Unholstered
118 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 16 ratingsUNHOLSTERED is an in-depth podcast about how police officers serve their communities and how all people can stand up for the brave men and women who go out every day and put their lives at risk to get their job done. Your hosts Kayla Blakeslee, a Fort Wayne radio personality, and Sofia Rosales-Scantena, a Captain with the Fort Wayne Police Department, join forces to give listeners an unfiltered look at the stories, events, and topics that show how our officers serve and fight for our community every single day. No topics are off-limits! From saving lives to soul-crushing losses and every incredible moment in between, this is a podcast unlike any other as you will hear your police officers as you’ve never heard them before.
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Episodes
Ep 116: Teen Suicide
April 19, 2024 13:49 - 27 minutes - 25 MBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 115: Differentiating Emergency Alerts
April 03, 2024 14:52 - 27 minutes - 25 MBThere are several different types of emergency alerts that can be issued and often times they vary state to state. However, when it comes to Amber Alerts and Silver Alerts they are triggered by meeting a stringent list of criteria and then sent through a very sophisticated warning system. Because these alerts are pushed through the broadcast systems via the Emergency Alert System, they can also be triggered across state lines., meaning this warning system and understanding how they work, can...
Ep 114: Mass Exodus of School Resource Officers from Schools
March 15, 2024 14:01 - 27 minutes - 25 MBIn today's climate, School Resource Officers (SRO's) are being pulled from schools. The state of Minnesota knows this all too well. However, while some districts are pulling SRO's, the largest school district in Indiana, is adding SRO's and implementing other safety measures to keep our children safe during school hours. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 113: Combatting Youth Violence - Part 3
March 07, 2024 11:02 - 27 minutes - 25 MBContinuing our exploration of youth violence and what national groups are doing to combat youth violence. Today we dive into what national organizations, like the YMCA, are doing to not only curb youth violence, but what they are doing to change the statistics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 112: Combatting Youth Violence - Part 2
March 01, 2024 12:48 - 27 minutes - 25 MBLast week we explored what some of our local community members and organizations are doing to combat youth violence. Today we dive into what the Fort Wayne Police Department is doing to not only curb youth violence, but to solve the crimes that are a direct result of increased youth violence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 111: Combatting Youth Violence - Part 1
February 23, 2024 15:57 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MBYouth violence is spiking across the nation and here at home. However, the number one question plaguing many law enforcement agencies and municipal organization is how to combat it. Enter Nygel Simms. Nygel is a distinguished leader, speaker, strategist, and visionary with a gift for developing programs, initiatives, and best practices to tackle the complex issues confronting our youth and marginalized populations. Nygel is also the founder of National Young Leaders Institute and holds the...
Ep 110: What Human Trafficking IS and IS NOT
February 16, 2024 15:10 - 27 minutes - 25 MBMany people do not know or understand the realities of "human trafficking." According to National Human Trafficking Hotline, human trafficking is the use of force, fraud or coercion to get another person to provide labor or commercial sex. Because there are many myths and unknown facts about human trafficking, if you or someone you know has been a victim, call 260.427.1203 call Detective Sarah with the Fort Wayne Police Department. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 109: Wells County Kidnapping
February 08, 2024 13:26 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBWhen a child is kidnapped, time is of the essence. As a way to rapidly track down a missing child police departments across numerous states have turned to something called the “Flock System.” Despite the Flock System being labeled by some as an “invasion of privacy,” the Flock System helped investigators recover an 11-year-old girl, kidnapped out of Zanesville, Indiana by three adults. Hear how the Wells County Sheriff’s Department, along with many others, teamed up to recover the young gir...
Ep 108: Fort Wayne Traffic Division
February 02, 2024 13:30 - 27 minutes - 25 MBTraffic is always a hot topic for every city. Between construction and traffic infractions there are a lot of misconceptions about the role of law enforcement and what our officers can and cannot do. One idea being purposed is bringing back a Traffic Division to the Fort Wayne Police Department. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
107: FWPD - Victim Assistance Program
January 22, 2024 11:24 - 27 minutes - 25 MBSurprisingly, one in three women and one in six men will experience stocking at some point in their lifetime. In light of this state and January being stocking awareness month we are featuring the Fort Wayne Police Department's Victim Assistance Program. The program was established in 1981 and aims to provide comprehensive crime victim services to the City of Fort Wayne and surrounding communities. Advocates and volunteers passionately work to provide information to crime victims to reduc...
