Editor-in-Chief of @PoliceOne and @CorrectionsOne, content creator, amateur photographer, UK expat.
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Articles by Nancy Perry
NRTCCA 2026 Quick Take: What Miami Beach learned in its first year operating an RTCC
PHOENIX — Miami Beach Police Department’s Real Time Intelligence Center opened March 10, 2025, in the middle of spring break. For a city that hosts roughly 185 to 190 special events a year and can grow from about 90,000 full-time residents to nearly 250,000 people on busy weekends, it was not the quietest possible launch. At the National Real Time Crime Center Association (NRTCCA) conference, Miami Beach Police Lt. Raymond Diaz described what the department learned during the center’s first year.
NRTCCA 2026 Quick Take: Building an RTCC that matters
PHOENIX — A real-time crime center’s value is not determined by its size, budget or number of screens. It is determined by whether the center solves clearly defined operational problems and consistently helps officers, investigators and dispatchers work more effectively.
NRTCCA 2026 Quick Take: 8 priorities for new RTCC supervisors
PHOENIX — Real-time crime center supervisors must manage far more than technology. They lead analysts and operators, coordinate with dispatch and patrol, manage command staff expectations, and ensure the information leaving the center is accurate and actionable. During a first-time supervisor session at this year’s National Real Time Crime Center Association (NRTCCA) conference, leaders from four Arizona agencies shared lessons for people taking on that responsibility.
What one chief would say over a cup of coffee about leadership
What does good police leadership actually look like today? That’s the question Chief Tom Wetzel set out to answer in his book, “A Cop and a Coffee Cup.” Written in a conversational, experience-driven style, the book lays out practical lessons on supervision, trust, discipline and officer wellness — the kind often shared informally between veteran officers and those stepping into leadership roles.
'The future of policing starts with you': Police recruitment video turns childhood dreams into a call to serve
Editor’s note: We recently announced the winner of Police1’s top police recruitment videos of 2025, but there are so many creative and impactful police recruitment strategies to highlight that we’ve decided to keep the momentum going. This ongoing series is designed to celebrate best practices in police recruitment campaigns and provide police departments with police recruitment video ideas. Across the country, agencies are rethinking how they tell their recruitment stories.
The women’s guide to networking in policing: How to build connections that count
For women in law enforcement, success is rarely achieved alone. Having the right people in your corner — mentors, sponsors, allies and professional peers — can make the difference between surviving in the profession and thriving as a leader. Networking isn’t about collecting contacts. It’s about intentionally building relationships that support your growth, amplify your voice and open doors to opportunity. Here’s a six-step guide to effective networking.
Calling for real stories from the street
When “The silence after the badge: A sergeant’s blunt truth about retirement” ran on Police1, it struck a nerve across the profession. Written by Sergeant Sean Fuerstenberg, the essay wasn’t about tactics, training or policy. It was about what happens to the person behind the badge — the loss of identity, the silence and the realization that the job moves on without you. It became one of our most-shared stories of the year because it was honest, human and unfiltered.
IACP 2025 Quick Take: Fixing institutional betrayal in policing
When officers feel blindsided by decisions, shut out of communication or left without closure, the damage runs deeper than frustration — it can feel like betrayal. Not from the public or the press, but from within their own agency.
IACP 2025 Quick Take: Using AI in candidate selection, promotions and annual reviews
Recruiting, promoting and evaluating officers has long challenged police leaders. At IACP 2025, chiefs and researchers shared how artificial intelligence is helping them do it faster, fairer and with clearer feedback.
IACP 2025 Quick Take: How Taylor Swift helped the Toronto Police Service go viral — and recruit women
DENVER — During Taylor Swift’s 2024 Eras Tour stops in Toronto, the Toronto Police Service (TPS) did more than manage crowd control. They created a viral community engagement moment that connected officers and fans in a way no campaign or budget could have planned. What began as a creative idea from a newly hired “Swifty” staffer — giving officers friendship bracelets to trade with fans — became a global sensation.
IACP 2025 Quick Take: How three agencies are scaling Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs
DENVER — At IACP 2025, a full house heard how Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs are reshaping police operations, staffing and community engagement. Three departments — Redmond, Washington; San Francisco, California; and Lakewood, Colorado — shared how they built and scaled real-world programs that are redefining what “first on scene” means for law enforcement.
Tech that’s speeding policing: Insights from the Motorola Solutions Summit 2025
Technologies that once sounded futuristic — drones that launch on a 911 call, body-worn cameras that double as AI voice assistants, dashboards that stream school cameras and panic alerts into dispatch — are already reshaping day-to-day policing. Those innovations were front and center at Motorola Solutions Summit 2025, the company’s annual user conference in Grapevine, Texas.
