First Response with PepperBall CEO Bob Plaschke

A lot of agencies are being asked to lower use of force complaints while handling more mental health calls, addiction-related incidents, and day-to-day disorder with fewer people on shift. That squeeze creates a simple operational question: how do we keep officers safe and still resolve resistance without defaulting to higher-force tools? Lieutenant Frank Borelli sits down with PepperBall CEO Bob Plaschke to dig into what command staff are asking for right now and why “non-lethal at distance” is becoming central to modern de-escalation.We get specific about the street realities: why creating 35 to 50 feet of space can change decision-making, reduce panic, and keep officers out of the close-range danger zone. Bob explains how less-lethal launchers are being used to drive behavior change, what the effects feel like, and why shorter decontamination time matters for both subjects and officers. We also talk about the situations everyone dreads, like noncompliant vehicle occupants and barricaded subjects, and how distance-based tools can reduce the need for risky hands-on extraction or blind entries.Along the way, we connect tactics to the bigger picture of community policing and officer wellness. Fewer injuries, clearer body-camera narratives, and less lifelong “baggage” after violent encounters aren’t abstract benefits, they shape careers and trust. If you care about police officer safety, law enforcement de-escalation, and practical less-lethal options that work in the real world, this conversation is for you. https://www.pepperball.com

Video has become the new witness, and that changes everything for public safety. PepperBall CEO Bob Plaschke sits down with retired Colonel Frank Milstead, former Mesa Police Chief and former head of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, to get brutally practical about body-worn cameras: why they took off, why “recording” is only step one, and why agencies that do not review footage are setting themselves up for failure in court and in public trust.This episode also digs into what cameras can’t do. A body cam is a single viewpoint that can be blocked by hands, steering wheels, or the officer’s own movement, and it will never recreate the full perception of a high-stress moment. Frank connects that reality to today’s fast-moving headlines, especially around ICE operations, where multiple videos can trigger instant judgment while the real facts still require time, review, and investigation. Plaschke and Milstead talk about how quotas and poor arrest planning can raise risk, and why accountability has to be aimed at leadership decisions as much as front-line actions.From there, the discussion steps back to modern policing’s hardest workload: mental illness, addiction, and homelessness calls that officers are not truly equipped to solve with a vest, cuffs, and a sidearm. Milstead also calls out public safety technology that gets overhyped through data overload, and he makes a strong case for drones as first responder as the next big tool, plus the coming need for counter-drone defense. If you care about police transparency, body cameras, ICE oversight, and the future of public safety tech, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show.https://www.pepperball.com

The loudest part of policing is what you see on the street. The harder story is what happens before and after the call, when the phone rings at 2 a.m. and someone’s life is suddenly on the line. We talk with Ed Wessing, retired Assistant Chief from Mesa, Arizona and a former Marine, about what it really feels like to step away after 30 years behind the badge and why retirement can be the first time your mind truly gets to exhale.We get into how modern policing has changed: the jump from minimal tech to body-worn cameras and real-time scrutiny, and the shift from arrest-only metrics toward community policing that rewards relationships and trust. Ed explains the broken windows theory in plain language, why parts of it fell out of favor, and what replaced it: problem-solving that includes residents, city services, and long-term fixes that make neighborhoods safer. We also talk about homelessness, community courts, and why you cannot arrest your way out of every societal problem.A big thread is police wellness and first responder mental health. Ed shares how leaders and officers cope with cumulative trauma, why younger officers push for better work-life balance, and how training has evolved into immersive scenario-based simulators with coaching and debriefs. We close with the misconceptions he wishes more people understood: most officers do not want force, they want compliance and everyone going home safe, and they carry the weight of what they see for years.If you care about public safety, police training, community trust, and the future of law enforcement, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find the conversation. What’s one policing misconception you’ve heard that needs correcting?https://www.pepperball.com