106: "SWATTING" on the Rise
January 12, 2024 12:09 - 27 minutes - 25 MBLaw enforcement agencies across the nation are being stretched thin as crime, violence, attacks and now "SWATTING" incidents are on the rise. This new trend of "SWATTING" is growing and has become a very popular tactic for those seeing retribution. The concern is this act of "SWATTING" will continue to increase as the 2024 election cycle is about to be in full swing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 105: A Look Back at the FWPD in 2023
December 15, 2023 15:16 - 27 minutes - 25 MB2023 was another year full of unpredictable events for everyone, including officers with the Fort Wayne Police Department. From challenges to accomplishments, Police Chief Steve Reed is taking a look back at the FWPD in 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 104: Celebratory Gunfire
December 05, 2023 14:37 - 27 minutes - 25 MBCelebratory gunfire is the shooting of a firearm into the air in celebration and it tends to occur during holiday celebrations, like New Year's Eve. However, the Fort Wayne Police Department would like to remind you that firing random bullets may result in death or injury. In some cases, it is also is illegal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
103: FWPD’s Therapy Dog – One Year Later
December 01, 2023 14:04 - 27 minutes - 25 MBIf you haven’t met the Fort Wayne Police Department’s therapy dog yet, his name is Tinsley. Tinsley is the newest addition to the Fort Wayne Police Department’s Officer Wellness and Community Relations Programs and he has been a part of the force for about a year now. The therapy dog program has taken three years for the FWPD to complete, but having the right dog, from the right program, that would fit the FWPD’s effort to put community first, took a lot of time and effort. In the end, the P...
102: Impaired Driving During the Holidays
November 22, 2023 11:18 - 27 minutes - 25 MBThe holiday months are usually all about parties, family visits and Christmas concerts. Unfortnaley, holiday months can also be some of the deadliest months for people traveling on the road. A rise in impaired driving is typically the reason why due to all those late-night celebrations. The definition of impaired driving can also mean multiple things. For example, it can mean driving under the influence of prescription drugs or it can mean driving under the influence of illicit drugs. It ...
Ep 101: Pawn & Theft During the Holidays
November 15, 2023 13:48 - 27 minutes - 25 MBHow to avoid pawn and theft during the holidays. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 100: A.I. Generated Child Porn
November 10, 2023 14:05 - 27 minutes - 25 MBCurrently, A.I. generated child porn is not considered a federal crime. So-called deepfake photos and videos are the driving forces causing lawmakers and politicians problems when it comes to crafting legislation because deepfakes are proliferating almost as fast as people can download the chatbots to create them. So what is A.I. generated child porn and how can we stop it? Law enforcement agencies are already ahead of the game. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 99: Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography
November 02, 2023 14:00 - 27 minutes - 25 MBChild pornography is illegal in Indiana, as it is throughout the U.S. However, penalties vary based on the crime committed. Many factors are considered. For example creating child pornography versus possessing child porn versus distributing it. The age of the victim is also a factor when weighing penalties. * Resources for combatting child phonography: https://takeitdownnow.org/ NCMEC.org https://stopncii.org/ https://www.fwpd.org/crimes-against-persons-section See omnystudio.co...
Ep 98: S.A.F.E.R.
October 20, 2023 13:12 - 27 minutes - 25 MBLearn about the safety referendum approved by Fort Wayne Community Schools. Even if you don't live in Fort Wayne, IN or in Indiana, this referendum still could impact you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 97: Police Therapy
September 29, 2023 13:17 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MBIt may come as a shock to some, but suicide has now become the number one killer of police officers in the United States, that’s according to Blue H.E.L.P. Police officers are constantly on the front lines dealing with tragedies and according to recent research, the stress of seeing, hearing and dealing with some of these horrors has led to a higher rate of suicide. In Fort Wayne, Indiana the Fort Wayne Police Department established their own mental wellness peer support program for offic...
