Advertise on podcast: Shop Talk

Go behind the scenes of Scottsdale Police Department’s social media strategy and discover how content, consistency, and authenticity are helping build real relationships with the community. From engaging posts and behind-the-scenes storytelling to real-time updates and transparency, Scottsdale PD is redefining how law enforcement connects in the digital age. This episode also highlights how the department’s dedicated recruitment platform, @JoinScottsdalePD, is attracting the next generation of officers by showcasing purpose, culture, and opportunity. Chief Joe LeDuc and Sgt. Allison Sempsis sit down with Officer Aaron Bolin and Keri Henningsen to break down how Scottsdale PD connects with the community in meaningful ways both online and in person. From everyday interactions to large-scale events, this conversation explores how modern policing goes far beyond the badge, focusing on trust-building, community engagement, and innovative communication strategies that keep Scottsdale safe and informed.

Event season in Scottsdale is more than sunshine, big crowds, and headline events — it’s months (and sometimes years) of planning to keep everyone safe while they’re having fun. In this episode of Shop Talk from the Scottsdale Police Department, Chief Joe LeDuc and Sergeant Allison Sempsis sit down with Commander Matt Evans and Lieutenant Chris DiPiazza, two of the key leaders at the tip of the spear for Scottsdale’s biggest events. From Barrett-Jackson and the Waste Management Phoenix Open to marathons, festivals, and spring training, the team breaks down how they juggle massive crowds, traffic, and competing events across the city. They talk about long-range planning, after-action reviews, and how strong partnerships with other city departments, neighboring agencies, volunteers, and federal partners all come together to support one mission: ensuring a safe Scottsdale.

Episode 1, Season 2 of Shop Talk with your new host Chief Joe LeDuc Join Kat Palma and Vanessa Villalobos from the Crime Scene Specialist, or CSS. These highly trained professionals are the backbone of criminal investigations, meticulously documenting and collecting evidence that helps bring justice to victims and closure to families. Far from what you see on TV, the real work of a CSS demands precision, critical thinking, and emotional resilience. Every scene is different, every case unique, and the methods and technologies are constantly evolving keeping the job both challenging and rewarding. Now for some more info on your new host Chief Joe LeDuc: -Chief LeDuc was first hired as a police officer in 1991. -He was promoted to Sgt. in 2005 and worked patrol, AND in the Special Victims’ Unit, and Internal Affairs Unit. -He was promoted to lieutenant in 2013 and served as a watch commander in patrol before supervising the detectives in the Special Investigations Section. -In 2016, he promoted to Police Commander and oversaw the Foothills District, then moved to the Downtown District and the Detention Section. -After being promoted to Assistant Police Chief in 2020, Chief LeDuc was put in charge of the Professional Standards & Investigative Services Division. -Chief Leduc has a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. -He is also a graduate of the Leadership in Criminal Justice Administration program from Northwestern University Center for Public Safety. -He is an adjunct Professor for Northern Arizona University AND an Instructor for FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (LEEDA)

🎙️ Behind the Scenes of the WM Phoenix Open: Shop Talk Podcast with Chief Jeff Walther & Sgt. Allison Sempsis Get ready to tee off with an exclusive look at how the Scottsdale Police Department prepares for one of the biggest events of the year—the WM Phoenix Open! 🏌️‍♂️⛳ In this exciting episode of the Shop Talk Podcast, Chief Jeff Walther and Sgt. Allison Sempsis discuss the planning, teamwork, and safety measures that make this iconic event a success. Talking with Thunderbird Chairman Matt Mooney. 🎯 What to Expect in This Episode: 🔹 How the Scottsdale PD works behind the scenes at the WM Phoenix Open 🔹 Insights into managing crowd safety and traffic at large-scale events 🔹 Stories and strategies from past tournaments 🔹 A sneak peek at what makes this year's event bigger and better! Whether you're a golf enthusiast, a Scottsdale resident, or just curious about what it takes to manage a world-class event, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricate coordination and dedication required to keep the event safe and enjoyable for everyone. Mooney is the Chief Operating Officer of Parkway, a privately-owned, full service real estate investment firm with more than 20 million SF in assets under management across the United States. He graduated summa cum laude from Mississippi State University, where he received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration, and was as a member of the Men’s Golf Team. He and his wife Anna have three children, Connor (age 14), Kathryn (age 13), and Cullen (age 9), and currently reside in Phoenix. He has been a member of The Thunderbirds since 2016.

