The Coptimizer Podcast

In this episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, Patrick Flannelly sits down with Pat Heffner, a retired police officer and seasoned instructor for the Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command, to explore one of the most overlooked aspects of modern policing — resource allocation. With decades of experience in law enforcement and education, Pat brings a pragmatic and data-driven lens to a topic that often flies under the radar of command staff. Together, we discuss the critical importance of staffing analysis, beat redesign, workload balance, and how failing to properly allocate resources can undermine even the most well-intentioned policing strategies. Whether you're a chief, a line supervisor, or a community member trying to understand how police services are delivered, this episode offers an honest, practical deep-dive into what it takes to align staffing with service demands — and why it matters more than ever in today’s public safety environment. 🔑 Topics include: The fundamentals of police resource allocation Why many departments struggle with staffing analysis Real-world examples from Pat’s work with police agencies How data can drive better decision-making for deployment The connection between morale, burnout, and misaligned staffing Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

David Riedman is the founder of the K-12 School Shooting Database and a graduate from the Naval Postgraduate School. He conducts research on gun violence in schools and authored multiple peer-reviewed articles on homeland security policy, critical infrastructure protection, and emergency management. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, I sit down with Chief Mike Diekoff of the Bloomington (IN) Police Department to discuss his department’s innovative approach to mental health response. Chief Diekoff shares how his team collaborates with mental health professionals to handle crisis calls more effectively, ensuring that individuals in need receive the right care while reducing the strain on law enforcement. We dive into the challenges and successes of integrating behavioral health resources into policing and the broader implications for community safety. But that’s not all—Chief Diekoff isn’t just a leader in public safety; he’s also a hot-air balloon pilot! We shift gears to talk about his passion for aviation, his experiences flying over Bloomington, and the unexpected parallels between navigating the skies and leading a police department. Join us for an insightful and entertaining conversation that blends the serious and the adventurous in a way only The Coptimizer Podcast can. And stay tuned—I’ll be sharing a video of my own ride in Chief Diekoff’s balloon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, host Patrick Flannelly welcomes retired police officer and author David Berez to discuss his transformative journey through over 20 years in law enforcement. David opens up about his challenging upbringing, the pressures of policing in a changing world, and the profound impact of trauma and resilience. Together, they explore stories from his career, his struggles after retirement, and the pivotal moment that led to his inspiring book, A Resilient Life: A Cop's Journey in Pursuit of Purpose. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about vulnerability, growth, and the tools to navigate life’s toughest moments—both on and off duty. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, I sit down with retired Sergeant Brian Willis, a seasoned law enforcement professional and trainer, to explore critical elements of health, wellness, and performance in policing. Drawing from decades of experience with the Calgary Police Service, Brian dives into why proactive health training early in an officer’s career is crucial to long-term well-being and resilience. We discuss the limitations of traditional paramilitary training and the need for a more dynamic, contextually relevant approach that integrates fitness, sleep, and mental skills training. Brian introduces the concept of challenge point theory, which emphasizes training officers at the edges of their skills to enhance their learning and performance. We also explore how new technologies like Neurosmart can provide real-time feedback on stress levels, allowing officers to refine their skills under pressure. This episode is packed with actionable insights and practical advice for law enforcement officers and trainers seeking to elevate their mental, physical, and emotional preparedness. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, we sit down with Inspector Lynae Chodat, a 26-year policing veteran from the Delta Police Department in British Columbia, Canada. With extensive experience in specialized units such as sex crimes, homicide, and internal affairs, Lynae shares how her passion for fitness and nutrition transformed into a professional calling, reshaping officer wellness. After a traumatic incident in 2018, Lynae discovered nutrition's critical role in her recovery. This pivotal moment inspired her to become a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Registered Natural Nutritional Clinical Practitioner. Today, she serves as the Delta Police Department’s in-house nutritionist, helping officers combat their demanding profession's physical and mental tolls. Lynae discusses her journey, her innovative wellness initiatives like educational lunch-and-learns and one-on-one coaching, and the broader challenges of promoting health in the high-stress world of law enforcement. She emphasizes the importance of comprehensive approaches, encompassing nutrition, sleep, mindfulness, and physical activity while addressing cultural resistance and budget constraints that often hinder wellness programs. In this inspiring conversation, Lynae explores the concept of “building for impact,” a philosophy that ensures officers are prepared to meet the job’s demands head-on. She also highlights the vital role of leadership in driving wellness initiatives and how officers can take personal responsibility for their health to achieve long-term resilience. Whether you work in public safety or are seeking insights on holistic health and leadership, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and inspiration. Tune in to learn how Lynae transforms officer wellness, one meal and mindset at a time. