Beyond the Badge

Officer Alexandria Hicks is a first-year officer and mother of two, raising her daughter Ester Grace, who is on the autism spectrum (level three, profound) with additional health challenges.She speaks candidly about balancing the job and home life, what changed after her daughter’s diagnosis, and the support systems that helped her family stay afloat when it mattered most. The conversation addresses common misunderstandings about autism, especially during high-stress encounters, and offers practical considerations for how officers and the public can respond more effectively. She closes with encouragement for other parents and caregivers who may be walking a similar path.

We’re closing out Women’s History Month with Assistant Chief Joyce Dent-Fitzpatrick, our highest-ranking female at #TeamCPD.With more than 30 years in law enforcement, she reflects on the people who shaped her, the road to leadership, and how the conversation around mental health has changed the way officers show up for the job and for each other. She also talks about resources available for those who may be experiencing a crisis.It’s an honest look #BeyondTheBadge from someone who’s seen the job from just about every angle. #cpdga

As part of our Women’s History Month series, we sat down with 911 Director Tracie Abell.Just over a year into the role, she talks about leading the center, the pressure dispatchers face, and how she works to keep morale steady. We also cover the RightSite program, now in place with Columbus Fire & EMS, which helps route lower-priority calls so ambulances and fire units stay available for true emergencies.With National Telecommunicators Week (April 12–18) coming up, this episode puts a spotlight on the people behind the headset. #cpdga

Sgt. Danielle Danforth doesn’t say much, but when she does, it matters. In this episode of Beyond the Badge, we talk with one of five women in our Violent Crimes Unit. She shares her Augusta roots (the real 706, as she calls it) and what keeps her grounded. We also discuss a case she inherited and ultimately solved, with her unit standing firmly behind her…proof that good police work is rarely a solo act.

After retiring from the Columbus Police Department’s budget office, Cindy Ware could have called it a career. Instead, she came back...this time to lead and manage #TeamCPD's Heritage Center.In this Women’s History Month episode of Beyond the Badge, Cindy shares how she’s preserving the department’s legacy, one artifact at a time. From historic photographs to an annual report dating back to the 1800s, this conversation offers a rare look at the people, moments, and records that shaped #TeamCPD.#cpdga #WomensHistoryMonth #HERstory

In this episode of Beyond the Badge, we sit down with Cpl. Amanda Cobbs, our Hit & Run Investigator with #TeamCPD’s Motor Squad.From her roots in Buena Vista, GA to her role today, she shares what it takes to work cases where drivers leave the scene, and what you should do if it happens to you. Beyond the job, she reflects on the women who shaped her path into law enforcement and the importance of having strong role models along the way.Off duty, she’s always up for finding a good sale, and we get a quick glimpse of what might be playing in her patrol car.It’s a candid look at the woman behind the badge, and the dedication it takes to serve. #cpdga #BeyondTheBadge

In recognition of Women's History Month, this episode of Beyond the Badge features Lt. Jane Edenfield, who leads #TeamCPD’s Property Crimes Unit.Lt. Edenfield discusses the types of cases her unit investigates, including scams and financial crimes that often involve bitcoin machines and gift cards. She also talks about the department’s Porch Pirate enforcement detail, her regular fraud prevention presentations and bi-weekly segments, and how property crimes can sometimes lead to larger, more serious offenses. The episode also includes a brief moment with one of the corporals from her unit. #cpdga

In this episode of Beyond the Badge, we talk with Sgt. Max Todd and Sgt. Richard McLaughlin about the technology powering the Columbus Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center. From drones to the camera registry program, they explain how these tools assist officers in real time and strengthen investigations. They’re the in-house IT minds helping build and maintain the systems that support modern policing at CPD. #cpdga #BeyondTheBadge #RTCC #BrainsAndBadges

Cpl. Darquis Brown with #TeamCPD's Property Crimes Unit talks about his path through the department—from Patrol to Special Operations and now Property Crimes—and the experiences that shaped him along the way.He also shares details from a recent case where a quick-thinking local citizen helped stop a scam that nearly cost an elderly man thousands of dollars. It’s a straightforward conversation about police work, lessons learned on the job, and protecting the community from everyday threats.

