Dr. L’s Podcast

Community Activism with Vernon Matthews Jr.

Today's special guest features community activist and City of Waterbury Alderman Vernon Matthews Jr. A lifelong member of the City of Waterbury, CT., Matthews is dedicated to making his community better. He ran for and is currently the alderman for the 2nd district in Waterbury. He has plans and vision to bring prominence back to the city. In addition, he has aspirations for the mayor's office. We discuss community activism and what each individual can do to make their city a better place to live.    #communityactivism #police #lawenforcement #alderman #cityofwaterbury #stepup #stepuptotheplate #community #onevoiceonecommunity #onecommunitycreditunion

Intro to LEAP with Judge Shanta Owens

Upon leaving law enforcement I joined Law Enforcement Partnership (LEAP). In today's episode, we will take a brief look at LEAP and their mission. We will also interview Jefferson County AL., Judge Shanta Owens. She is a member of LEAP, public speaker, active member of the community and concerned mother.  Judge Owens gives us her perspective on community engagement, judicial reform, and empathy on the bench. Enjoy the interview.    #police, #lawenforcement, #judicial reform, #bailreform, #judgeowens.com, #LEAP

Interveiw with Chief David Couper

While doing research for a previous episode on police militarization I came across David Couper's blog "Improving Police".  He was gracious enough to be a guest on the podcast. Go for a walk and listen to the wisdom and instruction that a former police chief has for today's time. We discuss militarization, officer suicide, BLM and other topics. https://improvingpolice.wordpress.com/2019/08/12/why-militarizing-police-is-a-very-bad-idea/ #improvingpolice.wordpress.com #davidccouper #improvingpolice #police #leadership #lawenforcement #formerchiefofpolice

Monthly Recap Aug 2019

We are starting something new. I plan to do a recap of the most important stories throughout the month. Sit back, relax and enjoy as we explore the most important events from the month. #Philadelphiapoliceshooting #AB392 #Vermontgovernor #CamdenPD #useofforcepolice #use of force, #police, #lawenforcement

Militarization of the Police

Close your eyes and imagine its 6 am and an armored humvee rolling down your street. Attached to its side are police officers outfitted for war. As they reach their target location, they disembark and stack up on the front and rear doors in tight formation. They then throw a flashbang through the window of a young child who has not yet aroused for school. The flashbang breaks the window and severely injures the child. The evening news reports that the child is still in the hospital and will be there for some time. They also report that the raid was conducted over $50 drug deal and the initial target was not located. There were no arrests. I hope this scenario gives you some concern over how and when SWAT teams are deployed around the country. This episode we will explore what we can do to make sure our police agencies stay on mission and not extend to drug raids and other situation which routine officers should handle.  #SWAT #ERT #police #lawenforcement #policemilitarization #1033program    

Blackmanwithagun - Interview w/ Ken Blanchard

Ken Blanchard hosts the Blackmanwithagun Podcast. This episode we will explore his activism with gun rights and his views on the 2nd amendment. For many reasons, African Americans have been a reluctant participant in gun ownership. Fortunately, this phenomenon is changing. Partly because of the election of Trump, gun sales among African Americans has been on the rise. Stay tuned for the journey as we interview the revolutionary and controversial host of the Blackmanwithagun Podcast host.  #blackgunownership #blackmanwithagun #kenblanchard #gunrights #gunactivism #2ndamdendment #opencarry

Filming the Police

I completely understand that people are skeptical of police intervention and surveillance. Because of video cameras and smartphones this society has become emboldened to video record police activities. I do not have any problem with this whatsoever. I do have a problem with antagonistic behavior from cop watchers who are trying to do something good but going about it the wrong way. Wasting an officer's time is a waste of time and taxpayer resources. Walking around videoing government building just because you can and want to see the reaction you are going to get from the police is ridiculous. People, ordinary citizens are nervous about such activity, and rightly so. They will call the police and in turn, a response is required from law enforcement. How is any of this productive? To any officer, let the lessons of viral videos sink through. Be on your P's and Q's for people who want to video just because they can. 

Women in Law Enforcement

This episode we will be taking a look at women in law enforcement. I plan to do a number of episodes on this topic. We will explore what it is like for female enforcers as they embark on careers as law enforcers. Entering into a male-dominated job along with adopting and changing police culture can be rewarding and challenging. My guests are Sergeant Alexia Castro of the Naugatuck Police Dept. in Naugatuck, CT and Detective Roz Ramirez of the Waterbury Police Dept., also in CT. Thank you to them and their chiefs for their participation in this episode.  #cops, #lawenforcement, #enforcers, #female, #ladyoffiers, #law, #officers, #police, #women, #femalenforcers