The sirens get the headlines, but the choices that shape a city’s safety often start far from the street. We sit down with Appleton Police Chief Olson to trace her unexpected path from biology student and morgue assistant to the department’s first female chief, exploring how a ride‑along turned into a calling and why the future of policing hinges on empathy, de‑escalation, and smarter support for families.Across a candid, story-rich conversation, we unpack the realities behind the badge: what drew a young mom into patrol work, how her husband navigated fear without a ready-made spouse network, and why fewer applicants and rising overtime create a burnout loop for departments nationwide. Olson offers a clear-eyed view of recruitment trends, from hundreds of candidates per opening to just a few dozen today, and explains how Appleton pushes back by building trust locally, showing up in schools, investing in transparency, and staying engaged long before a crisis.We also get practical about representation and retention. Olson breaks down the obstacles that keep women from staying and leading - pregnancy, postpartum recovery, shift work, and rigid schedules - then connects them to solutions: transitional duties, parental leave that works, and mentorship that opens doors. Along the way, we discuss less-lethal options, tasers, and de‑escalation tactics that reduce hands-on force and center communication skills many officers hone over time. And yes, there are human moments too—like dropping off teens in a marked squad car and making a traffic stop as they slide out of sight in the backseat.If you care about community policing, officer wellness, and smarter public safety, this conversation offers grounded insights and real steps forward. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review with the one change you believe would best improve trust where you live.https://www.pepperball.com

The sirens fade and the real work begins. That’s where Kristen Neubauer, former captain and investigator with the Niagara County Sheriff's Office, takes us. Into the spaces where competence erodes bias, where leaders guard their team’s energy like a scarce resource, and where evidence, not instinct, carries the truth across the finish line. From being the only woman in her academy to leading complex investigations, she shares how pressure can unify teams and how empathy, used wisely, keeps you human without letting the job hollow you out.We explore the difference between patrol’s volatility and an investigator’s long exposure to trauma, and why that distinction matters for mental health. Kristen breaks down what follow‑through with families looks like, how to be present without making promises the facts can’t support, and why small, timely check‑ins can change how people carry their grief. Her candor about leaving before burnout hits is a roadmap for anyone in a demanding role: know your energy, plan your exit at a high point, and carry your skills forward with intention.The conversation turns into a masterclass on communication and decision‑making.  If you care about public safety, resilience, and the craft of finding truth in noisy systems, this story will stick with you long after the credits. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs these insights, and leave a review to tell us what challenged your thinking.https://www.pepperball.com

A flood isn’t just water. It’s noise, darkness, panic, a moving car you can’t predict, and a victim who might fight the person trying to help. That’s why we brought on Barton Bollfrass, a Navy EOD diver turned technologist, who builds training environments and tools that mirror the chaos without the body count. Barton walks us through Fathom Tanks, the physical simulator that puts first responders into rushing water around real vehicles, with reluctant “victims,” lightning, sirens, and the stress that makes or breaks decisions. When teams can fail safely and reset in seconds, they learn what matters: how to move, how to communicate, and how to bring everyone home.We also dive into the gear side of the job. Barton’s RoboRounds lab takes on hard problems with simple ideas: break complex automotive glass at standoff using ultra-hard ceramics so officers create an opening without closing distance; use compact “tangler” rounds to snag drone rotors over yards of airspace, avoiding explosives and collateral damage; and blind hostile sensors with LIDAR-disrupting payloads that smear and scramble optics without destroying property. These tools pair with non-lethal platforms like PepperBall to expand options between talking and force, giving responders space and time when scenes turn volatile.The throughline is practical innovation for public safety. Most flood drownings involve vehicles, yet few responders get live, realistic reps on submerged cars. Drones smuggle contraband and scout borders, but low-risk defenses are scarce. Cameras and robots multiply watchful eyes, yet reversible ways to neutralize them are rare. Barton’s approach closes those gaps with stress-realistic training and precise, purpose-built technology. Listen to hear how these systems work, the data behind their design, and the stories from teams who say their rescues felt exactly like the tank.If this resonated, share it with someone who cares about first responders, subscribe for more behind-the-badge stories, and leave a review to help others find the show. Got a scenario we should tackle next? Tell us—we’re listening.https://www.pepperball.com

