Unholstered

There are no words for this edition of Unholstered, as it is our last. Listen to find out why. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when an officer is shot in the line of duty? What about when an officer discharges his weapon at a suspect? Either way, an investigation ensues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being stopped by the police is typically not a good thing, but what if you are just walking down the sidewalk minding your business?  Can an officer stop you? Must you tell them your name? What about their request to show identification?  Today we explore when officers can ask for your ID and when you have to hand it over.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AVOID / DENY / DEFEND  With a surge in shootings across the country and in NE Indiana, many people are starting to ask themselves, "What would I do if I find myself in an active shooter situation." Having a plan could be the difference between life and death. Avoid, deny, defend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent article put out by Force Science entitled Homicidal Empathy: An Evolving Threat to Police Officers has garnered the attention of police officers all across the country, including here in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Primarily because of the expectations that jurors, prosecutors and activists have of our police officers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating traffic fatalities. The do's and don'ts as a driver and as a police officer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many pieces to the story are still missing, but Mitch McKinney, Deputy Chief with the Fort Wayne Police Department is breaking down the South Whitley Police controversy. Plus is the Glenbrook Square Mall in Fort Wayne safe, after three shootings in the last year.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every time you hear the news or read the news these days, we hear another viral story about squatters taking over homes. Thankfully, Indiana is doing it right as the new squatting trend doesn't seem to be gaining traction in the Hoosier state. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There 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 be critical when it comes to saving lives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 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.

Continuing 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.

Last 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.

Youth 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 position of Chief Ministry Officer at Youth for Christ. Nygel has contributed extensively to Northern Indiana, lending his expertise to numerous boards and committees such as Great Kids Make Great Communities, The Greater Fort Wayne YMCA, City of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Community Schools, and Allen County Juvenile Center and today he is lending his expertise to the Unholstered podcast.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many 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.

When 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 girl less than 24 hours later in Wisconsin. Read more about the story here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Traffic 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.

Surprisingly, 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 reduce re-victimization as victims navigate through the criminal justice system.  Call the FWPD Victim Assistance Program when YOU, YOUR CHILD,  a FRIEND or RELATIVE have been the victim of: Assault Child Abuse Domestic DUI (death or injury) Homicide Molest Robbery Sexual Assault Other (includes suicide, threats, stalking, arson, fraud, property,elder abuse, etc.) To contact Victim Assistance, please call 260-427-1205. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Law 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.

2023 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.