Policing podcast profiles: ‘On Being a Police Officer’ podcast shares the raw truth behind the badge
When Abby Ellsworth launched “On Being a Police Officer” in 2020, her goal was to give law enforcement professionals a national platform to share real stories from the field. With a background in creating training and recruiting videos, and years of interviewing officers in Washington state, Ellsworth felt compelled to do more as she watched the profession come under attack.
Menomonee Falls Police Department: The recruitment video giving future officers goosebumps
Welcome to the second installment of a new feature on Police1, where we shine a spotlight on standout police recruitment videos. We recently announced the winner of Police1’s top police recruitment videos of 2024, but there are so many creative and impactful police recruitment strategies to highlight that we’ve decided to keep the momentum going.
'Prepare for the role you want long before it becomes available': Chief Tracy Avelar on career growth for women in law enforcement
Editor’s note: This feature is part of Police1’s eBook, “Elevating women in law enforcement: Strategies for professional growth and career development.” Download the eBook here. Tracy Avelar was appointed chief of police for the Foster City Police Department in 2019, having served in every rank within the department since joining as a police recruit in 2002.
‘Serve with integrity’: Chief Stacey Graves on career growth and advancing women in policing
Editor’s note: This feature is part of Police1’s eBook, “Elevating women in law enforcement: Strategies for professional growth and career development.” Download the eBook here. Chief Stacey Graves began her career at the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) in 1997 as a civilian records clerk. After joining the police academy in December 1997, she held multiple assignments as a police officer. On December 15, 2022, twenty-five years after starting the academy, Graves was selected as chief.
'Challenges are opportunities': Chief Rachel Tolber’s advice for women in law enforcement
Editor’s note: This feature is part of Police1’s eBook, “Elevating women in law enforcement: Strategies for professional growth and career development.” Download the eBook here. Rachel Tolber was appointed chief of police for the Redlands Police Department in June 2023. She began her law enforcement career as a student intern with the Redlands Police Department in 1997, performing as a research assistant. In 1998, the department hired her as a police officer.
Considerations for police departments setting up a real time crime center
RTCCs offer a centralized hub for the collection, analysis and dissemination of real-time data, enabling police departments to respond more efficiently to crimes and emergencies. However, establishing an RTCC is a complex process that requires careful planning and consideration. This article explores the key considerations for police departments when setting up an RTCC, focusing on technological infrastructure, personnel, legal and ethical concerns, funding, and community engagement.
Optimizing real time crime centers: A Q&A with Lt. Justin Elliott
Spokane County is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational activities, and rich local culture, however, the area is unfortunately fighting a higher crime rate than the national average. This is why the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office launched a Real Time Crime Center (RTCC). Lieutenant Justin Elliott has served at the Sheriff’s Office in Spokane County, Washington since 2005.
Policing podcast profiles: The Blue Grit Radio podcast is building better cops for a better community
When Police1 columnist Eric Tung launched Blue Grit Radio, it wasn’t just about creating another law enforcement podcast — it was about impact. What started as a blog and social media effort to support first responders through leadership, fitness and wellness advice soon evolved into something bigger: a platform for meaningful, unfiltered conversations about the realities of policing.
Up close: Oracle transforms Tesla Cybertruck into law enforcement command center
BOSTON — For three days in mid-October thousands of police leaders gathered at the annual International Association of Chiefs of Police conference to learn from subject matter experts, network with colleagues from around the world and research thousands of product solutions on display.
30x30 success stories unveiled at IACP as police leaders expand opportunities for women in policing
BOSTON — For more than three years, the 30x30 Initiative has partnered with police agencies across the United States to foster meaningful change for women in law enforcement. By developing evidence-based strategies, the initiative aims to increase the representation of women in policing and create environments where they can thrive and advance.
IACP 2024 Quick Take: How the Rapid City Police Department turned the tide on recruitment and retention
BOSTON — At the beginning of 2023, the Rapid City Police Department (RCPD) in South Dakota was grappling with 35 vacancies in a force of fewer than 150 officers. By year’s end, the number of vacancies had been reduced to just eight. This remarkable turnaround was made possible through a combination of federal grant funding, strategic support from city leaders, and innovative internal practices aimed at increasing officer morale and reducing turnover.