In this episode of Beyond the Badge, we sit down with Deputy Chief Lance Deaton ahead of his promotion to Assistant Chief. With nearly three decades of service, Deaton reflects on lessons learned, leadership challenges, and the people who helped shape his career. Hear his thoughts on the department’s future and what drives his commitment to public safety.#cpdga #BeyondTheBadge #TeamCPD #Leadership

In this episode of Beyond the Badge, we sit down with Officers Anden Howell and Ulises Hernandez — two of #TeamCPD’s newest officers who started their journey as cadets. Hear how their time in the cadet program prepared them for the academy, what surprised them most about becoming officers, and what motivates them as they begin their careers in law enforcement. This is what commitment to service looks like from the ground up.

What’s it like when three brothers work in one place? Meet the Waldies—Zachary (911 Supervisor), Logan (Motor Squad), and Bradley (Sergeant)—each serving in a different role, but all under one roof at CPD.In this episode of Beyond the Badge, the brothers open up about family dynamics at work, public safety from three unique angles, and what it’s like to balance duty and brotherhood. Expect laughs, stories, and maybe a little friendly roasting.And yes—one of the Waldies has bars. 🎶 Check out Zachary Waldie’s music on SoundCloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/hashtagraps🎧 Listen now: https://rss.com/podcasts/beyond-the-badge-pod1/#cpdga #BeyondTheBadge #TeamCPD #FamilyBusiness #WaldieBrothers #HashtagRaps

In this episode, we sit down with newly promoted Lieutenant Alicia Hoover to talk about her path through the Columbus Police Department, her leadership style, and what drives her work.With April being Child Abuse Prevention Month, Lt. Hoover also shares her experience investigating cases involving both adults and children, and the critical role CPD plays in protecting vulnerable victims. She highlights the department’s partnership with Children’s Treehouse and how the community can get involved to support their mission.From leadership to advocacy, Lt. Hoover offers a powerful look at what it means to serve and why compassion is just as important as command.

In this episode of Beyond the Badge, Sergeant Sherman Hayes from #TeamCPD’s Violent Crimes Unit joins us to talk about justice—both served and still in progress. He walks us through a recent case that ended in conviction, highlighting the behind-the-scenes work that led to the courtroom win. We also dig into CPD’s high solvability rate, why it matters, and what sets the department apart. Plus, Sgt. Hayes shares what keeps him up at night—cold cases that still don’t have answers.We also shine a light on his new television project, Beyond the Yellow Tape, airing soon on WXTX Fox 54, which aims to give the public an inside look at how detectives work some of the city’s toughest cases. It’s a candid conversation about justice, persistence, and the people behind the investigations.

In this episode of Beyond the Badge, we sit down with Assistant Chief Debra Kennedy and Assistant Chief Joyce Dent-Fitzpatrick, two trailblazers within the Columbus Police Department. They reflect on their journeys through the ranks, from Patrol to the Command Staff, sharing candid stories about the challenges they've faced as women in law enforcement, the mentors who pushed them forward, and the moments that defined their leadership.We discuss: Their journeys to leadership within CPD The challenges they faced and overcame along the way The importance of mentorship and representation Advice for women pursuing careers in law enforcementThis episode offers an honest and inspiring look at what it means to lead with courage, perseverance, and purpose.🎧 Listen to Beyond the Badge wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe and follow for future episodes!

In this episode of Beyond the Badge, we sit down with Captain William Turner, a true legend at the Columbus Police Department. With 50+ years of service, Captain Turner shares his journey—from starting as a cadet in 1971 to becoming a seasoned leader who has witnessed the department’s evolution firsthand.#BeyondTheBadge #TeamCPD #Podcast #CaptainTurner #50YearsOfService #CPD

Welcome to the debut episode of Beyond the Badge, the official podcast of the Columbus, GA Police Department! In this episode, host Brittany Santiago sits down with Chief Stoney Mathis for an in-depth conversation about:His background in law enforcement and career journeyHis vision for the Columbus Police DepartmentGoals for strengthening public safety and community relationshipsThe future of CPD and upcoming initiativesChief Mathis shares his insights on leadership, law enforcement challenges, and what citizens can expect from #TeamCPD in the future.Stay connected for more episodes featuring officers, department personnel, and community leaders as we take you behind the scenes of CPD.