AMU In Public Safety Matters
American Military University
Subscribe
American Military University is hosting a new podcast unpacking some of the most relevant issues in public safety. Each episode of In Public Safety Matters features expert guests with years of experience in law enforcement, corrections, the fire service, or emergency medical services. Join hosts Leischen Stelter and Dr. Chuck Russo as they dive into the most important topics affecting today's public safety professionals.
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
6 days ago
The Ongoing Threat of Lone Wolf Terrorist Attacks | EP29
Active shooter incidents are on the rise in the U.S. In this episode, AMU criminal justice professor Dr. Jarrod Sadulski talks to William Balcerski, who spent 26 years in the military and is currently the Facilities Protection Supervisor, Missiles and Fire Control Division, at Lockheed Martin and AMU alumnus about some of the factors contributing to mass shootings. Learn how the coronavirus, which is forcing people to be inside and online, is leading to radicalization and the “echo chamber effect.” Also learn about warning signs that someone may be planning to act and why now, more than ever, families need to take an intrusive parenting approach to monitoring children’s online activity and behavior.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Nov 10, 2020
Challenges of Prosecuting Human Trafficking Cases in Florida | EP27
Broward County, Florida has taken proactive measures to stop human trafficking by dedicating 11 child protective investigators to investigate allegations, but there remains significant challenges in prosecuting cases. In this episode, AMU professor Dr. Jarrod Sadulski talks with Jumorrow Johnson, the human trafficking coordinator for the State Attorney's Office and the president of the Broward Human Trafficking Coalition. Learn why there must be a change in legislation, which currently allows child survivors to be deposed and leads to difficulties in getting survivors to testify. Also learn about efforts to educate officers and the public about what human trafficking really looks like.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Oct 27, 2020
Peer Support Builds Resiliency among Officers and Families | EP26
More than ever, law enforcement officers must address mental health issues during their career and into retirement. In this episode, Wendy Hummell, a 24-year career officer and law enforcement spouse, talks about developing a robust peer support program for the Wichita (Kansas) Sheriff's Office. Learn how peer support can bridge mental health gaps with professional counseling, and provide training and resources for spouses and children resulting in more resilient law enforcement families. Also learn about other stress management tools including Yoga for First Responders, tactical breathing, mindfulness training, and more.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Oct 13, 2020
Human Trafficking is on the Rise in Rural America
Human trafficking can look a lot different than what most people expect, especially in rural areas. In this episode, AMU criminal justice professor Dr. Jarrod Sadulski talks to Dr. Christi Bartman about her work in rural Ohio to dispel myths and provide education, awareness, and resources about the reality of human trafficking. Learn about specific warning signs, what questions to ask, the type of resources human trafficking victims need, and much more.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Sep 29, 2020
Role of INTERPOL in Fighting International Crime
Many criminal activities like human trafficking, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and organized crime go beyond national borders. In this episode, AMU criminal justice professor Dr. Jarrod Sadulski talks with Mikel Irizar, Operations Specialist at INTERPOL’s Command and Coordination Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Learn how INTERPOL assists its 194 member-nations by coordinating criminal investigations, providing resources, sharing intelligence data, and even serving as a diplomatic outlet among countries that may not have other diplomatic ties.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Sep 16, 2020
How Belize Central Prison has Mitigated the Spread of COVID-19
Belize Central Prison has not had a single reported case of COVID-19. In this episode, AMU Criminal Justice professor Dr. Jarrod Sadulski talks with Virgilio Murillo, the CEO of the Kolbe Foundation, which manages the prison for the Belize government. Learn about the measures implemented to prevent COVID-19 from entering the prison and spreading including limiting outside visitation, installing hand washing stations, conducting temperature checks, and disinfecting and sanitizing the facility. During all these changes, Murillo talks about the importance of keeping prisoners educated and informed about the virus so they understand the reason behind new protocols and do their part to protect other inmates and staff.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Sep 2, 2020
Prison Responses to COVID-19
