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


Author: Citizens Behind the Badge January 28, 2026 Duration: 57:52
Podcast episode
Policing in the Age of Viral Video - Power, Perception, and Trust

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.

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