Ep 96: Kias & Hyundais Easy Targets of Auto Thefts
September 21, 2023 15:08 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBAuto thefts are on the rise, not only in Fort Wayne, but also in many parts of the country. When it comes to the boom in auto thefts, Kias and Hyundais have become easy targets due to the way they are manufactured. Plus, the hottest trend among young people right now is to steal Kia cars and upload the footage to TikTok. How to avoid being the victim of an auto theft. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 95: Responding to a Mall Shooting
September 07, 2023 13:19 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MBUnfortnaley mall shootings are becoming more and more common across the country. That statement also holds true for the Glenbrook Square Mall in Fort Wayne, Indiana as two shootings have occurred at the indoor mall in as many months. The most recent shooting was not a random incident. Officers with the Fort Wayne Police Department say an altercation occurred between two men and that altercation led to shots being fired. The shooter is in custody and the victim is in stable condition. Howeve...
Ep 94: Enacting Your Own Gun Control Ordnance
September 01, 2023 12:32 - 27 minutes - 24.9 MBGun Control ordinances are starting to pop up all over the country. Most recently, one of these ordinances popped up in Indianapolis. Indy's gun control measure would raise the legal age to purchase a firearm in Marion County to 21-years-old. It would ban semi-automatic assault weapons, rollback permit-less carry and prohibit the concealed carry of a firearm. One major problem with this ordinance? Indiana state law prohibits it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 93: XYLAZINE – What You Need to Know
August 24, 2023 14:06 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBXylazine (also called “tranq” or “tranq dope”) is a non-opioid sedative or tranquilizer that is popping up at an alarming rate, in a number of illicit drug mixtures. It has also been linked to a growing number of overdose deaths. Today we discuss what it is, where it comes from and why White House officials have declared it an emerging threat. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 92: Entire police force quits, now what?
August 18, 2023 13:27 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MBWhat would you do if your entire police fore quit? That is what happened recently in Goodhue, Minnesota. The Goodhue Police Department resigned because of issues with the city's pay. Surprisingly, Goodhue is not alone. Many rural towns have seen entire police departments resign due to lack of equipment, paid time off or pay structure. The Goodhue City Council met to discuss options for police coverage after the department’s resignation. All their options are similar to what any other city...
Ep 91: Non-Citizens Becoming Police Officers
August 03, 2023 14:37 - 27 minutes - 25 MBCurrently federal law forbids non-US citizens to serve as police officers and as deputies. However, a bill recently singed into law by the Governor of Illinois will do just that. HB 3751 will allow eligible foreign nationals to become police officers. Critics argue the bill allows individuals who are actively breaking the law to become enforcers of the law. Supporters of the bill say it will help with Illinois' ongoing police officer shortage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...
Ep 90: Constitutional Carry - One Year Later
July 27, 2023 13:34 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBConstitutional Carry, or permitless carry, went into law in Indiana (HEA 1296 – Firearms Matter) July 1st, 2022. Within the last year, similar legislation was also passed in Ohio, Kentucky, Alabama and Georgia, bringing the total number of constitutional carry states, so far, to 27. Despite the law being in place for just over a year, many myths still persist about what it really means to be a Constitutional Carry state. Today members of law enforcement are dispelling the myths and sharin...
Ep 89: Clearing an Active Shooter Scene
July 18, 2023 12:58 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBWhen it comes to clearing an active shooter scene, many think there is only one way to respond to this encounter. However, it can vary. In most cases, active shooters use firearms. In other scenarios active shooters use explosive devices. Thus, the way your local police department responds will be determined by the specific circumstances. Not only does the Fort Wayne Police Department respond very differently from other law enforcement departments, but the way they help injured persons al...
Ep 88: Construction Zones
July 14, 2023 13:42 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBIt seems the moment the warm weather arrives, the orange construction barrels come out in full force. Getting from point A to point B during the spring and summer months can be a daunting task as we all know with construction zones, come lane closures, backups, and crashes. Nationally, there are approximately 40,000 crashes in work zones every year. ·How do we avoid these transportation related crashes? And at what point does a construction zone, become a public safety hazard? See omnyst...
