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Shots fired: Cops speak out on recent LA riots (not shown in media)

The emotional toll, tactical challenges and evolving response strategies during the recent LA riots

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Listen to the Shots Fired Podcast here and watch their YouTube channel.

In this episode of the Shots Fired Podcast, co-hosts Mark Redlich and Kyle Schoberg pull back the curtain on the recent riots in Los Angeles. From the chaos on the front lines to the reality behind the headlines, they give you an unfiltered, boots-on-the-ground perspective that the media won’t show you.

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Key takeaways from this episode:

  1. There is a clear distinction between protests and riots
    Peaceful protests are typically permitted and coordinated, while riots are marked by violence, disorder and often occur after dark.
  2. Officers describe fear and lack of preparation
    Kyle and Mark recalled being outnumbered and underprepared during the 2020–2021 riots, lacking adequate equipment, training and support.
  3. Tactical crowd control and communications are critical
    Agencies rely on layered warnings, specific less-lethal tools, and coordinated team movement—highlighting the danger of acting alone and the value of covert communications like those from N-ear.
  4. Agencies are adopting more proactive riot responses
    Recent riot responses show improved planning and deterrence, with agencies applying lessons from 2020 and deploying resources more assertively despite continued risks to officers and communities.
The Shots Fired Podcast, now featured on Police1, brings you powerful stories and reality-based training for the law enforcement community. Join host Kyle Shoberg, a Northern California police sergeant, and co-host Mark Redlich, a 14-year Sacramento PD veteran, as they sit down with law enforcement professionals and community leaders to discuss critical issues and strategies in policing.

Listen to the Shots Fired Podcast here and watch their YouTube channel.

Shots Fired is a law enforcement-based podcast to keep first responders safe and to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community. Episodes featured conversations, in-depth discussions, critical thinking, sharing experiences and interviewing other members of law enforcement and the community.