Episode 6: Robert Stewart, Director - Policing with Our Community

09/25/24 • 43 min

First Response with PepperBall CEO Bob Plaschke

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.

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Episode 5: William Townsell

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.

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Episode 7: Chief Kevin Denney, Grand Island, NE Police Department

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.

First Response with PepperBall CEO Bob Plaschke - Episode 6: Robert Stewart, Director - Policing with Our Community

Transcript

Episode 6 Robert Stewart

[00:00:00] Hello there. My name is Bob Plaschke, and for most of my adult life, I've had the privilege to spend time with and serve emergency responders. First Response is an effort to get behind the badge and understand the highs and lows that emergency responders face and how they handle them, and to understand the issues that affect public safety in America today.

This podcast is sponsored by Pepperball, where I have the honor to serve as the CEO. Pepper