Season 9 - Episode 166 - The CopDoc Podcast
What does it take to lead a police department through tragedy, transformation, and tremendous change? Chief Jeremy Story of the Las Cruces Police Department in New Mexico knows firsthand.
A Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq, Jeremy joined policing in 2007 after choosing family over a military career. He rose through the ranks touching nearly every division—SWAT commander, K-9 handler, gang unit sergeant, training director, and deputy chief—before becoming chief at a younger age than he expected.
In this powerful conversation, Chief Story talks about:
Leadership That Teaches: How he runs a command staff book club (yes, really) and why teaching is a critical part of being a chief
The Toughest Year: Losing the department's first officer in the line of duty in 96 years, then losing their first officer to suicide two months later—and what they learned about officer wellness
Evidence-Based Policing: Implementing stratified policing to make proactive work as normal as answering 911 calls
Training Investment: Why he sent a patrol officer to a three-week leadership course and how the department nearly doubled the state's required academy hours
Telling the Story: Speaking to hostile crowds, correcting false narratives, and why chiefs must educate the public
Humility & Vulnerability: Sharing his biggest mistake with academy recruits and why admitting failures builds trust
Preparing the Next Generation: How Las Cruces PD rotates officers through specialized units for a month to prepare them for promotion
Civilianization Done Right: Using civilians for everything that doesn't require a badge—and why their legal advisor and former news anchor PIO are game-changers
Chief Story is direct, thoughtful, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. He's a thought leader who believes the majority is rational—if you give them the right information. He's building something special in the New Mexico desert.
Whether you're a new supervisor, a seasoned chief, or someone considering a career in law enforcement, this episode offers invaluable lessons on leadership, resilience, and what it really takes to be a police chief in 2026.
Hey there! Send us a message. Who else should we be talking to? What topics are important? Use FanMail to connect! Let us know!
Contact us: copdoc.podcast@gmail.com
Website: www.copdocpodcast.com
If you'd like to arrange for facilitated training, or consulting, or talk about steps you might take to improve your leadership and help in your quest for promotion, contact Steve at stephen.morreale@gmail.com
