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What It Really Means to Wear the Badge
On the First Response podcast, PepperBall CEO Bob Plaschke speaks with retired Chief Doug Shoemaker about the realities of modern policing. With over 30 years of service in Denton, Texas, and Grand Junction, Colorado, Shoemaker brings an unfiltered look at the profession today.
Policing is far more than what TV shows depict. While most civilians may face only a handful of traumatic events in their lifetime, officers encounter hundreds. From death notifications and violent crimes to life-or-death decisions, the emotional toll is immense. Yet they are expected to remain professional and compassionate through it all.
Shoemaker notes that nearly half of police work has nothing to do with crime. Officers often act as mediators, mental health responders, and problem solvers, addressing community needs well beyond traditional law enforcement.
The culture inside departments is also shifting. Where the old attitude was to “suck it up,” more agencies now prioritize wellness and resilience, recognizing that protecting officers’ mental health is just as vital as body armor.
With 18,000 agencies across the U.S., training and leadership standards vary widely. Through his work with The Curve, co-founded with Simon Sinek, Shoemaker emphasizes the need for stronger leadership built on emotional intelligence, motivation, and culture.
Modern policing demands versatility. Officers must shift from enforcer to counselor to community partner—while carrying the weight of trauma most will never know. Understanding this reality is essential for communities and agencies working to support those behind the badge
Subscribe to hear more authentic conversations with the real heroes behind the badge—the voices that are "a lot louder and, frankly, a lot more interesting" than the headlines might suggest.
