The National Police Association Podcast with Guest, Jess Flores, Former LEO, Creator, Founder of Next Shift, LLC

Episode Overview: In this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith welcomes Jess Flores, a former police officer who transformed her career-ending injury into a mission to help others transition out of law enforcement. Jess shares her personal journey, the challenges of leaving the profession, and how she found new purpose through fitness, community, and personal growth. She also discusses her work with Next Shift, a platform dedicated to supporting law enforcement officers in their post-career transition.Key Topics Discussed:Jess’s Journey into Law EnforcementInspired by her grandfather, a police officer and Marine Corps veteranHow childhood memories shaped her desire to serveTV’s influence on her dream of becoming a detectiveChallenges and Injury That Ended Her Career Suffering a debilitating hand injury, making it impossible to return to dutyStruggling with identity loss and depression post-law enforcementThe lack of conversation around officers leaving the professionRebuilding Life After Law Enforcement The role fitness played in her mental and physical transformationFinding a new purpose and a sense of community outside of law enforcementThe creation of Next Shift to support other officers in transition