In this debut episode, PepperBall CEO Bob Plaschke speaks with former Air Force captain and Walnut Creek Police Sergeant (ret.) Michael Sugrue, author of Relentless Courage, a book that chronicles his personal battle with mental health challenges that peaked after he had to use lethal force.  Sugrue talks about the invisible toll of daily trauma on first responders and explains why “post-traumatic stress injury” (PTSI) is a more accurate and constructive term than “disorder,” outlining how repeated exposure to crisis produces real, physical changes in the brain. He contrasts short, defined combat deployments with the relentless, years-long hyper-vigilance of civilian policing, then lays out practical leadership steps: honesty, openness, and vulnerability from command staff to normalize seeking help. The discussion closes with a direct appeal to public-safety leaders and community partners to support evidence-based wellness programs, peer resources, and tools that create time and distance for safer outcomes.https://www.pepperball.com

The front line is loud, but the mindset behind it is louder. Chief Scott Hughes joins us to unpack the lived reality of hypervigilance, why officers won’t sit with their backs to the door, and what constant scanning does to stress, health, and family life. From there, we dig into an uncomfortable truth: we expect “major league” perfection from police while funding “T-ball” training. Hughes argues for a new model built on daily fundamentals, stress-inoculated scenarios, and real coaching that turns good judgment into second nature.We also tackle the swelling scope of police work. Understaffing and attrition have left fewer veterans to mentor new officers, even as the call mix expands to mental health crises and social conflicts that law enforcement shouldn’t always own. Hughes lays out practical alternatives: triage that reserves cops for genuine public safety threats, partnerships with clinicians, and clear guidelines that reduce needless escalations and liability. When seconds count and less-lethal tools don’t always work, policy must meet reality.Use of force sits at the center of public debate, and we confront the myths head-on. Objectively reasonable force often begins when instructions are ignored, and what the public sees in a five-second clip rarely shows the chaos officers face. We offer simple, actionable tips for safer traffic stops—hands visible, dome light on, wait for direction—and a candid look at why force never looks “good” on a sidewalk. If communities want fewer errors and better outcomes, the fix is straightforward and hard: fund meaningful practice, align responsibilities with expertise, and keep talking about the why behind tactics.If this conversation helped clarify the how and why of modern policing, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review telling us which change you’d fund first.https://www.pepperball.com

What does policing look like beyond the dramatized TV portrayals and sensationalized headlines? In this illuminating conversation with retired Chief Doug Shoemaker, we uncover the profound realities of modern law enforcement leadership and the extraordinary psychological burden carried by those who wear the badge.Chief Shoemaker brings 33 years of frontline experience to this discussion, including his roles as Chief of Police for both Denton, Texas and Grand Junction, Colorado. Now working alongside renowned leadership expert Simon Sinek at "The Curve," he's helping shape the future of police leadership in America.The statistics are staggering - while average citizens experience only 2-4 major traumatic incidents in their lifetime, police officers witness hundreds throughout their careers. Yet they're expected to maintain their humanity and professionalism through it all. We explore how police culture has evolved from the old "suck it up" mentality to embracing wellness as a crucial component of effective policing.Perhaps most surprising is Chief Shoemaker's revelation that nearly half of all police calls have nothing to do with law enforcement at all. Officers routinely serve as social workers, mental health first responders, and community mediators - roles rarely depicted in entertainment media that focuses exclusively on arrests and action.The fragmented nature of American policing - with 18,000 different agencies nationwide - creates unique challenges for consistency in training, standards, and leadership. We discuss what it might look like to build a more cohesive system while maintaining the community-specific approaches that make American policing unique.This conversation provides rare insight into the heart of law enforcement, revealing both the extraordinary challenges officers face and the evolving approaches to leadership that support them in serving their communities with humanity and effectiveness. Whether you work in public safety or simply want to understand what happens behind the badge, this episode will transform how you view the complex world of modern policing.https://www.pepperball.com

