Street Cop Podcast

In this episode of the Street Cop Podcast, Dennis Benigno, founder and CEO of Street Cop Training, talks with entrepreneur and innovator David Ly. David shares his remarkable life story, from escaping Vietnam as a child to navigating the challenges of business and personal growth. Together, they explore the importance of resilience, family, and the evolving landscape of law enforcement training and technology. David also discusses his work with AI and its potential impact on law enforcement, shedding light on the future of policing and how technology is reshaping the industry. Whether you’re in law enforcement or just interested in stories of perseverance and innovation, this episode offers valuable insights into overcoming challenges and embracing change. Timestamps: 00:00:00:00 - 00:01:06:14 Teaser 00:01:06:14 - 00:01:26:15 Intro 00:01:26:15 - 00:10:05:00 David’s background & escaping Vietnam 00:10:05:00 - 00:13:55:18 Reuniting with his family 00:13:55:18 - 00:19:28:01 David’s current relationship with his parents 00:19:28:01 - 00:33:35:06 David’s struggle today & the reality of business 00:33:35:06 - 00:57:21:05 David’s work with AI and law enforcement 00:57:21:05 - 01:02:52:09 Dennis’ solution for modern challenges with police training 01:02:52:09 - 01:04:19:00 Outro

In Episode 963 of the Street Cop Podcast, host Dennis Benigno and Ely Alfonso sits down with Bev Perez to discuss her transformative journey through law enforcement and the personal challenges that reshaped her life. Bev shares her powerful story, from her time on the force to the life-changing incident that led her to confront mental health struggles. She opens up about the importance of self-care, healing, and the support needed within agencies to better address the mental health of first responders. In this heartfelt conversation, Bev also touches on finding peace, showing up for others, and embracing self-love. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone navigating trauma and seeking to create a healthier, more supportive environment within law enforcement and beyond. Timestamps: 00:00:00:00 - 00:01:10:12 Teaser 00:01:10:12 - 00:01:51:00 Intro 00:01:51:00 - 00:05:32:12 Bev’s background 00:05:32:12 - 00:07:26:07 Bev’s experience in law enforcement 00:07:26:07 - 00:15:10:09 The incident that changed Bev’s life 00:15:10:09 - 00:26:46:18 Life for Bev afterwards 00:26:46:18 - 00:42:41:05 The mental health challenges Bev faced 00:42:41:05 - 00:52:05:24 What agencies can do better 00:52:05:24 - 01:05:45:10 Recognition 01:05:45:10 - 01:09:49:04 Finding peace 01:09:49:04 - 01:12:18:14 Showing up for others in need 01:12:18:14 - 01:14:56:00 Sexology & self love 01:14:56:00 - 01:15:30:17 Charges for criminal who incited the incident 01:15:30:17 - 01:16:41:17 Outro

In this gripping episode of the Street Cop Podcast, Dennis Benigno speaks with Matthew Baughman, a law enforcement officer who shares the harrowing details of his life-changing shooting incident. Matthew walks us through his background, the events leading up to the shooting, and the immediate aftermath, including the agency's response and the emotional toll it took on him. Matthew reflects on the critical factors that helped prepare him for such a traumatic event, as well as what he would have done differently in hindsight. He offers a raw and honest look at how the experience has reshaped his life, both personally and professionally. This episode is a must-listen for law enforcement officers and first responders, as it provides invaluable insights into resilience, the human side of policing, and the long-term effects of life-threatening situations. Timestamps: 00:00:00:00 - 00:01:19:04 Teaser 00:01:19:04 - 00:04:22:04 Intro 00:04:22:04 - 00:05:33:23 Matthew’s background 00:05:33:23 - 00:11:56:14 Matthew’s shooting incident 00:11:56:14 - 00:14:14:09 The agency’s response to Matthew’s shooting 00:14:14:09 - 00:15:44:23 Things that prepared Matthew for his shooting 00:15:44:23 - 00:17:05:19 Would Matthew have done anything differently? 00:17:05:19 - 00:36:20:16 How has this experience changed Matthew? 00:36:20:16 - 00:37:09:15 Outro

