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Policing in the Age of Viral Video - Power, Perception, and Trust

Policing in the Age of Viral Video - Power, Perception, and Trust

Author: Citizens Behind the Badge January 28, 2026 Duration: 57:52
Heroes Behind the Badge
NewsCultureGovernmentSocietySociety & Culture

In this episode of Heroes Behind the Badge, we sit down with Rich Stanek for a candid conversation about policing in the age of viral video—and what happens when the same footage produces radically different interpretations.

  • This is not a breakdown of one incident.
  • It’s a discussion about power, perception, and trust.
  • Why do viral videos shape public opinion so quickly?
  • How do leaders respond when emotion, politics, and public pressure collide?
  • And what gets lost when nuance disappears from the conversation?

Rich shares his perspective on responsibility, leadership, and the difficulty of thinking clearly in moments charged with emotion. The conversation moves deliberately, leaving space for uncertainty instead of easy answers.

Learn more or get involved: https://citizensbehindthebadge.org

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Heroes Behind the Badge is a podcast that brings you the untold stories of America's law enforcement community, from the front lines to the final call. Guided by Craig Floyd, who spent 34 years working alongside police officers across the nation, and joined by veteran facilitator Dennis Collins and law enforcement expert Bill Erfurth, the show cuts through misconceptions and focuses on the real people behind the badge. In each episode, listeners can expect candid conversations, hard-earned insights, and powerful moments that highlight service, sacrifice, and the realities of the job. If you want to listen episodes that go beyond headlines and hear stories shaped by experience and respect, Heroes Behind the Badge by {author} offers a clear, grounded perspective on the law enforcement community.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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