There are more than 250,000 unsolved murders in the United States and law enforcement simply does not have the personnel or resources to investigate all of them. As a result, average citizens, private investigators, and the media have come together to help reinvestigate many of these cold cases. In this episode, Glynn Cosker talks to AMU criminal justice and forensic science professor, Jen Bucholtz, about her work as a private investigator to investigate several cold cases. Learn how she has used the power of crowdsourcing and social media to engage people and uncover new information, and how advancements in DNA technology and forensic genealogy are helping police solve more cases. Also hear why it’s so important for law enforcement agencies to embrace the assistance of outside sources to help bring justice for the families of these victims.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

AMU The In Public Safety Matters Podcast

Cold Case Investigations: Bridging the Gap Between Law Enforcement and Outside Experts | EP50

After seven plus years of hard work, a former news reporter, Dale Julin, has cracked some of the Zodiac Killer’s numerous ciphers and anagrams. In this episode, AMU criminal justice and forensic science professor, Jen Bucholtz, who also has a background in counterterrorism and private investigations, shares how the ciphers were decrypted using the suspect’s full name. She also discusses the mounting evidence pointing towards Gary Francis Poste including matching physical scars that had been identified by multiple witnesses, military training on a specific type of cipher and decrypting methodology used in the Zodiac letters, geographical location during the times of the murder, and more. Learn why she has partnered with The Case Breakers, an investigation group of more than 40 former law enforcement and experts, to bring this evidence to police in hopes they’ll take this information seriously and find resolution to one of the country’s most notorious unsolved serial killing cases.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Zodiac’s Taunting Letters Decrypted Using Suspect’s Name | EP49

Leaving the military and transitioning to the civilian workforce isn’t easy and requires hard work and preparation. In this episode, AMU professor Dr. Jarrod Sadulski talks to William Balcerski, who successfully started a new civilian career after 30 years of active duty and reserve experience in the U.S. Coast Guard. Learn why servicemembers need two years to prepare for this transition to develop their professional network, earn a degree before separating, and conduct research on companies and its leaders. Also learn practical advice like how to identify transferable skills, tailor your resume for each position, and develop a post-military budget so you’re financially prepared when your service ends.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Leaving the Military? Spend Two Years Preparing for Your Civilian Career | EP48

Being a municipal leader means working with a diverse group of people. In this episode, AMU’s Buster Nicholson talks to Horace McHugh, President of Florida City County Management Association about his experience in municipal leadership and the strategies that have worked best to help him accomplish community goals. Learn the importance of training and professional development, the role of ethics and integrity in government leadership, and why all municipalities should encourage mentoring among employees.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Strengthen Municipal Leadership through Training and Mentorship | EP47

In August 2021, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti causing massive and widespread destruction. Shortly after the earthquake struck, a tropical depression swept through the country causing further devastation and impeding rescue and recovery efforts. In this episode, Glynn Cosker talks to AMU’s Dr. Chris Reynolds about his experience responding directly to the 2010 earthquake and his perspective on the challenges Haiti faces. Learn how limited infrastructure, rampant governmental corruption including a recent coup and the assassination of Haiti’s president, along with criminal violence have all contributed to Haiti’s inability to prepare or respond to disasters and its reliance on foreign aid.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Haiti Earthquake Brings Devastation and Little Hope for Future Preparation| EP46

Across the country, law enforcement agencies are seeing an exodus of officers leaving the profession. Agencies are also receiving fewer, high-quality candidates applying to fill those positions. In this episode, Dr. Gary Deel talks to AMU Criminal Justice program director Dr. Chuck Russo about the current state of law enforcement. Learn how agencies need to do a better job accurately representing the work of police officers to attract new and diverse recruits who have the right skillsets for the profession. Also hear discussion about topics like qualified immunity, body camera policies, training improvements, and more.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Officers are Quitting. Can Policing Recover? | EP45

The 2020 hurricane season was a recording-breaking year with 30 named storms, but because none of them brought significant devastation, most people were unaware of the number of storms. In this episode, Glynn Cosker talks to AMU’s Dr. Christopher Reynolds about the importance of preparing for hurricane season by packing an emergency disaster kit and hardening your house and property. Also learn why it’s dangerous and frustrating for emergency management personnel when people don’t evacuate when told to so.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Preparing for Hurricane Season | EP44