Ep 87: FWPD Summer Programs
July 10, 2023 12:42 - 27 minutes - 25 MBTis the season for summertime programs at the Fort Wayne Police Department. From “Badges and Baseball” to “Coffee with a Cup” officers within the department spend their dog days of summer teaching kids about policing careers, safety and connections. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 86: Firearms Training - Part 2
June 22, 2023 14:54 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBThis week we have welcomed back John Michaels, the owner of Indiana Firearms Training in Huntington. He has dedicated his life to teaching the SAFE, CORRECT, and RESPONSIBLE use of all firearms. From basic to practical and tactical classes, at Indiana Firearms Training, they convey the attitude, knowledge, and skills needed for the proper handling, use, and storage of firearms, along with the ability to defend your life and the lives of loved ones. See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...
Ep 85: Firearms Training - Part 1
June 16, 2023 14:46 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBWhen it comes to firearms, safety and training are paramount. That is why John Michaels, the owner of Indiana Firearms Training in Huntington, has dedicated his life to teaching the SAFE, CORRECT, and RESPONSIBLE use of all firearms. From basic to practical and tactical classes, at Indiana Firearms Training, they convey the attitude, knowledge, and skills needed for the proper handling, use, and storage of firearms, along with the ability to defend your life and the lives of loved ones. Ev...
Ep 84: Summer Safety Tips
May 30, 2023 14:31 - 27 minutes - 25 MBAs the summer months are quickly approaching it is important to note that its not all about backyard BBQ’s, visits to the lake and outdoor concerts. Summer months are some of the deadliest months for people traveling on the road. A rise in impaired driving is typically the reason why due to all those late-night parties and lake trips. Whether it’s drunk driving, driving under the influence, or driving tried, it is a serious problem, especially during the summer season and it demands contin...
Ep 83: Biden Bails on National Police Week
May 26, 2023 11:43 - 27 minutes - 25 MBNational Police Week occurs every May 15th. It became a national holiday back in 1962, when President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Police Week. Every year the President delivers the keynote address. This year, that did not happen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 82: FWPD Bike Patrol
May 09, 2023 15:14 - 27 minutes - 25 MBThe Fort Wayne Police Department Bike Patrol Unit was formally created in 2013. At that time officers patrolled the downtown area on bicycles and Segways during the warmer months. In 2019, the Unit implemented a year-round program the downtown area and other areas of the city when weather permits. The Unit does a number of things. It provides a mobile presence during periods of special events, for directed patrol activities, public relations, in city parks and the river green ways, as a det...
Ep 81: Homelessness
May 05, 2023 12:18 - 27 minutes - 25 MBMany communities across the country are trying to come up with solutions to curb homelessness. Often times, community members tend to think it is the role of law enforcement to address rampant homelessness, but that is not the case. Here in Fort Wayne, Indiana, for the most part, officers only get involved with homelessness when criminal activity occurs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 80: Police Imposters
April 27, 2023 14:29 - 27 minutes - 25 MBIt seems like every other news cycle there is a story that pops up about imposter police officers trying to lure people, particularly women, during "traffic stops." If you are pulled over and something doesn't feel right, there are multiple things you can do and there are multiple signs you should be looking for to avoid "fake cops." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 79: Digital Drug Dealing
April 21, 2023 12:49 - 27 minutes - 25 MBThese days more and more of us are spending extended periods of time online and on social media. Drug dealers are no exception. Drug dealers are going digital and have figured out how to exploit the internet to peddle drugs, specifically to our kids. Know the signs and the "lingo" these drug deals are using to try and target our children. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 78: Police Promotions and Rankings
April 14, 2023 14:07 - 27 minutes - 25 MBWhen it comes to different positions within law enforcment, promotions and rankings don't operate like your typical career. When it comes to the Fort Wayne Police Department and many law enforcement organizations, positions sound more like military positions and rankings compared to those you hear of in most other occupations. If you are unfamiliar with the hierarchy of authority within the Fort Wayne Police Department today we are breaking down the different ranks and promotions. Plus we wi...
