UNHOLSTERED

There are no words for this edition of Unholstered, as it is our last. Listen to find out why. 

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What happens when an officer is shot in the line of duty? What about when an officer discharges his weapon at a suspect? Either way, an investigation ensues. 

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Being stopped by the police is typically not a good thing, but what if you are just walking down the sidewalk minding your business?  Can an officer stop you? Must you tell them your name? What about their request to[...]

AVOID / DENY / DEFEND 

With a surge in shootings across the country and in NE Indiana, many people are starting to ask themselves, "What would I do if I find myself in an active shooter situation." Having a plan[...]

A recent article put out by Force Science entitled Homicidal Empathy: An Evolving Threat to Police Officers has garnered the attention of police officers all across the country, including here in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Primarily because of the expectations[...]

Navigating traffic fatalities. The do's and don'ts as a driver and as a police officer. 

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Many pieces to the story are still missing, but Mitch McKinney, Deputy Chief with the Fort Wayne Police Department is breaking down the South Whitley Police controversy. Plus is the Glenbrook Square Mall in Fort Wayne safe, after three shootings[...]

Every time you hear the news or read the news these days, we hear another viral story about squatters taking over homes. Thankfully, Indiana is doing it right as the new squatting trend doesn't seem to be gaining traction in[...]

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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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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.[...]

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.

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[...]

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 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[...]

How to avoid pawn and theft during the holidays. 

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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[...]

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[...]

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. 

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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[...]

Auto thefts are on the rise, not only in Fort Wayne, but also in many parts of the country. When it comes to the boom in auto thefts, Kias and Hyundais have become easy targets due to the way they[...]

Unfortnaley mall shootings are becoming more and more common across the country. That statement also holds true for the Glenbrook Square Mall in Fort Wayne, Indiana as two shootings have occurred at the indoor mall in as many months.

The[...]

Gun Control ordinances are starting to pop up all over the country. Most recently, one of these ordinances popped up in Indianapolis. Indy's gun control measure would raise the legal age to purchase a firearm in Marion County to 21-years-old.[...]

Xylazine (also called “tranq” or “tranq dope”) is a non-opioid sedative or tranquilizer that is popping up at an alarming rate, in a number of illicit drug mixtures. It has also been linked to a growing number of overdose[...]

What would you do if your entire police fore quit? That is what happened recently in Goodhue, Minnesota. The  Goodhue Police Department resigned because of issues with the city's pay. Surprisingly, Goodhue is not alone. Many rural towns have[...]

Currently federal law forbids non-US citizens to serve as police officers and as deputies. However, a bill recently singed into law by the Governor of Illinois will do just that. HB 3751 will allow eligible foreign nationals to become[...]

Constitutional Carry, or permitless carry,  went into law in Indiana (HEA 1296 – Firearms Matter) July 1st, 2022. Within the last year, similar legislation was also passed in Ohio, Kentucky, Alabama and Georgia, bringing the total number of constitutional[...]

When it comes to clearing an active shooter scene, many think there is only one way to respond to this encounter. However, it can vary. In most cases, active shooters use firearms. In other scenarios active shooters use explosive devices.[...]

It seems the moment the warm weather arrives, the orange construction barrels come out in full force. Getting from point A to point B during the spring and summer months can be a daunting task as we all know with[...]

Tis the season for summertime programs at the Fort Wayne Police Department. From “Badges and Baseball” to “Coffee with a Cup” officers within the department spend their dog days of summer teaching kids about policing careers, safety and connections.

See[...]

This week we have welcomed back John Michaels, the owner of Indiana Firearms Training in Huntington. He has dedicated his life to teaching the SAFE, CORRECT, and RESPONSIBLE use of all firearms. 

From basic to practical and tactical classes, at[...]

This week we have welcomed back John Michaels, the owner of Indiana Firearms Training in Huntington. He has dedicated his life to teaching the SAFE, CORRECT, and RESPONSIBLE use of all firearms. 

From basic to practical and tactical classes, at[...]

When it comes to firearms, safety and training are paramount. That is why John Michaels, the owner of Indiana Firearms Training in Huntington, has dedicated his life to teaching the SAFE, CORRECT, and RESPONSIBLE use of all firearms. 

From[...]

When it comes to firearms, safety and training are paramount. That is why John Michaels, the owner of Indiana Firearms Training in Huntington, has dedicated his life to teaching the SAFE, CORRECT, and RESPONSIBLE use of all firearms. 

From[...]

As the summer months are quickly approaching it is important to note that its not all about backyard BBQ’s, visits to the lake and outdoor concerts. Summer months are some of the deadliest months for people traveling on the road. A[...]

As the summer months are quickly approaching it is important to note that its not all about backyard BBQ’s, visits to the lake and outdoor concerts. Summer months are some of the deadliest months for people traveling on the road. A[...]

National Police Week occurs every May 15th. It became a national holiday back in 1962, when President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Police Week. Every year the President delivers the keynote address. This year, that did not happen. 

See

The Fort Wayne Police Department Bike Patrol Unit was formally created in 2013. At that time officers patrolled the downtown area on bicycles and Segways during the warmer months. In 2019, the Unit implemented a year-round program the downtown[...]

Many communities across the country are trying to come up with solutions to curb homelessness. Often times, community members tend to think it is the role of law enforcement to address rampant homelessness, but that is not the case. Here[...]

It seems like every other news cycle there is a story that pops up about imposter police officers trying to lure people, particularly women, during "traffic stops." If you are pulled over and something doesn't feel right, there are multiple[...]

These days more and more of us are spending extended periods of time online and on social media. Drug dealers are no exception. Drug dealers are going digital and have figured out how to exploit the internet to peddle drugs,[...]