IACP 2024 Quick Take: Why ‘green labs’ should be incorporated into impaired driver training
BOSTON — As more states legalize cannabis for medicinal and recreational use, law enforcement faces increasing challenges with drug-impaired driving. Officers often struggle to detect cannabis-related impairment on the road due to limited research and training. To address this, the Montgomery County (Maryland) Police Department developed “green labs” training to provide officers with essential skills to confidently assess impairment and make sound arrest decisions.
5 ways to solve a cold case
Roughly 40% of the homicides that occurred in the U.S. from 1980 to 2016 – an estimated 242,000 – remain unsolved. Agencies must decide how they will address the growing problem of unresolved criminal cases, which also include missing persons, sexual assaults and other violent crimes.
How D.C. police launched a real time crime center in 8 months
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — On April 8, 2024, the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) unveiled its new real-time crime center to aid investigations and support officers during critical incidents. The establishment of the real time crime center (RTCC) was a significant milestone in enhancing public safety through technology and collaboration. This initiative was driven by the urgent need to address rising crime rates amid a historic low in the number of sworn MPD officers.
8 steps to effectively market your real time crime center
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz — Real time crime centers (RTCCs) have become an essential tool for modern law enforcement agencies, enabling rapid response and informed decision-making in critical situations. However, for these centers to operate at their full potential, both internal stakeholders and the broader community must understand and support their mission.
Roundtable: How to develop a winning opening statement
An opening statement during an oral board interview gives police promotional candidates an opportunity to summarize their police career to date, outline their strengths and accomplishments, and detail why they want to work at that specific department. We asked Police1 columnists and contributors what advice they would give a police promotional candidate on developing a winning opening statement.
Wellness program offers two-week sabbatical to allow officers to access professional counseling
In a pioneering move to support the mental well-being of its police force, the Berea (Kentucky) Police Department has announced the introduction of a counseling program aimed at helping officers manage the stress and challenges inherent to their profession. This initiative seeks to mitigate the personal and professional impacts of job-related stress, potentially reducing turnover and enhancing public safety.
How a light therapy program is illuminating the path to improved officer health
In an era where wellness and workplace health are increasingly becoming focal points of organizational strategies, a Colorado police department is taking innovative steps to ensure the well-being of its staff. The Castle Rock Police Department has unveiled a light therapy program aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by its workforce, particularly those working night shifts or in environments with limited natural light.
Predictive analytics: Identifying risk factors and targeting resources in community corrections
Editor’s note: This feature is part of Corrections1’s digital edition, “Advancing community corrections: Using technology to improve case management.” Click here to download. Community corrections, an integral part of the criminal justice system, faces the challenge of managing limited resources while ensuring public safety and offender rehabilitation. Predictive analytics can play a transformative role in addressing these challenges.
A look back at Police1 content in 2023
Throughout 2023, the primary challenge facing law enforcement continued to be recruitment. This year, our coverage highlighted not only the ongoing difficulties in attracting new officers and retaining existing staff but also the broader implications of these staffing issues. Law enforcement agencies have been grappling with the effects of understaffing, including overburdened officers, budget overruns due to excessive overtime, and in extreme cases, the suspension of certain patrols.
Nancy Perry
Nancy Perry is Director of Content, LE & Corrections, responsible for defining original editorial content, tracking industry trends, managing expert contributors and leading the execution of special coverage efforts. Prior to joining Lexipol in 2017, Nancy served as an editor for emergency medical services publications and communities for 22 years, during which she received a Jesse H. Neal award. In 2022, she was honored with the prestigious G.D. Crain Award at the annual Jesse H.
Land the job: Preparing your resume for a chief’s position
Nancy Perry is Editor-in-Chief of Police1 and Corrections1, responsible for defining original editorial content, tracking industry trends, managing expert contributors and leading the execution of special coverage efforts. Prior to joining Lexipol in 2017, Nancy served as an editor for emergency medical services publications and communities for 22 years, during which she received a Jesse H. Neal award.
IACP 2023: Making the knowledge of one the knowledge of all
If there is one certainty about any conference where Gordon Graham is speaking, it is that you are going to need a bigger room. That was definitely the case at this year’s International Association of Chiefs of Police conference where there was standing room only for Gordon’s presentation on the importance of knowledge sharing.
IACP2023: Making the knowledge of one the knowledge of all
If there is one certainty about any conference where Gordon Graham is speaking, it is that you are going to need a bigger room. That was definitely the case at this year’s International Association of Chiefs of Police conference where there was standing room only for Gordon’s presentation on the importance of knowledge sharing.
