Policing in the Modern Age: Between Constitutional Rights and Real-World Challenges

Two Cops One Donut

Send us a text

What happens when a retired officer with 23 years of experience pulls back the curtain on modern policing? Copville joins us for an unflinching conversation about the realities of law enforcement today, drawing from his extensive career spanning narcotics, SWAT, and real-time crime center operations.
The conversation quickly moves beyond surface-level police talk as Copville shares his journey from a small Florida police department to navigating the complex political landscape of larger agencies. His candid assessment of police leadership resonates deeply: "Once you reach a certain level, you get so disconnected from what's actually going on in the street." This disconnect, he argues, leads to policies created by those who haven't worked patrol in decades yet make life-or-death decisions affecting officers and citizens alike.
We dive into technological advancements changing modern policing, particularly real-time crime centers that provide critical information to officers in the field. Yet Copville reminds us that technology alone can't solve the fundamental challenges facing law enforcement. When discussing controversial body camera footage, he offers nuanced analysis that neither blindly defends nor broadly condemns officer actions, instead asking: "If you can't handle a First Amendment auditor with a phone, how are you going to handle a real stressful situation?"
Perhaps most compelling is Copville's philosophy on the officer's oath: "I worked for the people, not the job, not a building, not an administration." This perspective challenges officers to remember their fundamental responsibility to protect constitutional rights, even when facing institutional pressures. Whether discussing the problems with "tick-tock cops" seeking social media fame or the critical need for better leadership training, Copville's insights offer a rare glimpse into policing from someone who's lived it from multiple angles.
Follow Copville on Instagram @copville_og and check out his podcast dropping every Wednesday on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more unfiltered perspectives on law enforcement.

🔗 Visit us at TwoCopsOneDonut.com
📧 Contact us at [email protected]
🎧 Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Music at Two Cops One Donut
🔔 *Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful discussions on law enforcement and community safety!*
💬 *Join the conversation in the comments below!*
#TwoCopsOneDonut #PublicSafety #ErikLavigne #firtsresponders
Our partners:
Ghost Patch: tell them Two Cops One Donut sent you and get free shipping on Flex Shield orders!
Peregrine.io: Turn your worst detectives into Sherlock Holmes, head to Peregrine.io tell them Two Cops One Donut sent you or direct message me and I'll get you directly connected and skip the salesmen.
Peregrine.io: Turn your worst detectives into Sherlock Holmes, head to Peregrine.io tell them Two Cops One Donut sent you or direct message me and I'll get you directly connected and skip the salesmen.

Support the show

Please see our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoCopsOneDonut

Chapters

1. Meet Copville: 23 Years in Law Enforcement (00:00:00)

2. Real-Time Crime Centers and Modern Policing (00:17:56)

3. Accountability in Law Enforcement (00:36:22)

4. First Amendment Auditors and Police Response (00:57:24)

5. Body Camera Reviews: Officer Safety Incidents (01:14:26)

6. Leadership, Training and Police Culture (01:58:53)

7. Final Thoughts and Recommendations (02:17:38)