What does it mean to carry five generations of law enforcement legacy? Ken Wallentine, the Chief of the West Jordan (Utah) Police Department, takes us on a remarkable journey through 150 years of family policing history—from his great-great-great-grandfather who served as a Deputy US Marshal during the Civil War to his daughter who texted "Dad, I'm okay" after a tense armed standoff just yesterday.Behind the badge lies a profound philosophy that guides Chief Wallentine's department: "You matter, like I matter." This simple yet powerful approach recognizes the humanity in both officers and community members. As policing has evolved from six-shot revolvers and minimal training to AI-powered body cameras and comprehensive mental health support, the fundamental mission of connecting with people remains unchanged.Chief Wallentine offers candid insights into how modern officers navigate expanded responsibilities as frontline mental health responders while carrying public expectations that often seem superhuman. He reflects on his own emotional journey through critical incidents without support, contrasting it with today's robust resources for officer wellbeing. The conversation explores how technology has transformed policing—from body cameras that translate dozens of languages in real-time to training that teaches officers to "speak to the camera" when creating permanent records of their interactions.The most compelling revelations come when discussing de-escalation—not as a tactic but as a goal dependent on creating conditions that help subjects modify their own behavior. This perspective challenges conventional thinking about use of force, suggesting that tools like PepperBall can actually facilitate de-escalation by providing alternatives to deadly force.Subscribe to hear more authentic conversations with the real heroes behind the badge—the voices that are "a lot louder and, frankly, a lot more interesting" than the headlines might suggest. https://www.pepperball.com

When retired Lieutenant Davin Cole reveals that police officers experience three to five traumatic events every month—the equivalent of what most civilians face in an entire lifetime—you begin to understand the monumental mental health challenges behind the badge.Through raw honesty, Lt. Cole shares his 31-year journey in law enforcement that culminated in addiction, depression, and a desperate act that ended his career. Despite two officer-involved shootings and countless traumatic scenes, it was an injury during canine training that set him on a path of prescription opioid dependency and undiagnosed complex PTSD. His story represents a startling reality: approximately 40% of officers develop substance abuse disorders, while suicide rates soar at four times the national average.What makes this conversation particularly illuminating is Lt. Cole's insight into why people choose careers in public safety. Many first responders, he observes, come from backgrounds of childhood trauma, unconsciously driven to become protectors after feeling unprotected themselves. This creates a dangerous cycle where those already carrying personal trauma are continuously exposed to new traumatic events without adequate processing time or support.The podcast explores emerging best practices for departments, including confidential mental health access, regular debriefing sessions for seemingly routine traumatic exposures, and early intervention. Lt. Cole emphasizes that the old "suck it up" culture is slowly giving way to recognition that mental wellness requires the same attention as physical fitness and tactical training.Whether you work in public safety or simply interact with first responders, this conversation will transform your understanding of what it means to wear the badge. Next time you encounter a police officer, remember they may have just witnessed something most of us will experience only a handful of times in our entire lives. Follow Lt. Cole's work at DavinCole.com or connect with him on LinkedIn for more resources on first responder mental health.https://www.pepperball.com

What makes someone dedicate their life to policing? For Deputy Chief Jim Martin of the Pueblo Police Department, it's about community connection, innovation, and heart. Born and raised in Pueblo with family roots stretching back a century, Martin returned after military service to protect the community he loves – not just as an officer, but as a youth football coach impacting hundreds of kids' lives.Technology is revolutionizing how Martin's department serves their Colorado community. Their Real-Time Crime Center deploys drones to emergency scenes within 60-90 seconds, providing officers with what Martin calls "an angel in the sky." The results are tangible: 21 shooting victims received life-saving care who would have otherwise gone undiscovered, as no citizen calls were received for these incidents. Despite these advanced capabilities, Martin emphasizes strict policies protecting privacy rights while enhancing public safety.The conversation tackles recruitment challenges facing departments nationwide, particularly in states with recent police accountability legislation. Yet Martin remains focused on building trust, dismissing the misconception that officers choose the profession "because we're bullies." Instead, he offers a simple truth: "We do this job because we care and have a deep love and passion for our communities." Perhaps the greatest testament to this philosophy? Two officers now serving alongside Martin once played on his youth football teams as fifth graders.Subscribe to hear more real stories from the frontlines of public safety, where technology meets humanity, and discover the individuals behind the badge working to make their communities safer places to live.https://www.pepperball.com

