On Being a Police Officer

Retired LAPD Det. Moses Castillo discusses civil unrest in Los Angeles and the calls from city officials to defund LAPD the impact of which, as in other markets, affects not only their ability to respond to calls, but also demoralizes officers. A 30-year veteran of the department, he started out during the Rodney King riots, and he compares the social unrest then and now. He also discusses some of the most meaningful cases he investigated involving the assault and murder of children, work he did for more than 20 years. The stories are dramatic and emotional, and they reinforce the commitment and sacrifice officers like Det. Castillo make every day to protect others. He shares his experience growing up in a dangerous neighborhood next to a gang house, and the very heartwarming story of the deputy he looked up to as a kid, the deputy who inspired a young boy to become a police officer. He has his own podcast:  The Blue Line Podcast with Detective Moses Castillo available on all podcast platforms.

A Seattle citizen sends a very personal message of thanks to the Seattle Police officers who saved his life after a drive-by shooting two years ago this month. He tells his story not only to share his gratitude for all law enforcement, but also to help others see the good that officers do, the stories that don’t make news. As you will hear, he also is raising funds for two groups: YMCA’s Alive and Free Violence Prevention program to reduce gang violence, and The Seattle Police Foundation, a non-profit that helps fund needed training, equipment and community outreach for the Seattle Police Department. He also shares his tips on how fellow citizens can take a moment to show their thanks to law enforcement. If you’re an officer or related to someone is, you will be uplifted by Zach’s story and his message.

Ep. 3 Former Seattle Police Officer looks back at 40-year career; his experience as a Black man in life and in law enforcement; the issues facing society and LE today; why he became a police officer, the people he remembers and the rewards of the job.  

Chief from a Pacific NW agency shares his views on steps law enforcement can take to win back public trust. We discuss bias and de-escalation training and how the best-trained officers are the least likely to use force; and we look at the viability of the co-responder model. He talks about how the Rodney King incident nearly caused him to leave the profession and his reaction to George Floyd. He details a solution-oriented program he created to bring officers and youth together in a positive environment. And he reflects on the heroic things officers do every day and the fundamental commitment to sanctity of human life.

Ep. 1 Seattle TV reporter Linda Byron shares the significance of the Seattle Police Department’s loss of its first Black female police Chief when Carmen Best suddenly resigns. (6:15 min). An SPD sergeant reacts to Best's news, to the murder of George Floyd, and he describes what it’s like on the front lines of the riots that have plagued the city for weeks. He reflects on hope for law enforcement, the lives he’s touched while being a police officer, and why it's still a rewarding career. (23:30 min.)

We all have feelings about cops.  Here's a short trailer on why I'm asking questions and telling their stories, the stories that you don't see in the news..