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: AssaultChild AbuseDomesticDUI (death or injury)HomicideMolestRobberySexual AssaultOther (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.

Celebratory gunfire is the shooting of a firearm into the air in celebration and it tends to occur during holiday celebrations, like New Year's Eve. However, the Fort Wayne Police Department would like to remind you that firing random bullets may result in death or injury. In some cases, it is also is illegal.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you haven’t met the Fort Wayne Police Department’s therapy dog yet, his name is Tinsley. Tinsley is the newest addition to the Fort Wayne Police Department’s Officer Wellness and Community Relations Programs and he has been a part of the force for about a year now. The therapy dog program has taken three years for the FWPD to complete, but having the right dog, from the right program, that would fit the FWPD’s effort to put community first, took a lot of time and effort. In the end, the Paws and Stripes College program out of Brevard County, Florida was the right fit. Over the last year Officer Lisa Woods and dog trainer Bill Johnston have been getting Tinsely ready to report for duty.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The holiday months are usually all about parties, family visits and Christmas concerts. Unfortnaley, holiday months can also be some of the deadliest months for people traveling on the road. A rise in impaired driving is typically the reason why due to all those late-night celebrations.   The definition of impaired driving can also mean multiple things. For example, it can mean driving under the influence of prescription drugs or it can mean driving under the influence of illicit drugs. It can mean driving drunk or driving tried. Because the definition of impaired driving has changed significantly over time, impaired driving has created its own set of challenges for law enforcement. Whether it’s called drunk driving, driving under the influence, impaired driving or operating under the influence it is a serious problem, especially around the holidays, and it demands continued conversation and attention.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to avoid pawn and theft during the holidays. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Currently, A.I. generated child porn is not considered a federal crime. So-called deepfake photos and videos are the driving forces causing lawmakers and politicians problems when it comes to crafting legislation because deepfakes are proliferating almost as fast as people can download the chatbots to create them. So what is A.I. generated child porn and how can we stop it? Law enforcement agencies are already ahead of the game. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Child pornography is illegal in Indiana, as it is throughout the U.S. However, penalties vary based on the crime committed. Many factors are considered. For example creating child pornography versus possessing child porn versus distributing it. The age of the victim is also a factor when weighing penalties.  * Resources for combatting child phonography:  https://takeitdownnow.org/ NCMEC.org https://stopncii.org/  https://www.fwpd.org/crimes-against-persons-section   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn about the safety referendum approved by Fort Wayne Community Schools. Even if you don't live in Fort Wayne, IN or in Indiana, this referendum still could impact you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It may come as a shock to some, but suicide has now become the number one killer of police officers in the United States, that’s according to Blue H.E.L.P.  Police officers are constantly on the front lines dealing with tragedies and according to recent research, the stress of seeing, hearing and dealing with some of these horrors has led to a higher rate of suicide. In Fort Wayne, Indiana the Fort Wayne Police Department established their own mental wellness peer support program for officers in 2018. Dr. Darren Higgibotham is part of the program to help officers communicate openly about their struggles.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.