In this raw and insightful episode of the Street Cop Podcast, Dennis Benigno sits down with Kory Flowers to discuss everything from life updates to the hidden flaws in law enforcement training. Kory opens up about the pressures of reputation and cliques within the force, and how often overlooked cultural issues impact the profession. The conversation dives deep into the practical knowledge that’s missing from police training, why ego and a lack of self-reflection hold officers back, and how poor decision-making—particularly when it comes to alcohol—can derail careers. They also touch on the importance of physical fitness and how Kory developed his communication skills to become a more effective leader. To wrap it up, Kory delivers rapid-fire advice for law enforcement officers looking to grow both personally and professionally. If you're ready for an unfiltered discussion about what’s really holding officers back, this episode is for you. Timestamps: 00:00:00:00 - 00:01:02:06 Teaser 00:01:02:06 - 00:05:20:23 Intro 00:05:20:23 - 00:07:30:07 Life updates with Kory Flowers 00:07:30:07 - 00:11:33:06 Reputation & cliques 00:11:33:06 - 00:23:04:21 Practical knowledge missing from training 00:23:04:21 - 00:26:15:24 Culture 00:26:15:24 - 00:31:13:04 Ego & the lack of self reflection 00:31:13:04 - 00:36:24:08 Alcohol & poor decision making 00:36:24:08 - 00:41:24:13 Physical fitness 00:41:24:13 - 00:43:30:07 How Kory got his communication skills 00:43:30:07 - 01:03:57:15 Rapid fire advice 01:03:57:15 - 01:04:52:05 Outro

In this episode of the Street Cop Podcast, Dennis Benigno, founder and CEO of Street Cop Training, sits down with Mike Weber, a seasoned expert in medical child abuse investigations. Mike discusses the hidden dangers of medical child abuse—often overlooked by both medical professionals and law enforcement—and the devastating impact it has on children. Mike provides crucial insights on how to identify red flags, the role of Medicaid fraud in these cases, and the psychological trauma inflicted on victims. He also offers valuable advice for law enforcement on how to better recognize and respond to these complex cases. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in law enforcement or child protection, providing essential tools to protect vulnerable children and prevent further harm. Timestamps: 00:00:00:00 - 00:01:10:10 Teaser 00:01:10:10 - 00:02:33:05 Intro 00:02:33:05 - 00:04:52:06 Mike’s background 00:04:52:06 - 00:17:26:14 Medical child abuse 00:17:26:14 - 00:26:20:01 The Hope Ybarra case 00:26:20:01 - 00:27:39:03 Are medical professionals equipped to handle medical child abuse 00:27:39:03 - 00:30:54:13 Medicaid fraud 00:30:54:13 - 00:32:12:02 The psychological impact on the children 00:32:12:02 - 00:39:19:19 Mike’s advice for law enforcement 00:39:19:19 - 00:41:25:08 Suffocation cases 00:41:25:08 - 00:42:39:14 Who to call if you suspect medical child abuse 00:42:39:14 - 00:56:32:06 Training 00:56:32:06 - 00:58:58:13 Outro

In this episode of the Street Cop Podcast, host Dennis Benigno, founder and CEO of Street Cop Training, is joined by Marique Bartoldus to discuss the evolving landscape of law enforcement and the importance of strengthening community relationships. Marique, with her extensive experience in law enforcement culture, dives deep into the challenges and opportunities facing today's police departments. Timestamps: 00:00:00:00 - 00:00:58:07 Teaser 00:00:58:07 - 00:05:15:22 Intro 00:05:15:22 - 00:09:32:04 Marique’s background 00:09:32:04 - 00:14:57:14 How the standards and perceptions of law enforcement have changed 00:14:57:14 - 00:24:55:00 Modern-day NYPD 00:24:55:00 - 01:01:23:09 Modern-day problems in law enforcement 01:01:23:09 - 01:02:47:23 Outro

