettable humor of police work.

The disc...

On this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Chief Patrick Flannelly, a veteran law enforcement leader, trainer, writer, podcaster, and longtime advocate for improving the physical health and performance of America's police officers.

Flannelly began his career in the U.S. Air Force Security Police before attending Purdue University and joining the Lafayette Police Department in 1995. Coming from a family with deep ties to law enforcement, he entered policing with a natural curiosity that would eventually help shape his career as a police chief and innovator.

Police...

Leonard Sipes returns to the National Police Association Podcast for a wide-ranging discussion with host Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.) about the state of crime in America, why different government statistics can produce dramatically different pictures of public safety, the explosion of fraud and cybercrime, the decline of proactive policing, and the consequences of decarceration. Sipes has spent nearly five decades working in and around the criminal justice system and is the founder of CrimeInAmerica.net, where he analyzes crime statistics, criminal justice research, policing, corrections, and public safety.

A central issue in the conversation is the...

Fighting Parole for the Killer of LAPD Officer Jim Pagliotti — with Glynn Martin

Nearly forty years after 28-year-old LAPD Officer Jim Pagliotti was shot and killed in the line of duty, the man convicted of his murder is once again approaching a parole hearing. For Pagliotti's family, friends, and fellow officers, that means once again reliving a loss that has never gone away.

On this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, host Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.) speaks with Glynn Martin, a retired LAPD sergeant, longtime friend and former partner of Officer Jim Pagliotti, an...

In Part Two of her conversation with retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent John Nantz, National Police Association spokesperson Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.) continues an inside look at Nantz’s recent sit-down with FBI Director Kash Patel at FBI Headquarters.

Nantz, a former FBI supervisory special agent and contributor to Townhall and Restoration News, discusses what he learned about Patel’s efforts to reshape the FBI—from budgets and technology to violent crime, counterterrorism, recruiting, and the Bureau’s relationship with state and local law enforcement.

Smith and Nantz discuss Patel’s emphasis on returning the FBI’s...

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.) welcomes back retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent and Townhall columnist John Nantz for Part One of a conversation about his recent opportunity to sit down with FBI Director Kash Patel.

Nantz and fellow retired FBI agent Chris Hinkle were invited to FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where they spent several hours with Director Patel discussing his leadership of the Bureau, his relationship with state and local law enforcement, changes inside FBI Headquarters, and his efforts to shift resources and authority back into...

On this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with former United States Secret Service Special Agent Hazel Cerra, a 25-year veteran of federal law enforcement who has successfully transitioned from protecting presidents and world leaders to protecting corporate executives in the digital age.

The conversation then turns to one of today's most pressing threats: cybersecurity. Hazel describes how criminal activity evolved from traditional fraud schemes to sophisticated digital attacks targeting businesses, financial systems, and critical infrastructure. She explains how hackers exploit vulnerabilities in payment systems, business networks, and personal information...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Rusty Myers shares the story behind his new book, Tattered: When the Blue Line Frays, which chronicles his experience of being terminated after an officer-involved arrest incident despite later being fully exonerated by South Carolina's Law Enforcement Training Council. 

Myers discusses how a routine foot pursuit and arrest evolved into a years-long investigation that left him on administrative leave, stripped of his career, and struggling with severe depression and suicidal thoughts. He candidly describes the phenomenon many officers know as "organizational betrayal", the devastating f...

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with entrepreneur, podcaster, financial consultant, and law enforcement advocate Ken Bator. Ken shares his unique journey from banking and credit unions into the world of law enforcement advocacy and public safety media. 

Betsy and Ken discuss the growing hostility toward law enforcement following Ferguson and the George Floyd riots, as well as the continuing demonization of local and federal officers. Ken reflects on how witnessing Ferguson in 2014 fundamentally changed his perspective and motivated him to become more vocal in supporting police officers a...

On this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, host Betsy Brantner Smith welcomes Rebecca Lynn, creator of the popular Proud Police Wife platform, for an honest conversation about the realities of being married to a law enforcement officer. 

Rebecca shares her personal journey as the spouse of a police officer for more than 20 years, explaining how difficult it was to find resources, support, or even relatable conversations when her husband first entered law enforcement. What began as a simple blog eventually grew into a nationwide community supporting police spouses and families through articles, social media, podcasts, c...

In Part 2 of Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith’s conversation with former Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino, the discussion dives deep into the national debate surrounding illegal immigration, sanctuary city policies, immigration enforcement, and the growing hostility faced by Border Patrol and ICE agents in American cities.

Bovino challenges the political phrase “worst of the worst,” arguing that limiting immigration enforcement only to violent offenders effectively creates a pathway to mass amnesty. He explains why immigration enforcement, in his view, must address the broader scale of illegal entry and overstays rather than waiting for crimes to occur before action...

🔎 Episode Overview

In this compelling first installment, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with recently retired U.S. Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino, one of the most visible and outspoken leaders in modern border enforcement. Bovino reflects on his decades-long career, from humble beginnings to commanding high-profile operations across the country. The conversation explores the realities of illegal immigration, the operational and political challenges facing Border Patrol agents, and what it takes to achieve meaningful enforcement in the United States today.

