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When the world turned on cops, she listened

As policing came under fire in 2020, Abby Ellsworth launched a podcast to give officers a safe place to tell their stories — and to remind the public of the humanity behind the badge

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For more than a decade, Abby Ellsworth has been listening to police officers, first through interviews in the Seattle area and later through her podcast, On Being a Police Officer. She launched the show in 2020, at a moment when policing was under intense scrutiny and officers faced both public criticism and personal strain from COVID restrictions and civil unrest. Ellsworth’s mission is clear: create a safe space where officers can share candidly, remind them of the wins that sustain their calling, and give civilians a more human, unfiltered view of the profession than news headlines allow.

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks with Ellsworth about why a civilian voice can bridge divides, how she helps officers “remember the wins,” and why context is the missing ingredient in media coverage. The conversation also explores how storytelling eases trauma, how public support can go beyond slogans and what keeps Ellsworth committed despite pushback.

Tune in to discover

  • Why a civilian voice gave officers the space to share their truths during 2020’s crisis.
  • How the “On Being a Police Officer” podcast helps officers “remember the wins.”
  • Why context is the missing piece in media coverage of policing.
  • What real support for law enforcement looks like beyond slogans.
  • How one listener went from doubting the profession to joining its ranks.

Key takeaways from this episode

  • A civilian conduit builds trust: Officers under fire were more willing to open up to a neutral, non-sworn interviewer who asked and waited for full answers.
  • The project predates the podcast: Ellsworth began interviewing in 2010; launching the show in 2020 scaled those conversations nationwide during a crisis.
  • Purpose is culture repair, not politics: Goals include telling real stories, offering officers a morale boost by “remembering the wins” and giving civilians credible access.
  • Media literacy matters: Episodes unpack viral incidents and coverage to restore missing context around tactics, timelines and legal standards.
  • Real support for police is practical, not just symbolic: Go on a ride-along, send a note of thanks or back groups like Copline, Code 4 Northwest, police foundations and PAL. Most importantly, vote for leaders who strengthen law enforcement’s role in keeping communities safe.

About our sponsor

Flock Safety works with more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide, delivering real-time intelligence through a holistic ecosystem of technology designed to keep officers safe, reduce crime, and build stronger communities. And if you’re looking for real stories from the front lines — how your peers are using these tools to shape the future of safety in their cities — tune in to Flock’s “Real Time Policing” podcast, with new episodes dropping on Wednesdays. Watch episodes on YouTube or tune in wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to view.

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Policing Matters law enforcement podcast with host Jim Dudley features law enforcement and criminal justice experts discussing critical issues in policing