In Episode 958 of the Street Cop Podcast, host Dennis Benigno and instructor Ely Alfonso are joined by content creator Stephanie Cavinder. They discuss Stephanie's journey from law enforcement to becoming a prominent voice in the social media space, including her experiences with body camera breakdowns, the challenges female LEOs face, and the obstacles she's encountered along the way. Stephanie also shares how she discovered Street Cop Training, the origins of her social media handle, and how she manages the demands of both her career and online presence. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in career transitions and the intersection of law enforcement and content creation. Timestamps: 00:00:00:00 - 00:01:08:05 Teaser 00:01:08:05 - 00:01:33:05 Intro 00:01:33:05 - 00:03:15:04 Stephanie’s background 00:03:15:04 - 00:10:47:15 Transitioning from cop to content creator 00:10:47:15 - 00:12:21:13 Body camera breakdowns 00:12:21:13 - 00:20:07:18 Leaving law enforcement 00:20:07:18 - 00:32:56:15 Dealing with hate & obstacles female LEOs face 00:32:56:15 - 00:35:42:18 The origins of Stephanie’s social media handle & time management 00:35:42:18 - 00:38:27:21 How did Stephanie learn about Street Cop Training 00:38:27:21 - 00:40:18:24 The time commitment in Law Enforcement 00:40:18:24 - 00:42:31:11 Outro

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the complexities of a career in law enforcement. Join us as we explore John’s background and the pivotal moments that shaped his journey. From haunting missing persons cases to the sleepless nights that come with the weight of guilt, John shares his most memorable experiences in the field. We’ll also discuss the impact of training and how one’s environment can influence decision-making and mental health. John reflects on the challenges posed by difficult leadership and the lasting effects of his encounters on his personal and professional life. Tune in for a candid conversation about the realities of law enforcement and the profound ways it can shape an individual. Timestamps: 00:00:00:00 - 00:00:50:20 Teaser 00:00:50:20 - 00:01:09:21 Intro 00:01:09:21 - 00:05:18:04 John’s background: recap 00:05:18:04 - 00:13:40:03 Patrick Alford 00:13:40:03 - 00:17:49:15 Sleepless nights in law enforcement & guilt 00:17:49:15 - 00:21:03:23 Missing persons cases 00:21:03:23 - 00:28:59:09 John’s most memorable/haunting cases 00:28:59:09 - 00:35:34:21 Bad bosses 00:35:34:21 - 00:53:27:19 The impact of training & the way your environment shapes you 00:53:27:19 - 00:56:17:21 Outro

In this compelling episode of the Street Cop Podcast, host Dennis Benigno sits down with Ray "Cash" Care, a Navy SEAL veteran turned team-building expert. With a wealth of experience providing security for government agencies, Ray shares his transformative journey from the battlefield to helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. Join us as we explore Ray's background, the power of persistence, and the common misconceptions surrounding confidence and self-belief. Discover how to rediscover yourself, foster meaningful relationships, and navigate the often lonely path of success. Ray emphasizes the importance of community, the joy of helping others, and the sacrifices that come with purpose and drive. Tune in for insights on establishing rules with your children and evolving as a person, all while understanding that not everyone in your circle has your best interests at heart. Whether you're looking to enhance your personal growth or build high-functioning teams, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration. Don't miss it! Timestamps: 00:00:00:00 - 00:01:00:22 Teaser 00:01:00:22 - 00:02:51:05 Intro 00:02:51:05 - 00:08:58:22 Ray’s background 00:08:58:22 - 00:21:05:09 The impact of persistence 00:21:05:09 - 00:33:04:03 Misinterpretations & success 00:33:04:03 - 00:46:37:12 Misconceptions of confidence & belief in yourself 00:46:37:12 - 00:52:05:16 Rediscovering yourself & growing relationships 00:52:05:16 - 00:56:20:20 Sense of community & the loneliness of success 00:56:20:20 - 01:03:49:18 The joy of helping others 01:03:49:18 - 01:15:17:03 Most people aren’t your friends 01:15:17:03 - 01:19:38:10 Evolving yourself 01:19:38:10 - 01:25:59:21 Family & Sacrifice 01:25:59:21 - 01:30:17:17 Purpose & drive 01:30:17:17 - 01:34:48:01 Establishing rules with your children 01:34:48:01 - 01:37:53:17 Outro

