The CopDoc Podcast: Aiming for Excellence in Leadership Chief Jeremy Story: Building Leaders, Telling Stories, and Changing Policing in Las Cruces, New Mexico
Season 9 - Episode 166 - The CopDoc Podcast
What does it take to lead a police department through tragedy, transformation, and tremendous change? Chief Jeremy Story of the Las Cruces Police Department in New Mexico knows firsthand.
A Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq, Jeremy joined policing in 2007 after choosing family over a military career. He rose through the ranks touching nearly every division—SWAT commander, K-9 handler, gang unit sergeant, training director, and deputy chief—before becoming chief at a younger age than he expected.
In this powerful conversation, Chief Story talks about:
Leadership That Teaches: How he runs a command staff book club (yes, really) and why teaching is a critical part of being a chief
The Toughest Year: Losing the department's first officer in the line of duty in 96 years, then losing their first officer to suicide two months later—and what they learned about officer wellness
Evidence-Based Policing: Implementing stratified policing to make proactive work as normal as answering 911 calls
Training Investment: Why he sent a patrol officer to a three-week leadership course and how the department nearly doubled the state's required academy hours
Telling the Story: Speaking to hostile crowds, correcting false narratives, and why chiefs must educate the public
Humility & Vulnerability: Sharing his biggest mistake with academy recruits and why admitting failures builds trust
Preparing the Next Generation: How Las Cruces PD rotates officers through specialized units for a month to prepare them for promotion
Civilianization Done Right: Using civilians for everything that doesn't require a badge—and why their legal advisor and former news anchor PIO are game-changers
Chief Story is direct, thoughtful, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. He's a thought leader who believes the majority is rational—if you give them the right information. He's building something special in the New Mexico desert.
Whether you're a new supervisor, a seasoned chief, or someone considering a career in law enforcement, this episode offers invaluable lessons on leadership, resilience, and what it really takes to be a police chief in 2026.
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If you'd like to arrange for facilitated training, or consulting, or talk about steps you might take to improve your leadership and help in your quest for promotion, contact Steve at stephen.morreale@gmail.com