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this week's episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, retired California Fish and Wildlife Lieutenant John Nores joins Patrick Flannelly to discuss his groundbreaking work combating the environmental and public safety devastation caused by illegal grow operations, primarily run by Mexican drug cartels. Drawing on his experience leading California's Special Operations Marijuana Enforcement Team, Nores shares stories from his book, Hidden War, and insights on how legalization policies can inadvertently fuel black market activity. The conversation is especially timely as Indiana considers marijuana legalization. Nores highlights the unintended consequences seen in California under Proposition 64, including environmental destruction, cartel exploitation of legal loopholes, and the persistence of a thriving black market. Together, Patrick and John explore how Indiana can learn from these missteps to design a regulatory framework that prioritizes public safety, environmental protection, and robust enforcement. Don’t miss this deep dive into the hidden costs of legalization and the steps Indiana must take to avoid creating more problems than it solves. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Maintaining healthy habits can feel nearly impossible for first responders during the holidays. It's easy to let progress slip between demanding schedules, seasonal stress, and limited meal options. In this episode, I sit down with Megan Lautz, a dietitian specializing in wellness for first responders, to discuss how small, consistent choices—what Megan calls "Better Bad Decisions"—can keep you on track even in challenging circumstances. Megan shares practical strategies for navigating limited meal options, staying energized, and managing cravings during busy shifts and holiday gatherings. Her advice is realistic and actionable, designed to fit the unique demands of a first responder lifestyle. Whether you’re choosing the best fast-food option on the go or preparing for a holiday meal, this episode will inspire you to maintain momentum rather than start over in January. Resources from Megan Lautz: Free Recipe Book: com Healthy Meal Options: com Nutrition Articles: com Instagram and TikTok: @Rescue.RD LinkedIn: Megan Lautz Start making those "Better Bad Decisions" today—because progress is always better than perfection. Tune in now! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, host Patrick Flannelly sits down with Sheriff Robb Tadelman to explore the evolving landscape of law enforcement. Sheriff Tadelman shares his personal journey and insights on the pressing challenges facing police agencies today, particularly in recruiting and retaining quality officers. Together, they discuss the importance of adapting leadership styles to meet generational expectations, focusing on mentorship and coaching to create a culture that resonates with today’s officers. Sheriff Tadelman highlights his agency’s comprehensive wellness program, which includes personalized wellness coaching for officers, supporting their physical, mental, and emotional health. They also discuss balancing performance management with a caring, proactive approach emphasizing support over discipline, helping officers thrive. This conversation underscores the need for innovative, comprehensive solutions in law enforcement to remain competitive and effective in a rapidly changing environment. Key Topics: Sheriff Robb Tadelman's journey in law enforcement Recruitment and retention strategies for today’s workforce Generational shifts in law enforcement leadership and management Comprehensive wellness programs, including individual wellness coaching Balancing performance with a supportive, caring culture Tune in to hear how Sheriff Tadelman’s insights are shaping a new model for law enforcement leadership and officer wellness. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, I sit down with Glenn Norling, a retired FBI special agent, to discuss the crucial aspects of preparedness and response in law enforcement. With a rich background in the military, the FBI, and active shooter preparedness training, Glenn shares how his upbringing in a law enforcement family and involvement in Boy Scouts shaped his approach to safety and vigilance. His career path, spanning from the Air Force to a 20-year tenure with the FBI, underscores the value of a well-rounded preparedness mindset. During our conversation, Glenn emphasizes the importance of proactive training and leadership in law enforcement, highlighting that true preparedness goes beyond just investing in technology and equipment. It’s about developing skills, situational awareness, and decision-making capabilities that can save lives. Glenn also addresses the significance of community involvement, education, and reporting systems in preventing active shooter incidents and tackling concerning behaviors before they escalate. This episode is a valuable resource for law enforcement professionals, leaders, and community members seeking to enhance their readiness and safety protocols. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.