When it comes to different positions within law enforcment, promotions and rankings don't operate like your typical career. When it comes to the Fort Wayne Police Department and many law enforcement organizations, positions sound more like military positions and rankings[...]

Since 2011 Procedural Justice has been a positive movement when it comes to how the community perceives the Fort Wayne Police Department in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Procedural Justice is the idea of fairness in the processes of resolving disputes involving[...]

There is much debate over weed and whether or not it is a gateway drug. There is also much debate over whether or not it should be legalized. Today we get the perspective of a law enforcement officer who has[...]

We all say, "It will never happen to my kid." Yet, we hear stories all to often about children overdosing on drugs. The reality is we live in an age where Americans are quick to look for ways[...]

Using a drone as a first responder is not an entirely new concept, but it is a relatively new program for the Fort Wayne Police Department. Despite public misconception, the drones will not be used for surveillance or random[...]

Officers have been making a lot of headlines lately for excessive use of force. Particularly in Memphis, Missouri and Michigan. So when is use of force justified? And what kind of punishment does a Police Officer face[...]

Police Chaplaincy is a ministry of compassion, presence, and prayer set within the dangerous world of law enforcement.  12 active chaplains currently volunteer their assistance. Police Chaplains serve the officers and civilian personnel of the Fort Wayne Police[...]

Whether we admit it or not, we have all gone over the speed limit a time or two. For some of us unlucky ones, we have received multiple tickets for our transgressions and yet, we have all been let off[...]

Being a coroner is often not a profession that many people talk about and though it may be a challenging job, someone has to do it. Some days include crime scene investigations with other days are spent reviewing documents and[...]

Ever since the release of Paul Pelosi's dispatch call, it seems there are more questions than answers regarding what led up to the heinous attack that occurred inside his San Francisco home.  

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Have you ever wondered what happens to a body after a person dies? Body farms have a lot of answers to that question. Only a handful of states have body farms, but the ones that do, also have a subset[...]

When it comes to policing, "pursuit reviews" are not often a topic that comes to mind. However, pursuit reviews are one of the many administrative duties that leaders within police departments need to conduct. Pursuit reviews ensure officers are following[...]

Despite a lot of challenges and unpredictable events taking place in 2022, there is still a lot to look forward to as we start to walk into 2023.

Fort Wayne Police Chief Steve Reed is back[...]

2022 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 2022.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy[...]

'Tis the season for holiday crimes. Every year the holiday season sees an increase in robberies, thefts, scams, and incidents involving impaired driving. 

To try and keep this uptick in crime from stealing your holiday cheer[...]

The legalization of marijuana continues to be a hot topic as we recently saw the President pardon thousands of folks with federal marijuana possession charges. Because this topic tends to be controversial we are sticking with our "Pot Talk" series. 

The legalization of marijuana is a hot topic as we recently saw the President pardon thousands of folks with federal marijuana possession charges. Because this topic tends to be controversial we are continuing our "Pot Talk" series. 

When it comes[...]

The legalization of marijuana is a hot topic as we recently saw the President pardon thousands of folks with federal marijuana possession charges. Because this topic tends to be controversial we are continuing our "Pot Talk" series. 

When it comes[...]

The legalization of marijuana is a hot topic as we recently saw the President pardon people with federal marijuana possession charges. Because this topic tends to be controversial we are kicking off a brand new series called "Pot Talk." 

When[...]

The legalization of marijuana is a hot topic as we recently saw the President pardon people with federal marijuana possession charges. Because this topic tends to be controversial we are kicking off a brand new series called "Pot Talk." 

When[...]

Everyone meet Tinsley. He is the newest addition to the Fort Wayne Police Department’s Officer Wellness and Community Relations Programs. The therapy dog program has taken about three years for the FWPD to complete, but having the right dog,[...]

Across the country new laws go into effect every year. Here in Indiana, new laws go into effect every July. With the new laws, comes the need for law enforcement to learn how they work. Learning how they work requires[...]

One big impact of the defend the police movement has been the growing lack of respect for police. Unfortunately this rhetoric is giving police officers a negative connotation in much of American society. 

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Plain and simple, police departments across the county cannot afford soft-on-crime policies. As more and more states move toward some of these polices, like Illinois, police officers are finding that leniency only makes criminals more dangerous and civilians less[...]

In honor of National Police Woman Day on September 12th, today is all about women in policing. 

Women make up just 12% of the law enforcement officers in the country and 3% of police leadership. In an effort to[...]

The DEA is attempting to bring awareness to a new drug called “rainbow fentanyl” or rainbow “fent.” As kids are returning back to school, the DEA wants parents to know this drug is being disguised to look like Flintstone vitamins,[...]

Guns and knives are in a lot of homes. They also seem to make their way into a lot of schools and unfortunately both can present very real dangers to our kids. Whether you own one of these weapons or[...]

It is estimated that between 15,000 and 50,000 women and children are forced into sexual slavery in the United States every year. That number varies widely as it is very difficult to research. However, what we do know is that[...]

As back to school season is upon us, getting our kiddos back to school safely, should be the number one priority. Cross guards are essential to ensuring that happens. Currently there is a crossing guard shortage plaguing many communities around[...]

The recent death of Elwood Police Officer, Noah Shahnavaz, has a lot of folks questioning: “How can we better protect our men and women in blue?”

24-year-old Officer Shahanavaz was shot and killed during a “routine” traffic stop in Madison[...]

"Experience is wisdom." That is the valuable lesson Sofia Rosales-Scatena, Captain with the Fort Wayne Police Department and one of your hosts here on Unholstered, learned recently while getting tactical training in Montana. 

Sofia recently shipped out for a[...]