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Looking back years now, with a lot of history, perspective and samples from every side imaginable, can we say that “Defund the Police” was the worst marketing effort ever created?
There have been a lot of slogans that pepper the tapestry of history, both in positive and negative ways, but has this one featured more destruction than others? Has it carved out a platform that justice that allows the oppressed to be identified and get their final fair day in justice?
Time to jump in with Chief Chris, Brandon, Eric and Mike to find out what their thoughts are but more important – to find out what YOU think during this episode of The Black and Blue Voices Podcast.
The play button is the only way to find out…
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The Detailed Shownotes for This Episode of Black and Blue Voices:
Looking for the detailed links, information and references used inside this episode? Read on below to find them all and remember to reach out to ask if there’s something else you’d like to see from this episode!
Timestamps for This Episode of Black and Blue Voices:
00:00 “Community Trust and Political Grandstanding on Policing”
06:56 Origins of Defunding Police Debate
13:11 Balancing Police Militarization and Mental Health Resources
20:24 “Role-Playing Scenario: Dual School Shooter Event”
22:45 Dual Approach to Crisis Management
26:57 Active Shooting Situations Analysis Podcast
34:09 SWAT Team Mistake and Miscommunication
41:11 “Rethinking Nighttime Police Raids and Trust”
43:19 Law Enforcement and Unequal Accountability
53:07 Bipartisanship Drives Successful, Informed Legislation
57:09 Tribalism in Modern Rapid Change
01:02:40 Dynamic Debates: Expanding Conversational Boundaries
01:08:13 Welcoming Atmosphere Boosts Customer Loyalty
01:11:42 Detaching Identity from Political Views
01:16:04 Embracing Open, Impactful Conversations
Questions Answered Inside This Episode of Black and Blue Voices:
- “Defund the Police” Slogan: The episode discusses how “defund the police” became a rallying cry after the George Floyd incident. What do you think were the original intentions behind this slogan, and why do you think it became so controversial or misunderstood?
- Community Trust: Several speakers mention the issue of trust between law enforcement and communities, especially communities of color. What practical steps could be taken to rebuild or strengthen this trust?
- Police Equipment and Militarization: The hosts touch on the topic of local police departments acquiring military-grade equipment. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of local police having access to such equipment?
- Handling Mental Health Crises: The role of police in responding to mental health crises was highlighted, with suggestions for bringing in mental health professionals. What would an ideal crisis response team look like in your community?
- Legislation and its Impact: The hosts talk about laws like “Breonna’s Law” and the push for new legislation after high-profile incidents. What kind of legislative changes do you think would make the most positive impact on both police and the community?
- Political Grandstanding: The group criticizes “grandstanding” politicians who use incidents for personal gain rather than constructive change. How can voters better identify genuine efforts to improve policing versus empty promises or political theater?
- Echo Chambers and Dialogue: The hosts challenge listeners to get out of their “echo chambers” and talk to people with different backgrounds. How can communities encourage honest, respectful discussions between groups with opposing views?
- Humanizing Each Other: Eric Alexander talks about the power of “humanizing another person” to break down barriers. What are some effective ways people from opposing perspectives can connect on a human level?
- The Role of Extremes: The conversation mentions how extremists on both ends of the spectrum dominate the discourse. How can the “middle ground” find a stronger voice in public conversations about policing and reform?
- Accountability and Justice: There’s debate about whether police are held to the same standard as the communities they serve, and how “the court of public opinion” affects justice. What does true accountability look like for law enforcement, and how can systems be improved to ensure it?
Links from this Episode of Black and Blue Voices:
- Official Black and Blue Voices Websites & Social Media
- Black and Blue Voices HomeMain podcast website. Check here for episodes, feedback, and engagement.
- YouTube Channel for Comments & DiscussionFor leaving feedback, questions, and supporting the conversation.
Organizations, Projects & Resources Mentioned
- Blue Baggers ProjectA role-player project for crisis negotiation training, mentioned during crisis scenario discussions.
- Cops and Robbers TalkAnother platform related to law enforcement perspectives and discussions.
- Crisis CopCentered on crisis negotiation and intervention training for police and first responders.
- Applied Combatives GroupExperts in Filipino Martial Arts, knife defense, and self-defense training.
- Stand UnitedReferenced as a group working on collaborations around policing and reform. (Note: Verify the exact group, as “Stand United” can relate to several organizations.)
Reference & Learning Materials
- David Foster Wallace’s “This is Water” Commencement SpeechRecommended in the episode for personal perspective, empathy, and “being like water.”
- The Sentencing ProjectReferenced as a resource discussing racial justice, incarceration, and reform.