Prisons have long been breeding grounds for communicable diseases, so when COVID-19 hit, those working in corrections were accustomed to the health and safety protocol intended to reduce the spread of the virus. Despite this, the coronavirus has spread rampantly within facilities. In this episode, Dr. Jarrod Sadulski talks to Dr. Michael Pittaro about additional measures to minimize the spread including controversial measures like releasing nonviolent offenders as well as other potential changes that might arise from the coronavirus pandemic.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Aug 6, 2020
Expanding Contact Tracing to Combat COVID-19
Experts predict the country will need 100,000 contact tracers to track down the contacts of positive coronavirus cases. As a result, state public health agencies are scrambling to hire and train these professionals. In this episode, hear from Charlie Hunt, a senior analyst at the Kansas Health Institute (KHI) and a former state epidemiologist. Mr. Hunt discusses the critical role of contact tracers, the skills needed to be an effective contact tracer, and the challenges states face recruiting, hiring and training contact tracers during a pandemic. Also learn about KHI's collaboration to create a free, online training program, Every Contact Counts, to help prepare contact tracers for their vital public health role.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Jul 31, 2020
05 Investigating the Murder of Rebekah Gould
What circumstantial evidence exists in the unsolved murder of Rebekah Gould and is it enough to obtain a conviction in court? In the fifth and final planned episode of this series, Jen Bucholtz shares her list of circumstantial evidence she’s uncovered and who it points to as the most likely suspect. Roadblocks Jen has encountered with various personnel associated with Rebekah’s investigation are discussed. Also learn about the current status of Rebekah's case including the assignment of a new investigator, the establishment of a $25,000 reward fund, and a recent invitation to present the facts of this cold case to a prominent law enforcement investigation group called the Vidocq Society.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Jul 22, 2020
04 Investigating the Murder of Rebekah Gould
What, specifically, caused Rebekah Gould’s death? In the fourth episode of this podcast series, Jennifer Bucholtz analyzes the findings detailed in Rebekah’s autopsy report to better understand the injuries she sustained. Learn how Jen sought the assistance of other professionals to recreate Rebekah’s injuries in order to determine how many times Rebekah was struck with a blunt object, the order in which those blows were delivered, the probable size and shape of the weapon, and other critical details.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Jul 16, 2020
03: Investigating the Murder of Rebekah Gould
What do the actions of a killer tell investigators about their personality, motive, and identity? In the third episode of this series, AMU Criminal Justice professor Jennifer Bucholtz outlines a behavioral analysis profile of Rebekah Gould’s killer. Learn how the killer’s actions such as killing Rebekah while two dogs were likely in the house, cleaning up the murder scene, and removing her body from the primary crime scene, tells investigators about the type of person who committed this crime.
To join the effort to help solve Rebekah’s murder, join the Facebook group, Unsolved Murder of Rebekah Gould. If you have any information about Rebekah’s murder, send a confidential email to [email protected]. Read more about Jen’s investigation at In Public Safety.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Jul 10, 2020
02 Investigating the Murder of Rebekah Gould
In the second episode of this five-part podcast series, gain a local perspective about the area where Rebekah Gould was murdered in 2004. Hear what Jennifer Bucholtz learned during her trip to Arkansas and what she discovered about the likely route the killer took between the house where Rebekah was killed and the site where her body was left. This episode also features journalist and true-crime author, George Jared, who was part of the original search party for Rebekah's body and has since written many articles about her unsolved murder.
To join the effort to help solve Rebekah’s murder, join the Facebook group, Unsolved Murder of Rebekah Gould. If you have any information about Rebekah’s murder, send a confidential email to [email protected]. Read more about Jen’s investigation at In Public Safety.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Jul 1, 2020
01 Investigating the Murder of Rebekah Gould
In September 2004, 22-year-old college student Rebekah Gould was murdered near Melbourne, Arkansas. Her case remains unsolved. In the first episode of this five-part series, learn about the evidence in this cold case from Jennifer Bucholtz, a criminal justice and forensic science professor at American Military University, who has spent months reviewing and analyzing the facts of this unsolved murder. Listen now to learn what the forensic evidence tells investigators about Rebekah’s killer and how applying behavioral analysis techniques can help narrow down the suspects.
