Police Chief Darren Goodman on the Debate Over Police Education | Lo and Order Podcast, Ep. 39

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.

 Topics Covered:

  • Education vs. experience in modern policing

  • Sacramento’s “Modern Policing” bill fallout

  • Recruitment, retention, and unintended consequences

  • The truth about equity mandates and public safety

  • What makes a great cop—and what doesn't 

Plus: Why criminal justice reform without law enforcement at the table is a guaranteed policy disaster.

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