Featured podcasts - Police Chiefs

The new Camden County (N.J.) Police Department's Metro Division took over law enforcement duties in one of America's most dangerous cities on May 1. At the same time, the Camden PD was disbanded. Chief Scott Thomson spoke with POLICE about the county agency's approach to crime-fighting, the labor stalemate that led to the city agency's downfall, the make-up of the county force, and even the new uniforms.

California's law enforcement community, as represented by the California Police Chief's Association, has lined up to oppose a ballot measure that, if passed, would legalize marijuana possession up to an ounce and allow cities and counties to permit growers, sellers and taxation of the drug. In this exclusive interview with POLICE, Covina PD's Chief Kim Raney explains why Proposition 19 would increase traffic fatalities, make it a crime to pay taxes on its sale and create a legitimized distribution network for Mexican drug cartels.

Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland, who became chief in April, speaks to POLICE Magazine about taking over an agency that protects and serves the nation's fourth largest city. McClelland talks about absorbing cuts in overtime pay and answers whether Texas needs an immigration law similar to Arizona's. McClelland also addresses whether the Houston PD needs more bilingual officers.

After taking over the nation's third largest police force, new LAPD Chief Charlie Beck spoke to POLICE Magazine about following Chief Bill Bratton, being known as a "cop's cop," and maintaining a falling crime rate amid pending budget cuts. He speaks specifically about how he'll improve the work lives of patrol officers and whether he'll allow officers to shoot at moving vehicles or approve a heavier flashlight or 1911 pistol for duty.

Anthony Batts, who was picked to lead the Oakland (Calif.) PD, spoke with POLICE Magazine about his plan to upgrade technology, improve patrol morale, and bring additional resources to a department facing budget cuts and the grief from the loss of four officers killed pursuing a desperate parolee. Batts arrives from Long Beach, Calif., a city with similar demographics, where crime fell in six of his seven years as chief.