


Join us as retired Lafayette Police Chief Patrick Flannelly shares his 27-year career in law enforcement, from patrol officer to chief. Learn about his diverse roles-from SWAT team leader to narcotics task force member-and his commitment to community outreach and officer wellness.
Now the host of the Coptimizer Podcast, Flannelly discusses the evolving relationship between police and communities, the impact of technology, and his advice for current and aspiring officers. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the challenges and rewards of policing. You can find the Coptimizer Podcast on any streaming platform.



Join Mr. Steve Kellams, a retired law enforcement veteran with over 30 years of experience in municipal policing in Indiana. Mr. Kellams discusses his career journey from patrol officer to captain of administration. He shares his passion for training new officers and insights on current law enforcement challenges. Mr. Kellum also talks about his inspiration for joining the force, the importance of effective field training, and the current ‘war on cops.
Additionally, he introduces his Blue Canary Podcast and his ongoing contributions to the law enforcement community through professional training services. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on policing, training, and the evolving landscape of law enforcement.
Join Sheriff Mina as he recounts his career journey from the United States Army in 1987 to becoming the chief of Orlando Police in 2014 and finally being elected as the Sheriff of Orange County in 2018. He discusses his commitment to community policing, implementing numerous programs to foster trust and engagement, including the Teen Academy, Police Athletic League, community barbecues, and the innovative gaming trailer.
Sheriff Mina also shares his thoughts on law enforcement challenges, recruitment, trust-building, and the evolving relationship between the police and the community. Tune in to learn about Sheriff Mina’s inspiring story and his vision for the future of law enforcement.



Join Congressman Marc Molinaro of New York’s 19th Congressional District as he discusses his extensive career in public service, his journey to the U.S. House of Representatives, and his strong advocacy for law enforcement, public safety, and mental health services. Congressman Molinaro shares his experiences as a village mayor, county executive, and state assemblyman, detailing his efforts to enhance the relationship between law enforcement and the community.
He addresses key issues such as challenges with New York’s bail reform, border security, and the impact of the ‘Defund the Police’ movement. Additionally, Molinaro emphasizes the importance of proper training, community engagement, and legislative measures to strengthen public safety and trust in law enforcement. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about building safer communities and supporting the men and women in uniform.
Join Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly as he discusses his extensive career in law enforcement, his innovative guardianship policing approach, and the importance of community relationships in reducing crime. Staly, who is running for re-election, shares his thoughts on the ‘defund the police movement, current challenges in law enforcement, and the critical need for more deputies to match the growing population of Flagler County. Learn about the opportunities for aspiring law enforcement officers through the Explorer Program and why Flagler County could be the right place for you.



Mr. Jim Dudley is the host of the Policing Matters Podcast, a columnist for Policel, a lecturer at the San Fransisco State University, and a law enforcement veteran of the San Fransisco Police Department. We discuss Mr. Dudley’s background, experiences in law enforcement, views on police recruitment and retainment, and the importance of community engagement and supporting law enforcement.
Sheriff Peyton Grinnell is the sheriff of Lake County, Florida. He shares his career trajectory from his service in the Marine Corps, joining the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, to becoming the sheriff.
We discuss initiatives Grinnell implemented to improve community policing and engagement, his stance on law enforcement issues, and officer wellness’s importance. The sheriff also shares his views on building trust within the community and the value of body cameras in ensuring accountability.



Mr. Kash Patel is the former Chief of Staff to Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller, served as the Deputy Assistant to President Donald Trump, and was Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council. He discusses various topics including the FBI raid on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, his perspectives on federal law enforcement and the need for reforms, the accountability of those involved in targeting Trump, the defund the police movement, and the importance of trust in law enforcement.
Mr. Andre Kirwan is an ex-professional athlete, entrepreneur, and licensed NFLPA & CFLPA sports agent who shares his thoughts on the relationship between the community and law enforcement. Mr. Kirwan emphasizes open conversation, education, and continued community engagement as key strategies for improving these relationships. Throughout the interview, Mr. Kirwan shares personal experiences and expresses his belief in the necessity of not generalizing a group based on the actions of a few individuals.


Dr. Reinhardt is a former police officer and author of the novel
“Rethinking the Police: An Officer’s Confession and the Pathway to Reform.” He discusses his journey, and the need for reform in police culture, and proposes a new model of policing based on servant leadership. The book aims to address the systemic issues within policing and inform readers about the importance of implementing change. Dr. Reinhardt also shares his perspective on the “Defund the Police” movement, emphasizing the value of community policing.
Mr. Morales, a former U.S. Border Patrol and ICE agent, shares insights into his experiences, covering deportation case management, humanitarian aid to detainees, and encounters with human trafficking. Emphasizing law enforcement’s crucial societal role, he critiques media generalizations and advocates for improvements like enhanced vetting, training, and public relations in the field.



Chief David Ogden, Windermere’s Police Chief, discusses his career, community initiatives, law enforcement challenges, and thoughts on the “Defund The Police” movement. Emphasizing community engagement and guiding principles, he invites value-driven individuals to apply to the Windermere Police Department.
Sheriff Dennis Lemma is the Sheriff of Seminole County, Florida. He shares his successful community policing initiatives and his views on the “Defund the Police” movements.



John Quiñones was the first Puerto Rican Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives and Chairman of the Osceola County Commission. He shares his goals of what he would like to achieve in the US House of Representatives and how he would support law enforcement.
Congressman Barr is a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee where he serves as the Chairman of the Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy Subcommittee. Although his main priorities focus on financial policies, Representative Andy Barr gladly shares his views about supporting the betterment of trust between law enforcement and the community.




A radio host of the K92.3 here in central Florida, Orlando’s #1 show for new country. He is also an essential board member of the Orlando Police Foundation, where he hosts the foundation’s podcast: The City’s Finest. Leading up to his career as a radio show host, he was an intern at a radio station in his junior year of high school, and worked his way up to the morning show status. In this episode, Mr. Diaz shares a great amount of information regarding how the community can change their perspective of policing, that can hopefully improve their relationship with law enforcement.
Click Here to Learn More About Trust the Badge, and the journey to get here.
Welcome to Trust the Badge Podcast, a distinguished non-profit organization dedicated to fostering trust between law enforcement and communities. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to delivering impactful content through our engaging podcast series – a true government podcast initiative that delves into critical issues surrounding law enforcement and community relations. Trust the Badge Podcast provides a platform for thought-provoking conversations, featuring insightful episodes and research studies that explore diverse perspectives from both law enforcement officials and community leaders. Delve into our podcast archives to discover a wealth of content that goes beyond the surface, offering an in-depth examination of policing issues. As a government podcast, Trust the Badge Podcast is not just a series of episodes; it’s a narrative-shaping initiative aimed at fostering greater understanding and cooperation globally. Our episodes serve as a valuable resource for those seeking meaningful dialogue and insightful analysis on the dynamic relationship between law enforcement and communities. Join us on this enlightening journey as Trust the Badge Podcast continues to redefine the discourse on trust, transparency, and collaboration. Through the power of podcasting, we aim to contribute to a safer, more united future, one episode at a time. Trust the Badge Podcast – where meaningful conversations pave the way for positive change in government, law enforcement, and community relations.