🎧 Key Topics and Takeaways

🚔 A Career Inspired by Early Encounters

In this compelling episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with nationally recognized prosecutor, legal analyst, author, and speaker Wendy Patrick. With decades of courtroom experience and academic expertise in theology and human behavior, Patrick offers a unique perspective on crime, justice, and the psychological factors that shape both offenders and victims.

The conversation explores the evolving justice system, the importance of threat assessment, and the growing challenges facing law enforcement and prosecutors today.

🔍 Key Topics & Takeaways

In this episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Sgt. Jon Rappa—an active law enforcement officer and nationally recognized instructor in interview and interrogation techniques. Rappa shares how personal tragedy shaped his career, breaks down the realities behind police questioning, and explains why communication—not coercion—is the most powerful tool officers have.

Key Points

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with former NYPD sergeant and cold case expert Joseph Giacalone, an investigator who turned “retirement” into a second career in media, teaching, and true crime storytelling.

From leading Bronx cold case homicide investigations to educating the public on the realities behind crime, Giacalone shares hard-earned insights on solving decades-old murders, working with prosecutors, and the growing national fascination with true crime.

Giacalone describes cold cases as investigations where all viable leads have been exhausted—which can happen in weeks or years.

Unlike TV portrayals:

Detectives must c...

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with veteran journalist, author, and law-enforcement communications expert Anne Schwartz. Their conversation covers Schwartz’s extraordinary career—from crime reporter to police public information officer—and her firsthand experience covering one of the most infamous criminal cases in modern history: the crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer.

Schwartz shares what it was like as a young reporter arriving at the crime scene the night the Dahmer case broke in Milwaukee, how investigative journalism and police work intersect, and why building trust between reporters and law en...

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, host Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Michael Letts, a longtime law enforcement officer, pastor, Army veteran, and national advocate for first responders.

Letts shares the remarkable journey that led him from ministry and national weightlifting competitions to decades of service in law enforcement. He also discusses the founding of InVest USA, a nonprofit dedicated to providing life-saving protective equipment such as bulletproof vests to police officers across the country.

The conversation explores the spiritual, emotional, and operational challenges facing law enforcement today—from officer safety an...

On this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Chad Bianco, Sheriff of Riverside County, California—and current candidate for Governor of California.

Before the headlines and the statewide campaign, Sheriff Bianco spent 32 years in law enforcement serving the citizens of Southern California. In this wide-ranging conversation, he shares his unexpected path into policing, his leadership of one of the largest sheriff’s offices in the country, and why he believes California is ready for change.

Sheriff Bianco didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a cop. In fact...

In this powerful episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with retired former Orlando Police Department officer Todd Herb to discuss a game-changing concept: providing first responders with elite-level sports medicine care to dramatically reduce recovery time, cut taxpayer costs, and protect morale.

Todd shares how his post-law-enforcement journey led him to Ready Rebound, a company founded on one simple idea:

If professional athletes get immediate, specialized treatment to return to peak performance, why shouldn’t first responders?

When the public thinks about first responder injuries, they im...

In this powerful follow-up episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith reconnects with Deputy Sheriff Dustin Reichert, whose 2021 interview about surviving an officer-involved shooting deeply impacted listeners.

But as Dustin explains, that shooting was neither the beginning nor the end of his story.

It was part of something much bigger.

Topics:

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

A powerful therapy that helps the brain reprocess unprocessed trauma — “defragging the hard drive,” as he puts it.

Brainspotting

A trauma-processing modality that access...

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank, a constitutional sheriff who has emerged as a national voice for courageous law-enforcement leadership in the face of unprecedented political pressure. Sheriff Swank explains how Washington State’s “sanctuary” laws and legislative overreach threaten not only public safety, but the very independence of the elected sheriff’s office. Drawing on his career with the Seattle Police Department and his historic election as Pierce County’s first sheriff elected from outside the sheriff’s office, Swank details the growing effort by st...

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith welcomes back returning guest Henry “Hollywood” Morris, founder of Support Our Shields and a leading voice in independent media defending law enforcement, religious freedom, and American values.

Hollywood shares why he launched Support Our Shields at the height of the “defund the police” movement and reflects on traveling more than 80,000 miles across 33 states to honor over 75 fallen law enforcement officers. Together, Betsy and Hollywood examine the renewed attacks on police and federal agents, particularly ICE, and warn that America may be witnessing “Defund Police 2.0.”

The con...

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Milwaukee Police Department veteran, bestselling author, and podcast host Patrick O’Donnell for a wide-ranging conversation that blends real-world policing, writing, and cultural honesty.

Patrick shares the story of why he became a cop, growing up in Chicago, witnessing a SWAT raid as a child, and falling in love with police work during the height of the crack epidemic in Milwaukee. He walks listeners through his law-enforcement career, from high-crime patrol assignments and midnight shifts to promotion as a sergeant and th...

