On Being a Police Officer
Abby Ellsworth
An inside look at law enforcement through a civilian’s interviews. These are stories of police told by officers themselves. They talk frankly about what it’s like to be a cop in these tough times, what drew them to the job, and what the people they serve don’t know about the challenges of their work. It’s a view from the front lines and some very personal and emotional stories, especially about why each of these officers chose to serve. I draw on my 14 years of interviewing, filming and photographing police officers – and many ride-alongs!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 20, 2020 • 21min
Ep. 4 A citizen's heartfelt thank you to Seattle PD and all law enforcement.
A Seattle citizen sends a very personal message of thanks to the Seattle Police officers who saved his life after a drive-by shooting two years ago this month. He tells his story not only to share his gratitude for all law enforcement, but also to help others see the good that officers do, the stories that don’t make news. As you will hear, he also is raising funds for two groups: YMCA’s Alive and Free Violence Prevention program to reduce gang violence, and The Seattle Police Foundation, a non-profit that helps fund needed training, equipment and community outreach for the Seattle Police Department. He also shares his tips on how fellow citizens can take a moment to show their thanks to law enforcement. If you’re an officer or related to someone is, you will be uplifted by Zach’s story and his message.
Oct 10, 2020 • 21min
Ep. 3 Former Seattle Police Officer reflects on 40 years in LE and the issues we face today
Ep. 3 Former Seattle Police Officer looks back at 40-year career; his experience as a Black man in life and in law enforcement; the issues facing society and LE today; why he became a police officer, the people he remembers and the rewards of the job.
Sep 23, 2020 • 25min
Ep. 2 Chief from PNW shares unique views and solutions, and the heroic things cops do
Chief from a Pacific NW agency shares his views on steps law enforcement can take to win back public trust. We discuss bias and de-escalation training and how the best-trained officers are the least likely to use force; and we look at the viability of the co-responder model. He talks about how the Rodney King incident nearly caused him to leave the profession and his reaction to George Floyd. He details a solution-oriented program he created to bring officers and youth together in a positive environment. And he reflects on the heroic things officers do every day and the fundamental commitment to sanctity of human life.
Sep 16, 2020 • 31min
Seattle Police lose their Chief; a sergeant reacts to this, the riots in Seattle and tells us why he’s a cop.
Ep. 1 Seattle TV reporter Linda Byron shares the significance of the Seattle Police Department’s loss of its first Black female police Chief when Carmen Best suddenly resigns. (6:15 min). An SPD sergeant reacts to Best's news, to the murder of George Floyd, and he describes what it’s like on the front lines of the riots that have plagued the city for weeks. He reflects on hope for law enforcement, the lives he’s touched while being a police officer, and why it's still a rewarding career. (23:30 min.)
Sep 16, 2020 • 2min
Trailer - the questions I ask of officers and why
We all have feelings about cops. Here's a short trailer on why I'm asking questions and telling their stories, the stories that you don't see in the news..
