Cops and civil rights attorneys working towards the same goal....Justice for the victims. episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 13, 2025 · 1H 14M

Cops and civil rights attorneys working towards the same goal....Justice for the victims.

from Steel City Round Table Podcast · host Mark Kneebone

In this conversation, Todd Hollis and I discuss the complexities of law enforcement, civil rights, and the challenges faced by police officers. Todd shares his journey from being a public defender to a civil rights attorney, emphasizing the importance of accountability and proper training in policing. We explore the need for de-escalation techniques, the implications of qualified immunity, and the human element in law enforcement interactions. The discussion highlights the necessity for reform in policing practices to ensure justice and protect the rights of individuals. In this conversation, Todd Hollis and I delve into the complexities of law enforcement, discussing the challenges officers face, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of personal trauma on professional responsibilities. We explore the culture within police departments, the significance of accountability, and the need for self-awareness in both law enforcement and personal growth. The dialogue also touches on the role of social media in shaping public perception and the importance of building trust within communities.  These conversations need to happen in order for our justice system to move improve and move forward.  Everyone deserves to be held accountable no matter who it is.  Todd and I both believe that the majority of LEO are doing an amazing job in the times we live in.  Unfortunately the ones that are bad at best are dragging the profession down to its knees.  Thank you Todd for your openness in willing to have this chat.TakeawaysTodd Hollis believes in making the world a better place.Police officers face significant challenges in their roles.Transitioning from public defense to civil rights was a pivotal moment for Todd.Disenchantment with the legal system led Todd to explore new paths.De-escalation is crucial in law enforcement interactions.Qualified immunity protects officers but can hinder accountability.Personal responsibility in policing is essential for reform.Consequences for police misconduct often fall short of justice.The culture of policing can perpetuate violence and misuse of force.Listening and understanding can prevent escalation in tense situations. Evaluate the situation and read the room effectively.Training and experience are crucial in law enforcement.Find a mentor you trust within the police force.The blue line culture can hinder accountability.Officers must take their responsibilities seriously.Trust is essential in police-community relations.Transitioning from criminal law to civil rights advocacy can be impactful.Mental health is a significant issue for law enforcement professionals.Self-awareness is key to personal and professional growth.Social media has a profound impact on societal issues.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background of Todd Hollis03:02 Transition from Public Defender to Civil Rights Attorney06:04 The Role of Police and Accountability09:06 Challenges in Law Enforcement Training11:58 The Importance of De-escalation in Policing14:50 Qualified Immunity and Police Accountability18:08 The Need for Personal Responsibility in Law Enforcement20:52 Consequences for Police Misconduct23:57 The Culture of Policing and Use of Force27:02 The Human Element in Law Enforcement29:50 Final Thoughts on Reforming Policing40:10 Navigating Aggression in Law Enforcement41:43 Advice for Aspiring Police Officers42:39 The Importance of Mentorship in Policing44:37 The Blue Line Culture and Accountability46:54 The Weight of Responsibility in Law Enforcement49:39 The Role of Trust in Police and Community Relations50:52 The Shift from Criminal Law to Civil Rights Advocacy01:00:11 Personal Trauma and Professional Responsibility01:02:34 Mental Health and Law Enforcement01:05:39 Self-Awareness and Personal Growth01:10:03 The Impact of Social Media on Society01:14:36 Building Relationships and Community Engageme

