Episode 16 with Retired Officer Clayton Powell

As the sun sets on National Law Enforcement Day, we gathered around the mic with retired heroes Jessica Taylor, Mike Gonzalez, and the revered Clayton Powell, to crack open the vault of policing stories from the heart of Seattle. Our candid banter reveals the raw courage and resolve it takes to wear the badge, each precinct with its unique beat and the officers who navigate them without missing a step. CP, with a voice like seasoned leather, shares the profound ways a patrol officer can leave their mark, shedding light on the intricacies of community and crime through the lens of those who've walked the line.

Amid the laughter and trips down memory lane, we confront the tougher truths – the emotional toll and the strain of leadership that weighs heavily on those who serve and protect. The conversation takes a turn through the maze of de-policing, controversial directives, and the complex tangle of accountability. We examine the pulse of the Seattle Police Department, feeling the throb of understaffing woes and the frustration of red tape, all while sharing stories that never made it past the newsroom's cutting room floor.

As we wrap up, we don't just reminisce; we grapple with solutions, casting our eyes on the horizon where community policing stands as a beacon of hope. We talk innovative strategies like body-worn cameras and the importance of empowering civilians with knowledge of their rights. The bond between the public and the force is delicate, and we're here, laying out the blueprint for a sturdier bridge – one candid conversation at a time. So tune in, share your thoughts, and join the journey to a stronger, safer community. Keep your eyes peeled for The C.O.S.T. Project.

(The wind was awful today...internet was a bit finicky)