The Citizens Police Academy brings about valuable relationship building when citizens can actually see behind the scenes of police work in the community and officers gain insight into how the citizens they serve are interested and engaged in public safety. Officers Cabral and Aguirre discuss the program and the participant activities. They also discuss the specialized academies aimed at teens and Spanish-speakers.

Marietta Police Department Wellness Officer Jonnie Moeller-Reed explains that while it's difficult enough to recruit someone willing to devote themselves to public service and to wear a gun every day, additional effort and resources need to go toward keeping officers healthy and mentally well. Officer Moeller-Reed developed the Wellness Officer role when she witnessed the need firsthand working for more than 20 years in law enforcement.

Housing intervention is a lengthy and expensive endeavor and Melanie Kagan discusses its importance to safe communities as well as CFR’s partnership with law enforcement to measure the homeless population.

Charitable Bonds" have more people thinking about bail and the role it plays in the criminal Justice system, so Mike Whitlock hopes common sense is making a comeback as it relates to cash bonds.

Cobb Sheriff Craig Owens brings his prior law enforcement and military experience to lead the state’s third largest sheriff’s department. A heart for community service has propelled his success with initiatives that benefit kids, families and businesses in Cobb County.

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no, it’s a drone! Sergeant Jeremy Blake with the Cobb County Sheriff's Office discusses the astounding capabilities of their drone program to serve in a first response situation and even deliver medical supplies. He also addresses how drones can be misused by criminals since drone technology is growing faster than legislation to provide regulation in this cutting-edge field.

Did you know that 78% of crashes involving tractor trailers and noncommercial vehicles are caused by the light vehicle? Mike Lutzenkirchen with the Lutzie 43 Foundation visits Back Your Blue to talk about the Safe Driving Summits coming up across the state this new school year, including a summit at Marietta High School. Students are learning safe driving strategies and statistics that even seasoned drivers don’t know.

Greg McNiff, Operational Leader of the Atlanta Police Foundation, explains the role of the Foundation and how it partners with not only the Atlanta Police Department, but also the Mayor, courts and other legal agencies to define cohesive police strategies that will protect the community. Learn about the important At-Promise program and its success in keeping teens and young adults out of the prison system.

Georgia native Ken Howard, Special Agent in Charge with the GBI Gang Task Force, presents eye-opening stats on gang activity in Georgia and the struggles law enforcement agencies encounter when trying to combat these entities and their negative impact on communities. He also talks about concerns at the southern border, the threat of a terror attack in America and practical tips you should remember whenever you are in large meeting areas.

August 10th – Wonder what it's really like to work in the bail bonds industry? Jesse Fellabaum, Director of Operations at A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds, gives insight into the day-to-day activities in the office. He also talks about what makes A 2nd Chance different. At the end of the day, the job is really about helping people, whether it's people needing bail, taking care of their employees or assisting those in need in the community.

Josh Fobes, SCRAM Director of Sales talks about how technologies have changed and improved in monitoring defendants and particularly advancements in mobile applications which allows for a broad spectrum of monitoring options that can be tailored to the individuals risk level. Ultimately , the goal of all defendant monitoring programs is to work to rehabilitate people so they don’t keep coming back to jail.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation Public & Governmental Affairs Director Nelly Miles discusses her background in forensic chemistry and how science is an essential part of solving crimes. Also hear how good communications and building up a “bank of community trust” leads to success working with Georgia’s citizens and other law enforcement entities throughout the state.  

Major Steve Gaynor and Sergeant Randall Finney of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office share how community engagement is key to reaching youth and stopping “repeat customers” in detention is key to building a stronger community. Detainees take part in rehabilitation services including 13 recent GED program graduates at the Cobb Jail.  

Hear a heartfelt and engaging discussion with Dog the Bounty Hunter, where he shares insights into his life, work and faith. The episode delves into Dog’s personal journey that led him to become a bounty hunter. He emphasizes the crucial role of bail bonds in the justice system and the personal accountability they promote.

Investigator Florence Stephenson, of the Cobb County District Attorney Office is a Criminal Investigator for Sexual Violent Crimes, but previously worked as their lead Investigator for White Collar Crime for two years. Inv. Stephenson worked for the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office for 10 years. Currently has been with Cobb County coming up on 12 years. She is a certified officer by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council. Previously, she worked as a Task Force Officer for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as well as the Criminal Investigations (White Collar) Division of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. Inv. Stephenson was a Hostage Negotiator for the Cobb County SWAT Team. Investigator Stephenson has an MBA with a concentration of Public Administration and also obtained a Masters in Philosophy. Currently she is working on completing her PHD in Philosophy of Criminal Justice.

State Representative Devan Seabaugh’s own experience as a paramedic influenced his dedication to ensuring that first responders have access to mental health services. He discusses important new laws to keep communities safer as well as how he came to sponsor HB 451, dubbed the Ashley Wilson Law.    

The Cobb County DUI Court has not only changed hundreds of lives, but it is estimated to have saved more than $2.5 million in costs to the community since it was started in 2008. Program Coordinator Darcy Kamua and Assistant Coordinator Tiffany Jones share some of the highlights of the program that was recently awarded Model Court status because of the exemplary results in behavioral modification. 

A desire to help and treat people how they want to be treated drew Officer Chuck McPhilamy to law enforcement 10 years ago. Now serving as PIO with the Marietta Police Department, he was instrumental in starting the Public Safety Ambassador program – one of the first in Georgia. With 20% to 30% vacancies in law enforcement jobs, the ambassador program brings needed help in the community for situations that don’t require a uniformed police officer.   