The mental health challenges facing police officers in America's suburban departments deserve just as much attention as those in major metropolitan forces. Deputy Director of Public Safety, Brad Petersen of Minnesota's Cottage Grove Police Department pulls back the curtain on what he describes as an "average" American police agency - not too urban, not too rural, with officers handling just 5-10 calls per shift.In these relatively safe communities, officers face a unique psychological challenge: maintaining vigilance without succumbing to complacency. "Because our community is so safe, it's easy to get lulled into a false sense of security where we drop our guard and fail to recognize potential dangers," Peterson explains. This balancing act creates its own form of stress that compounds the universal challenges officers face.The statistics are sobering. While the average American experiences 4-7 traumatic incidents in their lifetime, police officers encounter 200-400 over a 20-year career. This cumulative trauma contributes to suicide rates among retired officers that are twice the national average. Cottage Grove has responded with a comprehensive wellness program including mental health training, counseling, peer support, canine therapy, and chaplain services.Today's officers also navigate increasingly complex use-of-force situations and societal issues beyond traditional law enforcement. When asked what he wishes the public understood about policing, Peterson's answer was simple but profound: "Officers are humans and we're not perfect. We're trying to do the best we can... a little grace and forgiveness would be awesome."Recorded during National Police Week, this conversation offers vital perspective on the humans behind the badges in America's most typical police departments. Subscribe to First Response for more stories that take you behind the scenes of modern policing and the real challenges facing those who serve.https://www.pepperball.com

Join Bob Plaschke, CEO of PepperBall, in First Response, a podcast dedicated to diving deep into the lives and challenges of emergency responders. In Episode 13, Bob speaks with David Berez—retired patrol officer, nationally recognized Drug Recognition Expert, and founder of Six4 Consultants. With more than two decades on the street in East Windsor, New Jersey, David earned multiple service medals while serving as officer-in-charge, school resource officer, crash investigator, and tactical casualty-care instructor. Since retiring in 2020, he has turned his field experience into action, training agencies nationwide as a master resiliency trainer, advising corporations on physical-security strategy, and serving on the Law Enforcement Advisory Council for Citizens Behind the Badge, where he champions officer wellness and public support for policing. Armed with a master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology, David brings a rare blend of street-level credibility and evidence-based insight to law-enforcement mental health, leadership development, and impairment detection—making him an ideal voice for today’s conversation about practical, resilient policing. ​https://www.pepperball.com

Mike Milstein is an experienced law enforcement professional with a robust background in leadership and public safety. Currently, he plays a pivotal role in addressing critical issues within the law enforcement community, such as drug overdose responses, behavioral health crises, and hate crime prevention. Mike is known for his strategic approach to integrating public health and safety measures, fostering multi-sector collaborations, and enhancing community engagement through innovative policing models.Mike's dedication to improving law enforcement practices is evident through his involvement in various initiatives, including the Public Health and Public Safety Team (PHAST) and efforts to employ social workers within police departments to reduce call volume and address social issues more effectively. His expertise extends to creating strategies for recruitment and retention, managing high-risk situations, and leveraging technology for better police-community interactions.https://www.pepperball.com