While there’s an increasing emphasis on evidence-based policing, much of that research remains inaccessible to officers on the street. In this episode, AMU’s Leischen Kranick talks to Susanne Knabe-Nicol about her efforts to make scientific research practical and useful for law enforcement officers around the world. Learn how she’s converting important research on investigative interviewing, offender profiling, crime analysis and more into videos and online courses to help officers better understand and apply this information. Also learn about her work to improve officer mental health and resiliency through training and educating agency leaders.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Helping Officers Understand and Apply Research Findings | EP43

After 16 years as an unsolved cold case, an arrest was finally made in the murder of Rebekah Gould. In this episode, AMU criminal justice professor Jennifer Bucholtz and investigative reporter George Jared talk about the arrest of William Miller, the first cousin of Rebekah’s boyfriend. Hear how William connected with Jennifer and George through their investigative Facebook group and the tips they received about his involvement. Also learn about the unusual probable cause affidavit from police, which has scant information and raises more questions than answers. Also learn about Jennifer and George’s recent presentation at CrimeCon 2021 and why they’re working to convince law enforcement agencies that citizen detectives and crowdsourcing efforts are powerful tools that could help police solve the 250,000+ outstanding cold cases around the country.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How Crowd Sourcing Contributed to Arrest in Rebekah Gould Cold Case | EP42

Law enforcement agencies face intense scrutiny about how officers treat people of different ethnicities. In this episode, AMU professor Dr. Ashley Taylor talks to 23-year police veteran and now-retired police trainer, Dr. Kathleen Love. Learn how her department trained officers by taking them out into every ethnic community as well as homeless centers, domestic violence centers, religious centers, so officers could learn about these different groups of people, hear about their experiences with police, and listen to their concerns. This strategy not only built empathy and understanding among officers, it opened a line of communication with community members and built mutual trust and respect.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Change Policing By Representing Everyone | EP41

What has it been like working in corrections during the COVID-19 pandemic? In this episode, hear from AMU alumnus Jason Whitehead, who has been a correctional officer for 15 years, about his experience working in a correctional facility. Learn how he manages stress, tips on maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and recommendations to effectively interact with inmates. Also learn why he earned a Master’s degree in Intelligence Studies and why he recommends anyone interested in a career in the criminal justice system pursue a degree other than criminal justice.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Working in Corrections During COVID | EP40

What has it been like being a black woman working in law enforcement for more than two decades? In this episode, APU professor Dr. Ashley Taylor talks to Dr. Sukeena Stephens about her extensive 24-year law enforcement career working in correctional, immigration and federal law enforcement agencies. Learn about her struggle to get a seat at the table in a white male-dominated field, the disparities she sees when it comes to special assignments and promotional opportunities, and the impact this inequity has on employees who don’t feel supported or recognized by leadership. Learn why senior leaders must have difficult conversations about inequality and work to change their circle of influence in order to create inclusive organizations that better represent America and the communities they serve.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Addressing Inequity in Law Enforcement | EP39

What is a municipal league and how does participation benefit towns and cities? In this episode, APU’s Buster Nicholson talks to Rob Bullington, Director of Communications for the Virginia Municipal League, about the support provided by municipal leagues. Learn how they provide guidance to local elected officials about their roles and responsibilities and keep local officials informed about what’s happening on a state and national level that may affect their municipality. Also learn the strategic role of how municipal leagues communicate with and educate their membership.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Role of Municipal Leagues in Local Government | EP38

Police officers are operating in a new and heightened state of hyper-vigilance. Not only are they feeling attacked and scrutinized for the action of others by the media, the public, and sometimes even family and friends, officers are also responding to an unprecedented amount of civil unrest all during a widespread pandemic. These factors have all taken a major toll on the physical and mental wellbeing of officers and led to an exodus of officers leaving the profession. In this episode, AMU’s Dr. Jarrod Sadulski talks to Rhonda Kelly, Executive Director of the All Clear Foundation, about resources and training to teach officers how to manage cumulative stress, self-regulate, and control their nervous system. Also learn about resources to help law enforcement families, including ways to address rising anxiety and depression in spouses and children.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Helping Law Enforcement Officers and Their Families Manage Stress | EP37

American Military University is hosting a new podcast unpacking some of the most relevant issues in public safety. Each episode of In Public Safety Matters features expert guests with years of experience in law enforcement, corrections, the fire service, or emergency medical services. Join hosts Leischen Stelter and Dr. Chuck Russo as they dive into the most important topics affecting today's public safety professionals.

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AMU The In Public Safety Matters Podcast

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