Inside Snohomish County's $67.5M investment in emergency communications
Snohomish County 911 has officially opened a new $67.5 million emergency communications center designed to keep first responders connected and supported — no matter the crisis. The facility consolidates operations under one roof for the first time in the agency’s history, dramatically improving coordination, communications and continuity of service across all 44 law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies in the county.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks with SNO911 Executive Director Kurt Mills and ECC Supervisor Kim Crannell about the planning, challenges and people behind the $67.5 million upgrade. The conversation highlights how the facility was designed with dispatcher input, how it’s built to withstand disasters and how unified operations are already improving service for first responders in the field.
About our sponsor
This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.
--------
26:59
Why this sheriff put his jail on national TV — and doesn't regret a second of it
What happens inside a jail is often hidden from public view — unless you’ve been booked yourself. But for Flagler County, Florida, Sheriff Rick Staly, transparency isn’t just a talking point — it’s a strategy. By opening his facility to A&E’s “Booked: First Day In,” Staly hopes to reshape perceptions of corrections work, showcase the professionalism of his staff and highlight how modern jails play a vital role in community safety.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Sheriff Staly about his decision to allow A&E cameras into his jail and the positive ripple effects it has had. From building empathy with the public to drawing in new recruits, Staly says the program has helped humanize corrections work, combat stereotypes and reinforce accountability inside the walls of his award-winning facility.
“Booked: First Day In” is available On Demand and to stream on the A&E app and aetv.com.
About our sponsor
This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.
--------
23:53
5 threats police officers face in 2025 — and what leadership must do now
Police1’s "What Cops Want in 2025" survey delivers a stark message: officers feel increasingly vulnerable on the job. In a wide-ranging conversation, host Jim Dudley and Below 100 founder Dale Stockton break down the survey’s key findings, exposing persistent safety threats and a growing disconnect between command staff and the realities of front-line policing.
About our sponsor
This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by Utility. Utility is transforming how law enforcement captures, manages and shares critical data through body-worn cameras, in-car video, and a fully integrated digital evidence platform. Our mission is to empower officers with technology that’s intuitive, reliable, and built for the realities of the job. We're proud to sponsor today’s conversation around what officers need most to serve their communities safely and effectively. To learn more about how we’re supporting agencies nationwide, visit Utility.com
--------
51:46
Bonus Episode: Policing Matters at Axon Week: A conversation with Axon CTO Jeff Kunins
Policing Matters podcast host and deputy chief Jim Dudley (ret.) paid a visit to Axon Week 2025 to get an exclusive look at some of the revolutionary advancements in public safety technology and the thought leaders and technology experts making them happen.
In this special episode, sponsored by Axon, Dudley sits down with Jeff Kunins, chief product officer and chief technology officer of Axon, to discuss Axon’s AI-driven innovations, real-time tools, ethical design and support for modernizing public safety technology ecosystems.
About our sponsor
This episode of Policing Matters is sponsored by Axon – the global leader in public safety technology. Discover how Axon is empowering first responders with innovative tools and training to build safer communities and protect more lives in more places at axon.com.
--------
19:44
Bonus Episode: Combatting the cyber threat with the Public Safety Threat Alliance
Cyber attacks against public safety agencies are rising, with 324 confirmed globally in 2024, including 25 complete system shutdowns. The Public Safety Threat Alliance, established by Motorola Solutions, is a cyber threat Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (ISAO) recognized by CISA that provides actionable intelligence to public safety agencies across the globe to improve their resilience and defense capabilities. Membership in the PSTA is open to all public safety agencies, and there is no cost to join for public sector organizations.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, part of a special report from Motorola Solutions Summit 2025, host Jim Dudley speaks with William DeCoste, STARS Program Manager and Telecommunications Engineer Manager with the Virginia State Police Communications Division and Jay Kaine, the Director of Threat Intelligence at Motorola Solutions. They tackle the direct effect cyber attacks can have on public safety agencies and the collaborative efforts underway to combat them.
About our sponsor
This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by Motorola Solutions.
Talking the beat to cover what matters to you as an LEO. Join deputy chief Jim Dudley (ret.) every weekly as he sits down with law enforcement leaders and criminal justice experts to discuss strategy, challenges and trends in policing.
UK