Join Bob Plaschke, CEO of PepperBall, in First Response, a podcast dedicated to diving deep into the lives and challenges of emergency responders. In Episode 12, Bob speaks with David Goldstein—a 25-year law-enforcement veteran whose resume spans the U.S. Marine Corps, the LAPD, the NYPD, and now the Northeastern University Police. Commended in Los Angeles for rescuing a kidnapping victim, named the NYPD’s 2014 Sergeant of the Year after dismantling a child-sex-trafficking ring in Brooklyn, and later commanding six sergeants and 70 officers in South Jamaica, Queens, David has led crime-reduction, traffic-safety, and community-policing initiatives that delivered measurable results. Today, as a Special State Police Officer and Deputy Sheriff at Northeastern, he tops the department in on-view arrests and was honored as the 2023 Officer of the Year. From big-city streets to campus corridors, David’s experience offers clear, hard-earned insights into many aspects of policinghttps://www.pepperball.com

Join Bob Plaschke, CEO of PepperBall, in First Response, a podcast dedicated to diving deep into the lives and challenges of emergency responders. In Episode 10, Bob speaks with Scott Rose, Sheriff of Dodge County, Minnesota and the host and producer of the Officer Down Memorial Podcast.Sheriff Rose is a 20+ year law enforcement veteran from Minnesota who’s worked in patrol, warrants, investigations, and administration during his career. He is on the board of directors for the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association and the Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation of SE Minnesota. The Officer Down Memorial Podcast episodes are researched, written, and produced by Sheriff Rose and his goal with this program is to honor fallen heroes, help us remember their service, remind us we must always support the families they left behind, and to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.In this episode, Bob and Sheriff Rose discuss the challenges and sacrifices that  families and colleagues face when an officer dies in the line of duty and how they have to find the strength and courage to move on with their lives. They also discuss the mental challenges these officers and their colleagues face each day and the critical need for bespoke mental health services and support that we need to provide those officers.https://www.pepperball.com

Join Bob Plaschke, CEO of PepperBall, in First Response, a podcast dedicated to diving deep into the lives and challenges of emergency responders. In Episode 9, Bob speaks with Chief Patrick Patton of the Kenosha, WI,  Police Department.Chief Patton entered law enforcement after serving in the United States Marine Corps.He began his career with the City of Kenosha Police Department. From 2006-2022, he held several positions on the department such as Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. He also served as a firearms instructor, SWAT, Field Training Officer and founded the Kenosha Police Department Civil Disturbance Response Team. In 2022, Patton was appointed to Chief of Police of the City of Kenosha Police Department.Patton is a strong believer that modern law enforcement success should take a community-focused approach and emphasize community engagement. Chief Patton is also a certified PepperBall non-lethal system advocate and he emphasizes the four tenets of procedural justice. https://www.pepperball.com

Join Bob Plaschke, CEO of PepperBall, in First Response, a podcast dedicated to diving deep into the lives and challenges of emergency responders. In Episode 8, Bob speaks with Chief Lance Arnold of the Weatherford, TX Police Department.Since June 2017, Arnold served as the Chief of Police for the Weatherford Police Department, a suburb of Fort Worth, Texas. While serving as Police Chief, he has also served the citizens of Weatherford as the Director of Public Safety and Assistant City Manager. Prior to his time in Weatherford, Arnold served for 20 years with the Norman Police Department in Oklahoma. Chief Arnold’s impressive law enforcement credentials, and his diverse background in municipal government, makes him a positive disruptor who builds thriving workplace cultures to achieve extraordinary outcomes through innovation and continuous improvement.In January of 2025, Arnold will join the Broken Arrow OK, Police Department as their Chief of Police. https://www.pepperball.com

Join Bob Plaschke, CEO of PepperBall, in First Response, a podcast dedicated to diving deep into the lives and challenges of emergency responders. In Episode 7, Bob speaks with Chief Kevin Denny of the Channel Islands Nebraska Police Department.   Chief Denny runs an approximately 100 sworn officer agency and articulates the challenges Police Chiefs face in recruiting and training officers. He explores the hurdles to ensuring he and their officers connect with the public to rebuild the trust/relationship that has been lost in the last years.  Chief Denny also talks about how to make our schools safer and in the process help our children better connect with/relate to police officers.  Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the issues shaping public safety in America today.https://www.pepperball.com