To join the effort to help solve Rebekah’s murder, join the Facebook group, Unsolved Murder of Rebekah Gould. If you have any information about Rebekah’s murder, send a confidential email to [email protected]. Read more about Jen’s investigation at In Public Safety.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Jun 25, 2020
Addressing Racial Bias and Outgroups Through Organizational Change
There are many conversations happening around racial inequality, diversity, and unconscious bias. But are those discussions effective? In this episode, AMU Program Director Dr. Larry D. Parker Jr. talks about how phrases like "I don't see color" can actually be unproductive in addressing diversity and inclusion. Learn about Dr. Parker’s research on "outgroups" and how leaders can engage those who don’t feel included by creating a structured campaign that acknowledges concerns, keeps leaders accountable, places a value on improving diversity and inclusion, and measures progress towards organizational change.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Apr 20, 2020
Emergency Management Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic
In this episode of In Public Safety Matters, Dr. Kevin Kupietz, who has spent more than 30 years working in emergency management, discusses his role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic as a member of the National Disaster Medical System. Learn more about the unique challenges facing emergency managers in responding to the coronavirus outbreak, the importance of all-hazards training and preparation, and what lessons can be learned from the response so far.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Mar 9, 2020
AMU- Emergency Response in Developing Countries: The Case of Guatemala
Dr. Crosston, former Program Director for Intelligence Studies at American Military University, talks to Dr. Kate Brannum and Dr. Michelle Watts of AMU about their research and the role of non-state actors in emergency response in Guatemala. Drs. Brannum and Watts conducted field research in Guatemala examining the response to the catastrophic eruption of Volcan de Fuego in 2018.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Mar 5, 2020
AMU - Coronavirus in the US: Social Distancing and Educating the Public in a Time of Crisis
The potential public health threat posed by COVID-19 is high, both globally and for the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Samer Koutoubi, Public Health Program Director at American Military University, addresses the growing threat of the Coronavirus in the United States, how it’s impacting schools and businesses, current health protocols in Washington state, continuity planning, and what can be done to prepare for the growing number of cases in the U.S. In the realm of online education, there is a lot of discussion around long-term and short-term solutions for mitigating the spread of the virus, as well as the benefits of social distancing.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Dec 10, 2019
AMU Could You be the Target of Nation-State Adversaries? What to Know about HUMINT Collection.
Angela Hill spent a decade as an intelligence analyst for the intelligence community, working with operators who gathered information from human sources. In this episode, she discusses how human intelligence (HUMINT) incorporates social engineering, highlights indicators of HUMINT collection, and shares actions for business leaders who suspect someone may be trying to get information from them.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Dec 4, 2019
AMU Correcting Corrections: How IEPs Can Help Reform Inmates and Reduce Recidivism
Robert Hood, the former warden of the Supermax, spent more than 35 years working to reform inmates and reduce recidivism. Hear how his background as an educator inspired him to institute individualized education plans, or IEPs, for inmates and how he believes this strategy could be applied on a larger scale to help inmates successfully reenter society.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Aug 7, 2019
AMU Discussing Mental Health Issues in the Firehouse - IPS
Mental health is not a topic many firefighters want to talk about, but one firefighter is determined to start the conversation in his firehouse. Brad Bouchillon has spent the last 10 years working as a full-time firefighter in Georgia and, as a Captain, believes part of his leadership role is to help end the stigma around addressing trauma and mental health issues. Listen to the podcast to learn how he connects with firefighters he suspects are suffering, what advice he has about self-care and communicating better at home, the benefits of seeking professional counseling, and how to find the right counselor.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Jul 24, 2019
AMU The Role of Forensic Evidence in the Atlanta Child Murders - IPS
