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.)

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About the Podcast

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!

About your host

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.