Ep 77: Taking the FWPD Procedural Justice Course
March 31, 2023 13:38 - 27 minutes - 25 MBSince 2011 Procedural Justice has been a positive movement when it comes to how the community perceives the Fort Wayne Police Department in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Procedural Justice is the idea of fairness in the processes of resolving disputes involving the community and the FWPD. More specifically, the FWPD hosts a class called “Procedural Justice and Legitimacy.” Community members, city officials and local activists are invited to these classes to talk about and address issues with law enf...
Ep 76: Is weed a gateway drug?
March 24, 2023 14:05 - 27 minutes - 25 MBThere is much debate over weed and whether or not it is a gateway drug. There is also much debate over whether or not it should be legalized. Today we get the perspective of a law enforcement officer who has worked 19-years in narcotics, undercover, buying and selling “drugs.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 75: The War on Drugs Continues
March 17, 2023 13:59 - 27 minutes - 25 MBWe all say, "It will never happen to my kid." Yet, we hear stories all to often about children overdosing on drugs. The reality is we live in an age where Americans are quick to look for ways to numb the pain. That often leads to individuals ingesting some form of drug, prescription or otherwise. And yet, political leaders, medical professionals and parents are surprised that fentanyl is the number one leading cause of death for adults between the ages of 18-45. Today we dive into why Amer...
Ep 74: Drone as First Responder
March 10, 2023 13:28 - 27 minutes - 25 MBUsing a drone as a first responder is not an entirely new concept, but it is a relatively new program for the Fort Wayne Police Department. Despite public misconception, the drones will not be used for surveillance or random patrols. Instead, these drones will be used to answer radio calls, dispatch calls and calls for service only. According to FWPD, drones arrive to the scene of an incident faster than officers over 70% of the time. Currently 11 officers within the FWPD are learning to f...
Ep 73: Police Use of Force
March 03, 2023 15:03 - 27 minutes - 25 MBOfficers have been making a lot of headlines lately for excessive use of force. Particularly in Memphis, Missouri and Michigan. So when is use of force justified? And what kind of punishment does a Police Officer face if use of force was not justified? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 72: FWPD Chaplain Program
February 24, 2023 15:30 - 29 minutes - 27 MBPolice Chaplaincy is a ministry of compassion, presence, and prayer set within the dangerous world of law enforcement. 12 active chaplains currently volunteer their assistance. Police Chaplains serve the officers and civilian personnel of the Fort Wayne Police Department and the community in which they live. They provide emergency counseling to those in crisis, make death notifications with compassion, pray with those who are in trouble, and provide a compassionate presence to those in gri...
Ep 71: Speeding Traps and Tickets
February 15, 2023 15:22 - 27 minutes - 25 MBWhether we admit it or not, we have all gone over the speed limit a time or two. For some of us unlucky ones, we have received multiple tickets for our transgressions and yet, we have all been let off the hook a time or two. What causes one officer to write the ticket for an infraction and not the other? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 70: What It's Like to Be a Coroner
February 13, 2023 14:22 - 27 minutes - 25 MBBeing a coroner is often not a profession that many people talk about and though it may be a challenging job, someone has to do it. Some days include crime scene investigations with other days are spent reviewing documents and collecting evidence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 69: Dissecting Paul Pelosi Dispatch Call
February 06, 2023 11:01 - 27 minutes - 25 MBEver since the release of Paul Pelosi's dispatch call, it seems there are more questions than answers regarding what led up to the heinous attack that occurred inside his San Francisco home. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 68: Body Farms
January 27, 2023 12:29 - 27 minutes - 25 MBHave you ever wondered what happens to a body after a person dies? Body farms have a lot of answers to that question. Only a handful of states have body farms, but the ones that do, also have a subset of forensic scientists who work at these body farms and study what happens to the human body after death. These scientists then allow police departments across the country to use their knowledge and studies to help solve homicides and answer questions like how, when, and where a person died. ...
Ep 67: Pursuit Reviews
January 20, 2023 13:19 - 27 minutes - 25 MBWhen it comes to policing, "pursuit reviews" are not often a topic that comes to mind. However, pursuit reviews are one of the many administrative duties that leaders within police departments need to conduct. Pursuit reviews ensure officers are following protocols, because even as an officer of the law, you can face criminal consequences for not having due-regard during a pursuit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.