In this conversation, Todd Hollis and I discuss the complexities of law enforcement, civil rights, and the challenges faced by police officers. Todd shares his journey from being a public defender to a civil rights attorney, emphasizing the importance of accountability and proper training in policing. We explore the need for de-escalation techniques, the implications of qualified immunity, and the human element in law enforcement interactions. The discussion highlights the necessity for reform in policing practices to ensure justice and protect the rights of individuals. In this conversation, Todd Hollis and I delve into the complexities of law enforcement, discussing the challenges officers face, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of personal trauma on professional responsibilities. We explore the culture within police departments, the significance of accountability, and the need for self-awareness in both law enforcement and personal growth. The dialogue also touches on the role of social media in shaping public perception and the importance of building trust within communities.  These conversations need to happen in order for our justice system to move improve and move forward.  Everyone deserves to be held accountable no matter who it is.  Todd and I both believe that the majority of LEO are doing an amazing job in the times we live in.  Unfortunately the ones that are bad at best are dragging the profession down to its knees.  Thank you Todd for your openness in willing to have this chat.TakeawaysTodd Hollis believes in making the world a better place.Police officers face significant challenges in their roles.Transitioning from public defense to civil rights was a pivotal moment for Todd.Disenchantment with the legal system led Todd to explore new paths.De-escalation is crucial in law enforcement interactions.Qualified immunity protects officers but can hinder accountability.Personal responsibility in policing is essential for reform.Consequences for police misconduct often fall short of justice.The culture of policing can perpetuate violence and misuse of force.Listening and understanding can prevent escalation in tense situations. Evaluate the situation and read the room effectively.Training and experience are crucial in law enforcement.Find a mentor you trust within the police force.The blue line culture can hinder accountability.Officers must take their responsibilities seriously.Trust is essential in police-community relations.Transitioning from criminal law to civil rights advocacy can be impactful.Mental health is a significant issue for law enforcement professionals.Self-awareness is key to personal and professional growth.Social media has a profound impact on societal issues.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background of Todd Hollis03:02 Transition from Public Defender to Civil Rights Attorney06:04 The Role of Police and Accountability09:06 Challenges in Law Enforcement Training11:58 The Importance of De-escalation in Policing14:50 Qualified Immunity and Police Accountability18:08 The Need for Personal Responsibility in Law Enforcement20:52 Consequences for Police Misconduct23:57 The Culture of Policing and Use of Force27:02 The Human Element in Law Enforcement29:50 Final Thoughts on Reforming Policing40:10 Navigating Aggression in Law Enforcement41:43 Advice for Aspiring Police Officers42:39 The Importance of Mentorship in Policing44:37 The Blue Line Culture and Accountability46:54 The Weight of Responsibility in Law Enforcement49:39 The Role of Trust in Police and Community Relations50:52 The Shift from Criminal Law to Civil Rights Advocacy01:00:11 Personal Trauma and Professional Responsibility01:02:34 Mental Health and Law Enforcement01:05:39 Self-Awareness and Personal Growth01:10:03 The Impact of Social Media on Society01:14:36 Building Relationships and Community Engageme

NOW PLAYING

Cops and civil rights attorneys working towards the same goal....Justice for the victims.

0:00 1:14:18

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Big Old Life: Heather Blackbird interviews people on planet earth. Heather Blackbird loves asking questions. This podcast is a learning experience. Join me, Heather Blackbird, as I talk to people about their lives. Frequency of new episodes is a little all over the place and I'm learning as I go. Big Old Life is a small way of talking about the vastness of life, one person at a time. If you are reading this or found this podcast it's probably because someone you know gave you a link to it. :) Explicit The Sacred +Profane Podcast nephtaragrace The Sacred + Profane Podcast is a provocative conversation dedicated to cementing a better future for all. We specialize in unpacking the nuances of what is considered sacred and profane, particularly focusing on sex, death, and all that pertains to the circle of life. Our aim in focusing on such ”taboo” subject matter is to demystify what is unconscious, bring to light what has been known for centuries as ”the occult,” and empower the rapid transformation that is occurring on the Planet. Explicit Undeniable w/ Braxton Curtis Braxton Curtis The official Podcast of Braxton Curtis.A Father, Husband, and Business Owner just trying to figure it all out. Explicit Bitcoin Gateway Lea meakin Welcome to Bitcoin Gateway, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of Bitcoin, hosted by Lea Meakin. This show is for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by the complex world of cryptocurrencies and wants a simple, straightforward explanation. Each episode, we’ll break down the basics of Bitcoin, explore its history, and discuss its potential impact on the future of finance. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking to expand your knowledge, Bitcoin Gateway is here to help you understand Bitcoin, one episode at a time. Explicit

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Steel City Round Table Podcast?

This episode is 1 hour and 14 minutes long.

When was this Steel City Round Table Podcast episode published?

This episode was published on October 13, 2025.

What is this episode about?

In this conversation, Todd Hollis and I discuss the complexities of law enforcement, civil rights, and the challenges faced by police officers. Todd shares his journey from being a public defender to a civil rights attorney, emphasizing the...

Can I download this Steel City Round Table Podcast episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!