Sgt. Betsy Smith welcomes back Chief Scott Hughes for a wide-ranging conversation on officer safety. Together, they unpack the risks that are rising (including ambushes) and why fundamentals like seatbelts, vests, and continuous training still matter, especially in an era of short staffing, reduced proactive policing, and heightened scrutiny of law enforcement.

What they cover

1) “Fundamentals win”: the basics that save lives

Chief Hughes and Sgt. Smith return to simple fundamentals:

On this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with firearms instructor and content creator Samantha Borgos, co-founder of Sovereign Self Defense.

Samantha has built a viral social media presence by blending “edutainment”—educational content wrapped in entertainment—with videos of herself legally open carrying in everyday places like Whole Foods, Sephora, and Starbucks. She and Betsy talk about how those videos started as a simple experiment after Florida’s open carry law changed, and how they’ve evolved into a powerful way to normalize responsible carry, especially for women.

They also...

Sgt. Betsy Smith sits down with longtime friend and law enforcement legend David Gonzales, whose 48-year career spans small-town patrol, Arizona DPS narcotics work, and over two decades as the presidentially appointed U.S. Marshal for the District of Arizona. Gonzales shares how a 19‑year‑old kid from Flagstaff ended up patrolling one of the largest counties in America, chasing major drug traffickers, hunting fugitives around the world, and managing thousands of federal prisoners during the height of the immigration crisis.

He also gives an insider’s view of private prisons vs. county jails, the reality of human...

Host Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with police K9 handler Officer Tony Sanborn, president of the Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association (ALECA), for an in‑depth conversation about modern police K9 work.

Tony shares why he was “called” to the profession, how K9 units have become powerful ambassadors and recruitment tools for law enforcement, and what really goes into training, deploying, and caring for these highly skilled working dogs.

They dive into the Desert Dog Police Canine Trials and Public Safety Expo, how the event has evolved into one of the biggest K9 competitions and pu...

This week, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with retired NYPD detective Vic Ferrari—author, podcaster, and Bronx native—for a candid conversation about policing’s past and present in New York City. Ferrari traces his path from a car-obsessed kid to an NYPD detective specializing in auto crime, explains what Law & Order gets closer to right than most shows, and walks through how CompStat and stop‑question‑frisk were intended to work.

The discussion ranges across mayoral eras (Koch, Dinkins, Giuliani, Bloomberg, de Blasio, Eric Adams, and the mayor‑elect referenced in the conversation), internal culture and standard...

Episode Overview

In this powerful episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with Dr. Josh McConkey, an Air Force Colonel, ER doctor, and author of The Weight Behind the Spear, to discuss leadership, service, and the future of our country. From the emergency room to the battlefield, from classrooms to campaign trails, Dr. McConkey shares how true leadership means empowering others, holding people accountable, and restoring American values of duty and patriotism.

Key Topics Covered

1. The Weight Behind the Spear

Episode Summary

In this powerful episode, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with longtime LAPD Detective and union leader Jamie McBride for an unfiltered look at the challenges and changes in modern policing. With 35 years of experience, McBride discusses everything from his early days on the beat to the recruitment crisis, declining standards, and the aftermath of 2020’s anti-police movement. Together, Betsy and Jamie confront the myths about law enforcement, explore how politics and policy are shaping the next generation of officers, and share candid thoughts on professionalism, education, and what it truly takes to wear the ba...

In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with retired federal agent Peter J. Forcelli, whose 35-year law enforcement career spans street policing in the Bronx and federal investigations.

Forcelli recounts his path from a TV-inspired NYPD rookie to a respected federal agent who took on both violent criminals and a complacent justice system. The conversation offers a firsthand look at the failures of modern prosecution, the dangers of “woke” criminal justice policies, and why accountability — not leniency — is the key to public safety.

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.) sits down with Antoine Thomas, a law enforcement veteran, podcaster, and Christian conservative, to discuss the challenges and triumphs of policing in today’s America. Antoine shares his journey into law enforcement as a personal calling, reflects on the highs and lows of his career, and explains how faith, resilience, and dedication kept him grounded in one of the toughest professions.

Together, they explore how politics, media narratives, and cultural shifts have impacted law enforcement in recent years and why, despite the obstacles, Antoine still believes policing is the best profession on ea...

In this gripping episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with former Marion County, Florida Deputy David Ur and his wife, Dr. Lana Krichevsky-Ur, to share their harrowing journey from public service to personal and professional devastation. What began as David’s midlife dream to serve in law enforcement turned into a nightmare of alleged retaliation, political interference, and career destruction after an arrest involving a politically connected suspect.

David details his path from crane operator and helicopter pilot to deputy sheriff, excelling in the academy and eager to serve. But af...

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (ret.) sits down with former police sergeant and investigative trailblazer Christine Burke to explore the groundbreaking world of forensic genetic genealogy. Christine shares her compelling personal journey from banking to law enforcement, her passion for solving complex investigations, and how a surprising DNA discovery changed the trajectory of her life and career.

Together, they delve into how this powerful tool is revolutionizing the investigation of cold cases, unidentified remains, and even new crimes—whether you're a seasoned detective or a civilian interested in joining the fight for justice.

  Key...