IACP 2023: The impact of sextortion on a family, community and small-town police department
SAN DIEGO — Within 19 and a half hours of being targeted by online predators, 17-year-old James Woods died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Unfortunately, James’ story is not an isolated incident. That is the message his courageous parents, Tamia and Tim Woods, hoped to convey during a presentation at IACP 2023.
IACP 2023: Why research should be informing police practices
Nancy Perry is Editor-in-Chief of Police1 and Corrections1, responsible for defining original editorial content, tracking industry trends, managing expert contributors and leading the execution of special coverage efforts. Prior to joining Lexipol in 2017, Nancy served as an editor for emergency medical services publications and communities for 22 years, during which she received a Jesse H. Neal award.
The top articles, podcasts and content posted on Police1 in 2022
Nancy Perry is Editor-in-Chief of Police1 and Corrections1, responsible for defining original editorial content, tracking industry trends, managing expert contributors and leading execution of special coverage efforts. Prior to joining Lexipol in 2017, Nancy served as an editor for emergency medical services publications and communities for 22 years, during which she received a Jesse H. Neal award.
IACP 2022: Current trends in new station construction and renovation projects
Nancy Perry is Editor-in-Chief of Police1 and Corrections1, responsible for defining original editorial content, tracking industry trends, managing expert contributors and leading execution of special coverage efforts. Prior to joining Lexipol in 2017, Nancy served as an editor for emergency medical services publications and communities for 22 years, during which she received a Jesse H. Neal award.
IACP 2022: The benefits of employing social workers in your law enforcement agency
Nancy Perry is Editor-in-Chief of Police1 and Corrections1, responsible for defining original editorial content, tracking industry trends, managing expert contributors and leading execution of special coverage efforts. Prior to joining Lexipol in 2017, Nancy served as an editor for emergency medical services publications and communities for 22 years, during which she received a Jesse H. Neal award.
Research: The operationalization of bodycam data
Nancy Perry is Editor-in-Chief of Police1 and Corrections1, responsible for defining original editorial content, tracking industry trends, managing expert contributors and leading execution of special coverage efforts. Prior to joining Lexipol in 2017, Nancy served as an editor for emergency medical services publications and communities for 22 years, during which she received a Jesse H. Neal award.
Time is running out to protect our equine athletes
In a few short weeks, Triple Crown season’s starting gates will spring open, and the country will once again turn its focus to the world of horse racing. This spring tradition highlights horses with incredible athletic abilities and many Americans will be watching and hoping for a safe and thrilling outcome. Equally unifying is the sentiment from the public that these incredible equine athletes be protected both on and off the track.
Roundtable: Predicting the future of police recruitment and retention
Experts interpret the results of Police1's State of the Industry survey and implications for the future law enforcement workforce This feature is part of Police1's Digital Edition, What cops want in 2021, which provides a summary and analysis of the results of Police1's State of the Industry survey of 4,000 officers about police reform, recruitment and more. Download the complete report here.
Police research: The impact of housing costs and availability on LEOs
Two-thirds of survey respondents said high housing costs are making it more difficult to recruit new officers Are housing costs impacting the ability of your agency to hire new officers? Have officers left your agency because they couldn't find acceptable housing?
Police research: 1,000 cops address non-compliance during traffic stops
Read about cops’ concerns regarding traffic stop safety, training and tactics Traffic stops and vehicle contacts put police officers at a tactical disadvantage, with officer safety further compromised when faced with non-compliant drivers. To better understand officers’ experiences, perceptions, training and tactics for non-compliance during traffic stops, Police1 surveyed more than 1,000 patrol officers. To view the complete results, fill out the form below to download the survey.
Charlotte PD's transparency workshop educates the community
How a transparency workshop provides Charlotte residents insight into the complexities of policing Since 2017, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) has been offering transparency workshops for community members. These three-day events give community members an inside understanding of CMPD's processes, services and operations. Shaun Ward, D. Mgt., currently oversees CMPD’s transparency workshops.
Roundtable: Mistakes to avoid during your police promotion oral interview
By Nancy Perry Participating in a police promotion oral interview may be one of the most stressful experiences in a cop’s career. Without proper preparation, nerves can cause you to fall victim to some classic interview mistakes. In this roundtable, we asked Police1 columnists and subject matter experts to list the biggest mistakes officers make in promotional interviews and strategies for avoiding such errors. If you were recently promoted, what helped you have a winning interview?
Police officer opinions on banning thin blue line imagery
We received dozens of emails from readers in response to recent news that police chiefs were removing thin blue line imagery from their departments Following news that two agencies had removed thin blue line imagery from their departments following community criticism, we asked Police1 columnists Jim Dudley and Joel Shults to debate the issue.
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