Additional Actions:
- Leave your feedback or suggest future topics at blackandbluevoices.com/contact.
- Join the conversation by commenting on our YouTube channel (search for Black and Blue Voices).
==== Links to 10+ Years of Chief Chris’ WhatCopsWatch.Com:
Website: https://whatcopswatch.com/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast….
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2VV1HL9….
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b46….
Facebook: / whatcopswatch
==== Links to Eric Alexander Online:
/— Be sure to visit Applied Combatives Group Online!
==== Connect with Mike Wilkerson (The STLPodFather)’s 20+ Years of Podcasting:
— Entire Career Library: https://www.2gtdatacore.com/
— Mike Wilkerson on LinkedIn
— Mike Wilkerson on X
— Mike Wilkerson on Instagram
— 2GuysTalking on the Web
— 2GuysTalking on LinkedIn
— 2GuysTalking on YouTube
Calls to the Audience Inside this Episode:
— We’ve started dropping the feelings from the discussions. Are YOU ready to interact with us and find solutions for the Black and Law Enforcement communities to change the way we live our lives? Tell us Your Perspective About This Episode Now!
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Tell us what you think and we’ll use your comments in a future ALL-FAN-INPUT Episode! Educating the public is what we’ve based all of our programming on and we’re eager to connect with others who are doing it! Know about another podcast , YouTuber or other media generator making a difference in the way of perspective when it comes to law enforcement? Tell us about them now and we’ll link to them and have them on a future episode of BlackandBlueVoices.Com!
The Hosts of this Program:
Chris DiGiuseppi
Chris DiGiuseppi is an award-winning and local bestselling author from his first novel, The Light Bringer and has been traditionally published five times. Chris has over 25 years in Law Enforcement at various levels up to and including Chief of Police. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and Northwestern University School of Police Staff Command. He is trained in various aspects of Law Enforcement and holds degrees in Human Resources and Business Administration. Chris lives with his wife and children in Missouri.
Chris has been podcasting via WhatCopsWatch.Com since 2014 and continues to share perspective, insight and more via BlackandBlueVoices.Com
Website: https://whatcopswatch.com/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast….
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2VV1HL9….
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b46….
Facebook: / whatcopswatch
Brandon Bridges:
Brandon Bridges is a proud father, husband, and Marine Corps veteran with a passion for leadership and collaboration. Throughout his career, he has successfully guided diverse, cross-functional teams, using strong communication and project management principles to drive results. His experience working with well-known brands has given him a deep appreciation for teamwork, strategy, and adaptability – skills that translate seamlessly into his approach to podcasting.
Beyond his professional achievements, he is deeply committed to balancing family life with personal growth. Whether he’s spending quality time with his wife and children, diving into historical deep dives, or hitting the sand for a game of volleyball, he brings the same enthusiasm and dedication to everything he does. His podcast reflects this well-rounded perspective, offering insightful conversations and engaging discussions that resonate with listeners from all walks of life.
Eric Alexander:
Eric Alexander is a dedicated healthcare practitioner, patient advocate, and clinical researcher with a deep-rooted passion for community engagement. A resident of the greater St. Louis area since 1995, he brings decades of experience in both the medical field and personal safety training.
As the owner and operator of Applied Combatives Group in Maryland Heights, Eric equips civilians, military personnel, and law enforcement with the skills necessary to navigate and survive violent encounters. Coming from a family with military and law enforcement backgrounds, he has long been an advocate for responsible and competent policing, recognizing its power to foster positive change—especially within minority communities.
With a unique blend of expertise in violence dynamics, history, and human behavior, Eric is committed to bridging the gap between law enforcement and communities of color. His mission is not just professional — it’s personal.
Mike Wilkerson:
Mike Wilkerson Is the PodFather of St. Louis, and has been hosting, producing, concepting and enhancing podcasts since 2005. As a professional content creator, Mike has been making and documenting every mistake in the Podcasting industry so you won’t have to when you’re ready to begin. With thousands of of hours of business, marketing and life experience behind and in front of the mic and keyboard, he has created a vibrant and always-growing business tapestry via The 2GuysTalking Podcast Network.
As a perpetual student, Mike continues to foster interests in Crisis Negotiator Training, Firearms Instruction and helping people to find the next step in their career with an active interest in hunting light bulb moments.
— Entire Career Library: https://www.2gtdatacore.com/
— Mike Wilkerson on LinkedIn
— Mike Wilkerson on X
— Mike Wilkerson on Instagram
— 2GuysTalking on the Web
— 2GuysTalking on LinkedIn
— 2GuysTalking on YouTube










Chris DiGiuseppi
Brandon Bridges:
Eric Alexander:
Mike Wilkerson: