LO AND ORDER

• Episode 39 | Police Chief Darren Goodman on the Debate Over Police Education

  In this episode of Lo and Order, SEBA Executive Director Lolita Harper sits down with San Bernardino Police Chief Darren Goodman to unpack the heated debate surrounding education mandates in law enforcement. From his unique journey through USC, Harvard, and beyond, Chief Goodman shares why a college degree shouldn’t be the golden ticket into policing—and how Sacramento’s top-down policies are missing the mark. Together, they explore the real-world consequences of a "one-size-fits-all" academic requirement, the dangers of legislating from flawed premises, and how removing life experience from the badge equation could cost communities far more than politicians realize. Learn More about the San Bernardino Police Department: https://www.sbcity.org/412/Police-Department Follow Police Chief Darren Goodman: https://x.com/SBPD_CHIEF ----more---- Topics Covered: 07:45 – Education vs. Experience in Policing Why checking the "degree box" isn’t a silver bullet—and how real-world experience often matters more. 11:40 – Sacramento’s Modern Policing Bill A deep dive into the legislation’s origins, its flawed premise post-George Floyd, and the political virtue-signaling behind it. 18:20 – The Problem with One-Size-Fits-All Mandates How requiring a degree could devastate recruitment, especially in underserved communities. 23:50 – Diversity Beyond Skin Color Why life experience, military service, and cultural familiarity matter more than classroom credentials. 28:30 – What Makes a Great Cop Chief Goodman’s must-haves: heart, grit, public service commitment—and why a degree can’t teach those. 33:00 – Political Disconnect in Sacramento How state leaders are legislating in a vacuum, ignoring the people who actually keep streets safe. 38:40 – The Real Cost of Virtue Signaling Personal stories from San Bernardino: what the community loses when good candidates are locked out by mandates. 46:10 – Recruitment, Retention, and California's Exodus Why even military vets and seasoned professionals are leaving the profession—or the state altogether. 52:00 – Human Trafficking Hypocrisy & Misguided Reforms A brutal look at how legislation aimed at "equity" is inadvertently enabling exploitation. 57:30 – Public Involvement and Civic Action Chief Goodman’s call to action: how everyday citizens can stop reckless policymaking before it’s too late. 1:02:00 – Closing Thoughts Why heart will always beat a diploma—and the danger of punishing police instead of empowering them. ----more---- Learn more about the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association (SEBA): https://www.seba.com/ SEBA is the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association proudly representing 4,000+ public safety officers in San Bernardino County since 1946 Follow Show Host Lolita Harper: Instagram LinkedIn

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• Episode 38 | Justice in Motion: A Candid Conversation with District Attorney Jason Anderson

  In this powerful discussion, San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson sits down with SEBA Executive Director Lolita Harper to unpack the complexities of the justice system, the challenges of criminal legislation, and how law enforcement and prosecutors can work together to create safer communities. From the impact of Prop 36 to the future of crime prevention, this is a must-watch conversation for anyone invested in public safety, justice, and the rule of law. ----more---- Podcast Overview: [02:30] - What is Prop 36? Prop 36 addresses gaps left by Prop 47, aiming to reduce drug-related crime and homelessness. [08:15] - How Prop 36 Works Drug offenses can now be charged as felonies, but offenders can avoid jail by completing rehab. [12:30] - Addressing Theft & Serial Offenders Prop 36 allows repeat theft offenders to face felony charges, helping stop serial shoplifters. [18:00] - Impact of Prop 47 & 57 Prop 47 & 57 led to rising theft, addiction, and homelessness, frustrating law enforcement. [24:45] - Past Drug Court Success Before Prop 47, San Bernardino led the nation in drug courts, helping hundreds overcome addiction. [30:10] - Prop 36 & Retail Theft Retailers like Target & Home Depot supported Prop 36 to combat rising shoplifting crimes. [35:55] - Legislative Challenges DAs and police were excluded from policy discussions, leading to ineffective crime laws. [42:20] - Accountability & Rehabilitation Prop 36 ensures rehabilitation is a choice, not a loophole, by requiring personal accountability. [48:15] - The Death Penalty Debate California voters continue to support the death penalty, but politics undermines enforcement. [55:40] - Homelessness & Addiction Homelessness is often tied to addiction, not just housing issues. Prop 36 aims to break this cycle. [1:02:20] - Law Enforcement & Mental Health Many mental health crises stem from drug use. Programs like Laura’s Law help with intervention. [1:08:45] - Training for Prop 36 New officers don’t remember pre-Prop 47 laws. DA’s office is training them on new enforcement. [1:15:10] - Measuring Success Success will be tracked by rehab completions, case dismissals, and crime reduction. [1:22:30] - Community Engagement DA Anderson teaches high school students about their legal rights and law enforcement roles. [1:30:45] - Final Thoughts Public safety is everyone’s responsibility. Prop 36 must be implemented fairly for real change. ----more---- To learn more about the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office visit: https://sbcountyda.org/ Learn more about the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association (SEBA): https://www.seba.com/ SEBA is the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association proudly representing 4,000+ public safety officers in San Bernardino County since 1946 ----more---- Follow Show Host Lolita Harper: Instagram LinkedIn

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• Episode 37 | The Gavin Newsom Flip-Flop

  The Brief: In this Lo & Order, SEBA Executive Director Lolita Harper dives into the ever-shifting political landscape, using Governor Gavin Newsom as a prime example of why politicians can’t always be trusted. Once a vocal supporter of defunding the police, Newsom has now done a complete 180—denouncing the movement he once championed. But was he ever really on board? Lolita pulls back the curtain on Sacramento politics, exposing how elected officials often say one thing in front of the cameras while admitting something entirely different behind closed doors. As Newsom eyes a bigger national stage, his policy pivots raise a critical question: Are our leaders guided by principles, or just chasing poll numbers? ----more---- Learn more about the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association (SEBA): https://www.seba.com/ SEBA is the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association proudly representing 4,000+ public safety officers in San Bernardino County since 1946 Follow Show Host Lolita Harper: Instagram LinkedIn

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• Episode 35 | Stop Weaponizing Law Enforcement for Political Agendas

  The Brief: Law enforcement has faced years of political weaponization, leaving officers caught in the crossfire of partisan agendas. We're making this message in response to recent press inquiries about preemptive pardons and their impact on law enforcement. The hypocrisy is exhausting—leaders who once defunded and disrespected police are now pretending to champion law enforcement, using us as a political weapon to attack their opponents. This isn’t about taking sides; it’s about standing up for the men and women who serve with integrity and asking for the respect they deserve. Stop using law enforcement as a political tool—our profession and communities deserve better ----more---- Learn more about the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association (SEBA): https://www.seba.com/ SEBA is the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association proudly representing 4,000+ public safety officers in San Bernardino County since 1946 Follow Show Host Lolita Harper: Instagram LinkedIn

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• Episode 36 | Beyond End of Watch

  On this episode of Lo and Order, we talk to Valerie Vaca, the widow of Sergeant Dominic Vaca. She shares her powerful story of love, loss, and resilience after Dominic was killed in the line of duty on May 31, 2021.  In this deeply moving conversation, Valerie opens up about the realities of surviving families—the grief, the struggles, and the unwavering commitment to keeping their loved ones’ legacies alive. She sheds light on the importance of continuous support beyond the End of Watch date, the role of law enforcement families, and how we can all do better in honoring our fallen heroes by being present for those they left behind. This is not just a conversation about loss—it’s a testament to strength, advocacy, and the unbreakable bond of the law enforcement community. ----more---- To get involved in the Sergeant Dominic Vaca Memorial Football Tournament, visit their page on Instagram: vacamemorialtournament To register for the the 2025 3rd Annual Honor Our Fallen and Remember the Families 5K Memorial Run visit: http://getmeregistered.com/sebahonor Learn more about the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association (SEBA): https://www.seba.com/ SEBA is the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association proudly representing 4,000+ public safety officers in San Bernardino County since 1946 Follow Show Host Lolita Harper: Instagram LinkedIn

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