Episode 102 retired Deputy Special Agent in Charge HSI John McCabe

Interview with retired Deputy Special Agent in Charge HSI John McCabe

Years of Service: 1991-2024

Born and raised in the Southside of Chicago, John comes from a long line of policemen including his great-grandfather, grandfather, and father who all worked for the Chicago Police Department.

John has had a long and storied career, starting with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Dallas Police Department, Chicago Police Department, and Secret Service, and finally retiring with Homeland Security Investigations.

Throughout his career, John worked as a patrol officer, focusing on gangs and guns. He also investigated counterfeit currency, money laundering, and drug trafficking and worked on protective details.

From January to June 2023, John was assigned to HSI HQ as a liaison to the US Customs and Border Protection commissioner's office and as the HSI representative to DHS's Southwest Border Coordination Center.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro
00:57 Meet John McCabe: A Lifelong Chicago Resident
01:02 Generational Policing: A Family Legacy
01:52 The Badge Story: A Symbol of Legacy
03:34 Growing Up in a Police Family
04:34 Military Aspirations and Setbacks
04:57 The Citadel Experience: Discipline and Leadership
06:41 Transition to Law Enforcement
20:47 Early Career: Cook County and Dallas PD
39:09 Chicago PD: Aggressive Policing and Special Operations
44:51 Changes in Policing Support Over the Years
45:57 Respect for Police in High Crime Areas
46:32 Impact of Media on Policing
47:07 Transition to Secret Service
50:48 Secret Service Academy Experience
57:50 Counterfeit Money Investigations
58:52 Secret Service vs. Protection Detail
01:01:15 Organized Crime Task Force Case
01:07:51 Transition to HSI
01:15:06 Undercover Bulk Cash Seizure
01:26:56 The Case of the False Police Report
01:27:34 Navy Seal's PowerPoint Presentation
01:28:14 Interview Strategy and Confession
01:29:33 Consequences of Misusing Government Vehicles
01:30:29 Management's Reluctance to Fire Employees
01:31:33 Handling Misconduct in Federal Agencies
01:38:00 Historical Connection to Elliot Ness
01:40:52 Challenges at the Southwest Border
01:49:12 Event Security Planning
01:58:54 Impact of Law Enforcement on Family and Society