National Police Association Podcast w/David Gonzales, U.S. Marshal for the District of Arizona (Ret.)

Sgt. Betsy Smith sits down with longtime friend and law enforcement legend David Gonzales, whose 48-year career spans small-town patrol, Arizona DPS narcotics work, and over two decades as the presidentially appointed U.S. Marshal for the District of Arizona. Gonzales shares how a 19‑year‑old kid from Flagstaff ended up patrolling one of the largest counties in America, chasing major drug traffickers, hunting fugitives around the world, and managing thousands of federal prisoners during the height of the immigration crisis.He also gives an insider’s view of private prisons vs. county jails, the reality of human trafficking investigations, the chaos of the 2020 Portland courthouse attacks, and today’s intense hostility toward federal law enforcement — especially ICE and the Marshals Service — in a deeply divided political climate.In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:Life with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS)Transition into narcotics during the surge of heroin and marijuana coming from MexicoBecoming U.S. Marshal for ArizonaHow relationships with sheriffs, chiefs, and community partners positioned him for appointmentBeing nominated by Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl and appointed by President George W. BushUnusually being kept on by Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden, serving 22 years as a presidential appointeeWhy the Marshals are often considered the “cops’ cops” of federal law enforcementHigh rate of critical incidents and shootings compared to other federal agenciesPortland attacks on federal facilitiesBeing on the ground during nightly Antifa/BLM attacks on the Portland federal courthouseFirebombs, lasers aimed at eyes, and constant riotsArresting agitators only to see them immediately released and back on the streetThe frustration of local police wanting to help but being ordered not to assist the feds📧 Email: [email protected]