APB American Police Beat

Cops aren’t typically known for their proactive approach to their mental health. They often wait for a crisis to erupt before seeking help, or they struggle and suffer in silence. […]

Dwight Eisenhower and soft power Joseph S. Nye, the author of The Powers to Lead, argues that soft power rests on getting results using influence, so that others want to […]

It’s strange seeing so much violence and death, and so much violent death, so regularly, especially being away from any war zone. That’s not even factoring in the constant natural […]

How many times do you regret not communicating with another colleague or agency, failing to acknowledge the accomplishments or significant events of others, not providing condolences at the passing of […]

When it comes to saving lives and keeping New Mexicans safe, what could be more important than certified and experienced law enforcement officers? It’s so critical that the New Mexico […]

In my nearly 47 years in law enforcement, I have seen numerous women who were pursued by a jealous suitor, an ex-husband or an unknown stalker. Those men would make […]

Recruitment and retention aren’t just administrative headaches anymore — they’re operational survival. Across America, more than 18,000 law enforcement agencies are fighting a common battle — not against crime, but […]

Earlier in the year, I noticed more people than ever were using roller duffel bags while traveling to the 2025 SHOT Show. When I got to SHOT, I continued seeing […]

Dave, I need to give you a heads-up.” It was Saturday, September 13, and I was on the horn with the Chief. He had my attention. I mean, when the […]

Uniformed patrol can be a thankless job, but many cops find that the occasional dose of adventure makes it worthwhile. In Watertown, South Dakota, a couple of officers stepped into […]

The rookie of today faces a host of challenges that weren’t necessarily present for their forebears. Body cameras, activist groups and ever-present cellphone cameras make for an especially challenging career […]

On November 5, Texas law enforcement officers took Bobby Michael Dennis into custody on charges of attempted capital murder of a peace officer, interference with a police service animal and […]

In recent years, police officer wellness has rightfully taken center stage in conversations about reform, retention and leadership. Much of this attention has focused on the mental health crisis within […]

On December 22, 1980, 6-year-old Brian Perry and his younger sister were at their grandmother’s house with their mother, busy with holiday preparations. Brian and his sister were filled with […]

Engaged in a foot pursuit of an alleged shoplifter, Slidell, Louisiana, Police Sergeant Jeff Kahrs caught a ride from an unexpected source — a 46-year-old preschool teacher. The November 1 […]

NYPD 32nd Precinct Officers Wilmer Guerrero, Ankit Gupta and Shuaibul Amine are being hailed as heroes after saving a 16-year-old who jumped into the Harlem River in an attempt to […]

In a dramatic incident captured on dashcam video, a Maine police officer recently saved the life of a woman who was preparing to jump off a bridge into the Androscoggin […]

“Our first responders are uniquely strong, brave, and emotionally flexible. They are called upon to support us on the worst days of our lives. They hear and see things that […]

The profession is telling us that wellness is a real operational issue. In Police1’s 2024 “What Cops Want” research, 83% of officers said their mental health affects their work, with […]

by Sherri Martin, MA, LPCA Editor’s note: This article is reprinted with permission from the September 2025 issue of the FOP Journal, the official publication of the National Fraternal Order […]