Join host Dennis Benigno as he talks with cyber investigation expert Nate Nobel in this episode of the Street Cop Podcast. They dive into Nate's background and his experiences in Florida law enforcement, focusing on the challenges of cyber crimes. Nate shares practical advice on improving rescue procedures, preserving cell phone evidence, and how agencies can connect with cyber crimes units. They also discuss the importance of consent in digital investigations and the role of ICAC in fighting online exploitation. This episode is packed with straightforward tips and insights to help officers tackle the growing issue of cyber crime. Tune in for a clear and informative conversation! Timestamps: 00:00:00:00 - 00:01:13:17 Teaser 00:01:13:17 - 00:01:52:03 Intro 00:01:52:03 - 00:02:54:15 Nate’s background 00:02:54:15 - 00:05:22:04 Nate’s experience working in Florida 00:05:22:04 - 00:16:17:04 Cyber Investigations 00:16:17:04 - 00:27:10:22 Consent & Nate’s advice for improving rescue procedures 00:27:10:22 - 00:29:50:10 Digital crime scenes 00:29:50:10 - 00:33:56:21 How to preserve cell phone evidence 00:33:56:21 - 00:40:14:12 How to find cyber crimes units if your agency doesn’t have one 00:40:14:12 - 00:49:56:07 ICAC 00:49:56:07 - 00:50:54:16 Outro

In Episode 954 of the Street Cop Podcast, host Dennis Benigno and instructor Ely Alfonso sit down with Mike Swirchak, a former law enforcement officer and K9 handler who now excels as a dog trainer in North Carolina. Mike shares his journey from the challenges of law enforcement to becoming a government contractor and ultimately finding his passion in dog training. Listen as he reflects on the current state of K9 units, the importance of innovative training methods, and the personal connections forged between officers and their K9 partners. We’ll explore the mental health challenges in law enforcement, the courage it takes to embrace change, and the fulfillment that comes from following your life's purpose. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about evolution, purpose, and the special bond between humans and dogs. Timestamps: 00:00:00:00 - 00:01:09:01 Teaser 00:01:09:01 - 00:01:44:04 Intro 00:01:44:04 - 00:02:57:10 Mike’s background 00:02:57:10 - 00:04:35:16 Mike’s experience working in Afghanistan 00:04:35:16 - 00:05:42:10 Good memories with Mike and Elia 00:05:42:10 - 00:07:05:06 The hardships of leaving law enforcement 00:07:05:06 - 00:12:24:09 The current state of K9 and training in law enforcement 00:12:24:09 - 00:16:17:06 The origin of Dennis’ drive 00:16:17:06 - 00:22:29:10 Thinking outside of the box & the detriments of ego 00:22:29:10 - 00:27:23:13 Utilizing specialists to teach & poor policy 00:27:23:13 - 00:31:36:23 The decline of K9 units in law enforcement 00:31:36:23 - 00:33:09:18 The personal value of dogs 00:33:09:18 - 00:34:43:17 Training issues with dogs 00:34:43:17 - 00:36:48:11 Mike’s thoughts on his current company 00:36:48:11 - 00:38:58:04 Does Mike regret leaving law enforcement? 00:38:58:04 - 00:43:57:13 The winning mindset 00:43:57:13 - 00:48:00:11 Fear of change & taking a leap of faith 00:48:00:11 - 00:50:57:14 Mental health in law enforcement 00:50:57:14 - 00:53:59:24 Following your life’s purpose 00:53:59:24 - 00:54:34:05 Outro

In this powerful episode of the Street Cop Podcast, host Dennis Benigno interviews John Ferriso, a dedicated NYPD officer, to explore his career and the profound challenges faced by law enforcement in times of crisis. John shares his experiences, including his firsthand account of the events of September 11, 2001, and the impact it had on his life and those around him. From navigating the chaos of that fateful day to managing the emotional toll of his profession, John provides insights into the realities of serving as a first responder. He discusses the evolving attitudes towards law enforcement and the importance of communication with loved ones during high-stress situations. Join us for an engaging conversation that not only honors the resilience of first responders but also delves into the ongoing journey of those who serve and protect our communities. This episode offers a compelling look at bravery, sacrifice, and the complexities of a law enforcement career in a changing world. Timestamps: 00:02:06:14 - 00:16:15:12 John’s background 00:16:15:12 - 00:34:10:09 John’s firsthand account of 9/11 00:34:10:09 - 00:39:43:02 Were people able to identify John as law enforcement on 9/11? 00:39:43:02 - 00:42:24:09 John’s communication with his family after the attacks 00:42:24:09 - 00:48:19:06 When was John finally able to rest and process everything? 00:48:19:06 - 00:52:25:00 Did others from the NYPD head directly towards the World Trade Center 00:52:25:00 - 00:56:28:00 Failings of administration & training 00:56:28:00 - 01:03:11:18 Changes in civility and attitude towards first responders immediately after 9/11 01:03:11:18 - 01:10:31:17 Managing emotions as a police officer 01:10:31:17 - 01:11:57:07 Outro

