Leadership, Morale & Taking Ownership with Investigator Dustin Jackson

Leadership, Morale & Taking Ownership with Investigator Dustin Jackson

What separates a respected leader from someone who just wears stripes? In this episode, Blake sits down with longtime law enforcement leader and narcotics investigator Dustin Jackson to talk about the realities of leadership inside a sheriff’s office. From starting in the jail after a terrible interview to becoming one of the most respected supervisors in his agency, Dustin shares hard-earned lessons on building morale, developing officers, and creating a culture where proactive police work thrives. The conversation dives into leadership accountability, handling negativity within a squad, mentoring younger officers, supporting proactive deputies, working search warrants on patrol, and why good supervisors should never leave their people to fight battles alone. Whether you're a patrol officer, corporal, sergeant, or command staff member, this episode is packed with practical leadership lessons that apply far beyond law enforcement. Topics Covered: * Building respect without demanding it * Stopping toxic squad room culture * Why leaders must protect morale * Developing future supervisors * Patrol-driven search warrants and investigations * Learning through mistakes and taking ownership * Supporting officers after major seizures and arrests * The importance of accountability and mentorship * Creating a proactive culture from the ground up A must-listen episode for anyone who wants to become the kind of leader people willingly follow.

# 11 A Real Conversation on Interdiction with Kenny Williams

I sat down with Kenny Williams aka the red ninja, one of the most well-known instructors in interdiction, and we got into what actually works out on the road. The mindset, the small details, and the things officers either miss or never get taught in the first place. We talked about how interdiction has evolved, what separates guys who consistently find dope, guns, and money from the ones who don’t, and why behavior and reactions will always matter more than any checklist. Kenny also broke down the Justice X Conference he’s putting together in South Carolina. Bringing a group of top instructors together, not to make money, but to actually push training forward and give officers something real they can take back to their shift. We also hit on a big question a lot of guys struggle with… how do you show admin the value of proactive work? Is it stats, seizures, impact, or something else entirely? This wasn’t a structured interview. It was stories, experience, and real conversation about what works, what doesn’t, and where this job is going. If you care about getting better on the street, this is one you don’t skip.

# 10 Parcels and Consensual Encounters with Nic Bonney

This episode turned into exactly what this podcast is supposed to be. No script. No forced questions. Just real conversation with someone who actually lives this job. I sat down with Nic Boney from Nebraska State Patrol and ACEIT Interdiction and we got into it. This is not about traffic stops… But a completely different side of interdiction that most people don’t even think about. Buses, parcels, consensual encounters… and how to actually build cases from nothing but conversation and behavior. We talked about how he got there, the work it took, and the reality that nobody is just handed these spots. You either put in the work or you don’t. There’s stories in this one that show how fast things can go from a simple conversation… to running someone down… to search warrants… to multiple kilos and cash being pulled off the street—all in a matter of hours. And the biggest takeaway? You don’t need perfect conditions. You don’t need a K9. You don’t need to wait for the “right” assignment. You need to learn how to talk to people. You need to recognize behavior. And you need to be willing to go do it. If you’ve ever thought interdiction was just sitting on the interstate waiting for something to happen… this one will change how you look at the job. Hit play.

#9 The Reality of Criminal Interdiction with Nick Jackson

In this episode Blake Richardson sits down with nationally known interdiction Officer and Instructor Nick Jackson for a real conversation about what it takes to build a career in proactive policing and criminal interdiction. Nick breaks down how he got started, why finding the right agency matters, and what young officers need to know if they want to grow in interdiction without chasing shortcuts. Blake and Nick also get into roadside interviews, reading reactions, avoiding common mistakes, the role of LPRs, and why officers do not need a dedicated team or a K9 to be successful. The episode also takes a hard look at one of the most frustrating parts of the job: doing everything right and still watching a case get attacked, declined, or dismissed. From courtroom credibility to report writing and case preparation, this conversation is packed with practical lessons for officers who want to stay proactive, stay sharp, and stay in the fight.

#8 Interview & Interrogation with Erik Baum

Join retired Detective and Instructor Lieutenant Eric Baum for a straightforward conversation drawn from 27 years in law enforcement. In this episode, Eric shares practical insights from his time working narcotics, sex crimes, and long-term investigations. We talk about the importance of rapport in interviews, the realities of undercover work, and what it actually takes to build strong cases that hold up in court. This episode is about fundamentals, communication, patience, documentation, and professionalism. In this episode, we cover: • Why rapport matters more than most officers think • How patience and attention to detail impact investigations • The role of solid report writing and courtroom preparation • Challenges that come with undercover buys and surveillance • Staying proactive while staying within the law Whether you’re on patrol, in investigations, or in a leadership role, this conversation reinforces the basics that make or break cases. Real experience. Real perspective. Real value. Take it to the streets.