Mike Lutzenkirchen carries out his son’s legacy through the Lutzie 43 Foundation by working every day to keep our roads safer by partnering with Georgia DOT to bring Safe Driving Summits to students across the state. While GDOT can engineer safety, human behavior is key to safe driving and the 43 Key Seconds initiative provides simple ways every driver can make a difference.

Bringing the professionalism he gained in the military, Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens was determined that his department would not be the “same old sheriff’s office.” He discusses how a well-trained, educated and diverse workforce reflects the community they serve. Additionally, he explains how mental healthcare remains a top priority and led to Cobb County becoming the first Sheriff’s office with 24-hour mental healthcare.

Believing that “failure is never final,” Sheriff Keybo Taylor brought new ideas when he took office in Gwinnett County. Listening to community concerns allows the sheriff’s office to make purposeful changes and increase community outreach where it’s needed most. Lt. Jenaro Hare joined Sheriff Taylor and Daniel Matalon to discuss some of the upcoming outreach events.

Daniel explains some of the details of the bonding process and discusses A 2nd Chance's commitment to the communities it serves. The trusted family-owned business has been part of the business community for 17 years by providing professional, reliable customer service.

Reconnect helps communities with monitoring solutions for those in the justice system by leveraging technology that builds connections and empowers relationships. Advanced monitoring technologies allow defendants and those coming out of incarceration to rejoin their families and start rebuilding their lives while still being under supervision. 

Victims of human trafficking, a sizable problem in Georgia, don't always identify themselves as victims. From human trafficking in the sex industry to migrant worker exploitation, building rapport with victims is key. Proper law enforcement training along with public awareness are helping victims come forward. 

Believing you should have a mission bigger than yourself, Lance LoRusso has devoted much of his legal career to standing up for first responders. He has represented more than 180 first responders in critical cases and founded the Cobb County Public Safety Foundation along with his wife. Lance discusses challenges law enforcement officers face in the field that can easily be misunderstood in the media.

Generosity and acts of kindness were important to Officer Mitchell Georgiana and Gotcha Covered Blankets honors that spirit following his untimely passing. Donna Georgiana explains the history of Gotcha Covered Blankets and the work it is doing to provide comfort one blanket at a time as well as its mission to bring awareness to the mental health challenges facing law enforcement officers.  Captain Michael shares some of the unique circumstances officers face and the mental toll it takes.

The Sex and human trafficking industry in metro Atlanta has grown to nearly $300 million annually and suburban counties are not immune. Scott Williford discusses problems such as mental health, addiction and homelessness that are contributing factors in trapping people in this cycle. Hear how The Table offers hope and choices to victims of exploitation.

Defense Attorney Thomas Flugum discusses his deep roots in the community and his belief in giving people a second chance. Many factors such as population changes and technology, including monitoring defendants, has brought many changes to the justice system in Atlanta. Thomas explains why there’s no standard way to handle a case.

Captain Darin Hull with the Cobb Police Department heads the Reall Time Crime Center where technology is a first line in fighting crime. He discusses how technology is a big part of the future of policing. Learn more about the “guardrails” in place to use safety technology in an ethical and constitutional manner.

Special Agent in Charge Anita Ivy discusses the GBI Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit and the work it is doing across the state. Tackling the $32 Billion human trafficking industry in Georgia involves law enforcement, prosecutors and community member cooperation. Learn how the public can recognize and help end this crime affecting Atlanta and the entire state.

Jeff Wood and Zachary Hiatt join their fellow Cobb Neighborhood Safety Commission member and Back Your Blue co-host, Daniel Matalon to discuss how the group works to promote safer neighborhoods. Discussions include the how and why for the commission and the numerous safety ordinances and initiatives the group oversees. Hear about the high-priority special programs aimed at youth that are creating results.

Officer David Buchanan, Public Information Officer for the Kennesaw Police Department joins Back Your Blue to talk about essential community engagement for his community. “Unity in the Community” is a theme taken seriously in Kennesaw where officers give back to the community they serve with numerous charitable and public awareness events.

Kim Hill and Barbie Brown stress the importance of community support while sharing heart-felt stories about police officers, their families and the initiatives supported by Blue Thanksgiving, Inc. As co-founder of the group supporting local law enforcement, Hill shares the history of the group and news about important upcoming events and a new initiative supporting mental health for law enforcement.

The weekly radio show, Back Your Blue, highlights special initiatives, criminal justice programs and community events aimed at keeping our communities safer.  Join A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds CEO Daniel Matalon and host Tug Cowart to learn some good news about and from the law enforcement and justice communities. This week will be highlights from interviews with District Attorney of the Cobb Judicial Circuit, Flynn Broady, Criminal Defense Attorney Lawrence Zimmerman and Cobb Public Information Officer, Sgt Jeremy Blake

Flynn Broady became District Attorney of the Cobb Judicial Circuit on Jan. 1, 2021 with a vow to hold violent criminals accountable while restoring nonviolent offenders to productive lives. DA Broady believes wider community engagement, including expanded access to accountability courts and more visible victim advocacy, are essential to that effort. He discusses programs and initiatives that are keeping residents safer including efforts to curb elder fraud and the Reach Program.

Having earned a stellar reputation from decades of successfully representing clients, Lawrence Zimmerman is recognized by clients, peers, and media as an expert in criminal defense matters. He is a trusted news analyst for major news programs including local broadcast news as well as national news publications and programs. He shares thoughts on the partnership between defense attorneys and other players in the criminal justice system as well as some interesting stories from the trenches!

Cobb Public Information Officer, Sgt Jeremy Blake, is a 14-year veteran of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and cofounder of the agency’s Drone Program. He joins Back Your Blue to discuss community engagement efforts and why and how his department makes it a priority. He also discusses the sheriff office’s recently obtained CALEA accreditation and other positive law enforcement happenings in Cobb County.