The 21CP Pod: Perspectives on Policing

When Crisis Hits: Communication and Community Trust, with Connection Point

In this episode, Dr. Eric Kowalczyk, CEO of ConnectionPoint, and Deborah Spence, Director of Business Development at 21CP Solutions, sit down to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing public safety today: the growing gap between operational preparedness and public communication. Drawing on decades of combined experience in law enforcement consulting, crisis communications, and federal policy, Eric and Deborah discuss why silence in an emergency is no longer acceptable, why most agencies fail not during a crisis but in the first 10 minutes, and how social media and AI-driven misinformation have added an entirely new dimension to the threat environment. Deborah walks through a framework for preparedness while Eric maps it to the communications strategies municipalities need before, during, and after a critical incident. Together, they make the case that operational planning and public communications are not separate workstreams; they must be built together if communities are to maintain trust when it matters most. Whether you work in law enforcement, emergency management, government communications, or public policy, this conversation is a candid, practical look at what it actually takes to be ready—not just operationally, but in the court of public opinion.

Leading Through Change: Lessons from 30 Years in Law Enforcement. with Terri Wilfong

What does it really take to lead a police department through meaningful, lasting reform? In this episode of the 21CP Pod, we sit down with Terri Wilfong, veteran law enforcement leader, 21CP consultant, and former Chief of Police in Greenville, South Carolina, for a candid conversation about leadership, culture change, and what it means to serve both your department and your community. Terry draws on three decades of experience across multiple agencies, including the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, the Kentucky State Police, and the Louisville Metro Police Department, to share hard-won lessons about what separates good leaders from bad ones and how she learned as much from the latter as the former. From navigating federal oversight and a major departmental merger, to becoming the first outside chief in Greenville's history, Terry has seen firsthand how resistance to change can paralyze an organization and how the right leadership can slowly, steadily turn the ship around. She talks about the power of empowering middle managers, the importance of getting out of the ivory tower, and why building relationships is not just good politics but essential police work. The episode closes with Terry's message to police chiefs navigating today's uniquely challenging landscape: you need each other now more than ever, and there is no shame in asking for support.

Building Bridges: Labor-Management Relations in Modern Policing with Sean Smoot

In this episode, we sit down with Sean Smoot, 21CP Managing Partner and a veteran of both police labor and leadership roles. Sean talks about why the relationship between police chiefs and union leaders is one of the most critical factors in building effective law enforcement agencies. He walks us through what strong labor-management partnerships actually look like, explaining how collaboration between these two sides creates healthier organizations, better outcomes for officers, and more effective policing. We explore the common pitfalls that turn labor-management relations adversarial, from mistrust and poor communication to the pressures both chiefs and union leaders face from their respective constituencies. Sean explains how both sides can move beyond these dynamics, sharing practical strategies for chiefs to engage productively with labor representatives and for union leaders to advocate for their members while supporting organizational excellence. Whether you're a police executive, a union leader, or simply interested in how law enforcement agencies function from the inside, this conversation offers real-world wisdom on building partnerships that benefit everyone: officers, leadership, and the communities they serve.

Strategic Plans that Actually Work, with Nola Joyce

In this episode, we sit down with Nola Joyce, 21CP Partner and a veteran organizational development expert. Discover how Nola's innovative approach, inspired by community development models, can help law enforcement agencies create a strategic plan in just 8 hours. She walks us through the Theory of Change methodology, explaining how starting with your desired outcome and working backward creates plans that are actually implemented rather than gathering dust on a shelf. We explore the unique challenges police leaders face in long-range planning, from the reactive nature of policing to staffing shortages and daily crises. Nola explains why these obstacles are actually the best reasons to engage in strategic planning, and shares real examples of breakthrough moments when departments brought critics and community members into the room. Whether you're a police chief considering strategic planning or simply interested in organizational change in policing, this conversation offers practical wisdom on creating plans that drive real transformation.

Ten Years Later: The Lasting Impact of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing

Recorded live at the 2025 IACP Annual Conference, this special episode of The 21CP Pod revisits the legacy of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. A decade after its release, Task Force members Roberto Villaseñor, Ronald Davis, Laurie Robinson, Charles Ramsey, and Sean Smoot reflect on the recommendations that have stood the test of time, the changes they’ve seen across the profession, and the work that still lies ahead.