Episode 70

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Published on:

4th Apr 2025

Ep. 69 - LAPD Lt. Jeff Wenninger (ret) – Rodney King Riots; rebuilding the Gang CRASH Unit following Rampart Scandal; the importance of leadership and training.

Ep. 69 - LAPD Lt. Jeff Wenninger (ret) – Rodney King Riots; Rampart Scandal and rebuilding the Gang CRASH Unit through leadership and teamwork. Jeff Wenninger is a retired LAPD lieutenant with more than 30 years in law enforcement. He started with L.A. County Sheriff in 1991 and was on patrol during the Rodney King riots.

He later lateralled to LAPD in 1993 and went on to work with some of the most highly-trained units, including the Metropolitan Division which encompasses SWAT, K9, high risk warrants, bank stakeouts, and more. The areas of focus over his career have included crowd management, high risk tactical operations, and dignitary protection. As sergeant, he was handpicked as the officer in charge of the Rampart Gang Enforcement detail following the Rampart Scandal in the late 90s, during which he implemented best practices in adherence to the DOJ consent decree. As sergeant and later as lieutenant, Jeff was the officer in charge of the Force Investigation Division and oversaw investigations of lethal force and other significant applications of force. Jeff's work earned him prestigious awards including the LAPD Medal of Valor, Police Star, and Meritorious Unit Citation.

Jeff is the founder and CEO of Law Enforcement Consultants, LLC.  He currently lives in Cleveland, Ohio with his son. And he is working on a book called “On Thin Ice” that will be published on May 6. His goal is to align police methods with societal expectations, improve public trust and enhance police training.

Thank you, Jeff!

You can find Jeff:

LinkedIn

LEO Roundtable

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On Being a Police Officer
An inside look at law enforcement through a civilian’s interviews.
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!

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Abby Ellsworth

I am a civilian interviewing law enforcement from around the country. My goal is to tell the real stories of LE, the ones that don't make the news.