In this episode of the Street Cop Podcast, host Dennis Benigno, founder and CEO of Street Cop Training, welcomes law enforcement expert Jeffrey Wenninger. With 33 years of experience, including a distinguished career as a lieutenant with the LAPD, Jeffrey provides deep insights into the challenges and advancements in police practices today. Join Dennis and Jeffrey as they explore crucial topics such as crowd management, use of force, and the importance of effective training in fostering public trust. Jeffrey shares his solutions for addressing modern law enforcement issues, the impact of poor training, and highlights from his new book aimed at enhancing safety and integrity in policing. Whether you’re a law enforcement professional or simply interested in the evolving landscape of policing, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in creating safer communities. Tune in for expert advice and practical strategies to navigate the complexities of today’s law enforcement environment! Timestamps: 00:01:41:03 - 00:06:14:11 Jeffrey’s background 00:06:14:11 - 00:13:00:18 Working in corrections & physical standards 00:13:00:18 - 00:33:40:15 Jeffrey’s solutions for the modern problems in law enforcement 00:33:40:15 - 00:54:24:05 Challenges Jeffrey faced in implementing his solutions 00:54:24:05 - 01:05:23:18 Low levels of competency in law enforcement 01:05:23:18 - 01:10:04:15 The cost of poor training & Jeffrey’s new book 01:10:04:15 - 01:10:19:11 Outro

Join Dennis Benigno on this episode of the Street Cop Podcast as he welcomes Daven Michaels, a serial entrepreneur and New York Times Bestselling Author. Daven shares his remarkable journey from designing clothing for iconic bands in the 80s to founding 123Employee, a leading outsourcing company. Discover how Daven navigated the worlds of music, entertainment, and business, and learn about the pivotal moments that shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. In this candid conversation, Daven discusses the lessons he’s passed down to his children, the subjective nature of happiness, and the humility that comes with success. He shares stories from his career, insights into what truly matters in life, and offers invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Plus, hear about his upcoming community cruise event in Puerto Rico and his passion for helping others achieve their dreams. Tune in for an inspiring episode filled with wisdom and motivation! Timestamps: 00:00:00:00 - 00:00:48:23 Teaser 00:00:48:23 - 00:02:36:10 Intro 00:02:36:10 - 00:05:44:22 Daven’s background 00:05:44:22 - 00:10:21:05 Growing up 00:10:21:05 - 00:15:47:07 Translating your parent’s lessons to your own children 00:15:47:07 - 00:22:52:11 Raising children & how would Daven’s children rate him as a Dad? 00:22:52:11 - 00:24:54:24 The subjectivity of happiness 00:24:54:24 - 00:25:35:07 Daven’s advice for success 00:25:35:07 - 00:29:53:06 Stories from Daven’s career in entertainment 00:29:53:06 - 00:31:46:02 Humility 00:31:46:02 - 00:35:40:15 Daven’s best and worst business experiences 00:35:40:15 - 00:38:13:23 What matters the most in life to Daven? 00:38:13:23 - 00:38:53:03 Daven’s advice for his younger self 00:38:53:03 - 00:46:27:21 Life for Daven today 00:46:27:21 - 00:47:51:24 Friendship in adversity 00:47:51:24 - 00:50:25:18 Daven’s community cruise event in Puerto Rico 00:50:25:18 - 00:57:36:05 Parental anecdotes 00:57:36:05 - 00:59:17:13 Outro

In this episode of the Street Cop Podcast, Dennis Benigno, founder and CEO of Street Cop Training goes over The Automobile Exception (Part 2)