Join Bob Plaschke, CEO of PepperBall, in First Response, a podcast dedicated to diving deep into the lives and challenges of emergency responders. In Episode 6, Bob Stewart, a seasoned law enforcement executive with over 50 years of experience, discusses the evolution of policing, community engagement, and police accountability. Stewart's rich career spans leadership roles across various police departments and his insights into operationalizing community efforts, rethinking patrol structures, and addressing modern challenges in policing provide valuable lessons for today’s public safety leaders. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the issues shaping public safety in America today. https://www.pepperball.com

For over 23 years, William Townsell has been a dedicated civilian Assistant Director with the Chicago Police Department's Office of Community Policing. In this role, William oversees crime abatement outreach and engagement initiatives for businesses and landlords, and delivers crime prevention presentations to individuals and community groups. He has also stepped in as acting supervisor for the civilian field operations staff across the city when needed. Additionally, William is responsible for conducting training and orientations for volunteer court advocates. Since September 2015, he has expanded his expertise as an auxiliary youth trainer, working with 6th to 8th-grade students in a federally funded youth engagement pilot program. His long-standing commitment to community safety and youth development reflects his deep dedication to fostering a safer Chicago.https://www.pepperball.com

Adam Gardner is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 15 years of experience. Currently, he serves as a Police Corporal in the Professional Standards Division of the City of Leander, Texas. His responsibilities include training and developing both new recruits and seasoned officers, as well as conducting internal affairs investigations.Adam holds numerous specialized certifications, including TCOLE Firearms Instructor, Less Lethal Impact Munitions Instructor, Pepperball Instructor, AR-15 Armorer, and Glock Armorer. He is also certified as a Force Science Analyst and has completed advanced courses in internal affairs through the Texas Police Chiefs Association and FBI-LEEDA.Adam is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability in law enforcement. He is dedicated to enhancing police training methodologies to improve cognitive retention and critical incident survivability, ensuring the safety of officers and the communities they servehttps://www.pepperball.com

Colonel Frank Milstead, a distinguished figure in Arizona law enforcement, has dedicated over 35 years to serving and protecting his community. Beginning his career with the Phoenix Police Department in 1985, Milstead quickly rose through the ranks, gaining extensive experience across various divisions. His leadership capabilities were further recognized when he was appointed Chief of Police for the Mesa Police Department in 2010, where he enhanced operational efficiency and community relations. In 2015, Milstead became the Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, where he earned a unanimous confirmation vote by the Arizona State Senate. Notably, he pioneered the Arizona Border Strike Force to improve border security and combat transnational crime. His career is marked by a commitment to transparency, accountability, and innovation, earning him numerous accolades, including the Torch of Liberty award from the Anti-Defamation League and the Medal of Valor from the Phoenix Police Department.https://www.pepperball.com

Mike Milstein is an experienced law enforcement professional with a robust background in leadership and public safety. Currently, he plays a pivotal role in addressing critical issues within the law enforcement community, such as drug overdose responses, behavioral health crises, and hate crime prevention. Mike is known for his strategic approach to integrating public health and safety measures, fostering multi-sector collaborations, and enhancing community engagement through innovative policing models.Mike's dedication to improving law enforcement practices is evident through his involvement in various initiatives, including the Public Health and Public Safety Team (PHAST) and efforts to employ social workers within police departments to reduce call volume and address social issues more effectively. His expertise extends to creating strategies for recruitment and retention, managing high-risk situations, and leveraging technology for better police-community interactions.https://www.pepperball.com

Host of The Prison Officer Podcast, Mike Cantrell has been in corrections for over 28 years. He has recently retired from the Federal Bureau of Prisons as the Chief of the Office of Emergency Preparedness. He is a firearms, less lethal, breaching and disturbance control instructor and has led special response, disturbance control and canine teams over his career.https://www.pepperball.com