Starting in 1979, at least 28 children, adolescents, and adults were murdered during a two-year period in Atlanta, Georgia. The series of murders is often referred to as the Atlanta Child Murders. American Military University criminal justice faculty member, Jon Hager, who spent 16 years as death investigator specializing in forensic science, discusses the forensic evidence that was critical in convicting Wayne Williams of two of these murders.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Jul 8, 2019
AMU How Officers Can Help Pro Build a Case Against Domestic Violence Perpetrators - IPS
Police officers are well trained to respond to domestic violence calls, but they don’t always have a full understanding of what evidence and information is needed to prosecute such cases. American Military University graduate, Scot DuFour, has been an officer since 2004 and currently works as an investigator in a domestic violence prosecutions unit. In this podcast, he shares what steps officers should take every time they respond to a domestic violence call including having the victim undergo a forensic medical exam, documenting stalking behavior, and interviewing children to provide prosecutors the evidence they need to build a strong case against the perpetrator.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Jun 27, 2019
AMU Counseling Can Help Build a Family's Resiliency - IPS
Police officers, firefighters, and EMTs are likely to experience high levels of stress and trauma. These experiences not only impact their own mental health, but can also be detrimental to the well being of their spouse and children. American Military University professor Dr. Marie Isom has extensive experience providing both child and family counseling. In this episode, she provides insight to the unique challenges first responder families face and the benefits of professional counseling, including improved communication, coping techniques, and problem-solving skills, that can help make a family unit more resilient.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Jun 5, 2019
AMU What De-Escalation Techniques Work Best to Help Officers Diffuse Volatile Situations? - IPS
There has been growing media attention and public scrutiny on use-of-force incidents involving law enforcement. As a result, many agencies are enhancing de-escalation training, which teaches officers techniques to help them diffuse volatile situations. American Military University criminal justice faculty member, Andrew Bell, talks with host Leischen Stelter about the benefits of this training, what techniques worked best for him in his 20-year policing career, as well as the potential impact of such techniques on officer safety.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
May 31, 2019
AMU Using DNA and Genealogy Databases to Solve Cold Cases - IP
After law enforcement used DNA and a genetic genealogy database to identify the Golden State Killer, there has been growing interest in how this investigative technique can help solve other cold cases. American Military University’s Criminal Justice Program Director, Dr. Chuck Russo, discusses the potential of using genetic genealogy databases in investigations, the challenges agencies face in using this approach, and the legal challenges that may lay ahead.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
May 6, 2019
AMU Why Every EMS Agency Should Use an Incident Command System
Responding to an emergency medical situation can be chaotic, even for well-trained medical professionals. That’s why it’s so important for EMS agencies to use an incident command system (ICS) so it’s clear who’s in charge. Yet many EMS agencies have not embraced ICS, says longtime paramedic and firefighter, Brad Davison. On this episode, Davison talks with host Leischen Stelter about his department’s journey to implement a modified ICS model, the challenges faced training personnel, and the remarkable improvements in medical care.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Feb 20, 2019
AMU Education, Awareness, and Teamwork Critical To Ending Human Trafficking - IPS
In Public Safety managing editor Leischen Kranick speaks with Rebekah Journey from Legacy of Hope International and Dr. Michael Pittaro, assistant professor of criminal justice at American Military University, about what’s being done both internationally and domestically to combat human trafficking.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Jan 10, 2019
AMU The Challenges Law Enforcement Faces to Prevent Human Trafficking - IPS
Human trafficking is modern-day slavery that denies freedom to 24.9 million people around the world. American Military University’s Dr. Michael Pittaro joins In Public Safety’s Leischen Kranick to discuss what law enforcement is doing to combat human trafficking, the challenges local, state, and federal agencies continue to face, and what more can be done to reduce human trafficking both domestically and internationally. To learn more about American Military University, visit https://www.AMUonline.com
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.