Episode 25- Former Chief of Detectives Melissa Staples

Send us Fan MailThis Episode is dedicated to Rick Coyle, John Bartholomew and Nelson Crespo.  Show us the way home, warriors. In This Episode #25:Melissa Staples rose through the ranks to become only the second female Chief of Detectives for the second-largest police department in the country. We sit down to discuss the immense responsibility of that position, the realities of leadership, and the unvarnished truth about policy and Chicago's streets. Nobody articulates the stance of a detective and a leader better than Melissa.Note: The interview portion of this episode was recorded on April 1, 2026. The cold open addresses the tragic loss of our brothers since that date.Support the Show & Access Unedited Interviews:Join the Patreon to support the preservation of Chicago's institutional memory and get full, unedited access to these legacy interviews.Patreon: patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammondWebsite: www.detectivestory.netDeputy Rick Coyle (Crittenden County Sheriff's Dept. / Retired CPD)In lieu of flowers, the Coyle family requests donations be made to:Supporting Heroes: www.SupportingHeroes.orgChicago Police Memorial Foundation: www.CPDmemorial.orgOfficer John Bartholomew (Chicago Police Department)In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the John Bartholomew Memorial Fund, handled by the credit union:John Bartholomew Memorial Fundc/o Police Federal Credit Union1407 West Washington Blvd.Chicago, IL 60607Please continue to keep Officer Nelson Crespo, his family, and his brothers and sisters in the department in your prayers as he fights for his recovery.Support the showThe Engine that Makes Detective Story Run:Featuring co-host Chris Kafcas.Patreon Link for Insider Conversations and Direct contact with us:https://patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammondBig thank you to our Patrons who keep us rolling:Jenn and Drew HammondColonel Samuel E. MantoCore Natural Gas Services, Midland/Odessa, TexasStrategic Partners:Gun Barrel CoffeeBlue Knight Security SolutionsCo-Host: Chris KafcasVideo and Audio Editing: Micah MabeyOriginal Musical Score: Jared MayOriginal Studio Artwork: Drew DeMariaSeason 3 Score: "Dead and Gone Blues" by Peter Crosby (Epidemic Sound)Original Show Artwork and Logos: Eric Rovegnohttps://www.thenorthcreative.com/Los Angeles, California(Do yourself a favor and check out his work on his website)Security and Investigative assistance provided by:Blue Knight Security Solutionsblueknightsecuritysolutions.com773-706-4920Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @detectivestorymikehammondEmail Detective Hammond at: [email protected]