Erica Gaines is the President and CEO of TacMobility: Controlling the Mind + the Machine, a training program whose vision is to heal the racial divide between people of color (POC) and police officers through law enforcement wellness and community dialogue.  Having met over 100,000 officers since 2013, “The Knife Girl'' has gained wide acceptance into the LEO community. While an unlikely candidate to advocate for police, this dark-skinned, multi-racial woman from Phoenix, AZ, continues to use her voice to talk about trauma recovery, self-awareness, and Suicide: the #1 Cop Killer in America. Her research began in 2016 when incidents of police involved shootings with unarmed black males were becoming frequent, prompting the onset of large protests. Feeling that the media portrayal of officers was inconsistent with her unique, personal experience but also wanting to get answers to questions like, “why can’t you shoot people in the leg?”or “if officers are innocent, why the payouts?”, Erica embarked on a four-year journey of conducting candid interviews with police officers at training conferences.  In 2017, she participated in the VirTra Use of Force Simulated Training at a FBI National Academy Associate (FBINAA) Conference. Forever changed by the physical experience of a shoot, Erica wondered if ‘police bias’ had more to do with a physiological stress response than racism.  With inadequate clinical research to pull from, in 2019, Erica created the world’s most extensive ongoing study of Law Enforcement Officers and Cumulative Stress. Armed with data, in 2020, Erica created a 4-hour Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) training course accredited through the National Certification Program (NCP) , developed by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST). The training program and fiscally sponsored non-profit, TacMobility: Controlling the Mind and the Machine, offers stress and trauma awareness, rehabilitative stretching, and self-awareness to police officers in the United States.  With her straightforward approach, Erica uses TacMobility to heal traumatized officers in an effort to bring communities closer. She believes that supporting the mental and physical health of officers ultimately brings support back to the community; Enabling them to balance compassion and courage, empathy and protection, creating space for positive community engagement. Her organization recognizes that this is a vital component in developing trust between communities of color and law enforcement. Visit https://tacmobility.org/ for more information

Mr. Daniel Golden, an Arizona Native, joined Department of Public Safety in 1987 where he served for over 30 years.  During his tenure, he held positions in all Bureaus of the Agency.  Aside from the traditional assignment to the Highway Patrol, he held specialty assignments within criminal investigations, undercover operations, executive protection, intelligence, the director’s office, and within the training division.  He was a member of the Special Operations Unit as an operator, negotiator, team leader, and unit commander. In addition to regular duties and responsibilities, Danny was assigned as the Honor Guard Commander, Mobile Field Force commander, and coordinated events to benefit Special Olympics. Danny Joined Team Tyr in 2017.  After Managing territories throughout the United States, Danny was selected as our Director of Sales in 2022.

Laura Pahules is the founder of Control Alt Delete, a nonprofit dedicated to helping domestic violence survivors escape dangerous situations. Inspired by her own experiences, Laura created the organization to bridge gaps in services, providing immediate assistance with transportation, lodging, and safety. Since its founding in 2019, Control Alt Delete has facilitated over 30,000 escapes in Arizona alone. Laura’s unwavering commitment to empowering survivors has earned her national recognition, including being named a 2024 L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth honoree. Sergeant of our Domestic Violence Unit, Marcus Dunton, who brings with him an impressive 17 years of dedicated. Joining him today id one of the members of the Victim Advocacy Office, possessing significant experience in assisting victims of various crimes, including domestic violence. We extend a warm welcome to Ellen Larson. If you or someone you care about needs help, please don’t hesitate to contact your local police department. For more resources on domestic violence at the national level, visit thehotline.org or check out dvcontrolaltdelete.org to learn about Laura’s incredible services. For immediate help, call 800-799-SAFE (7233) or text "start" to 88788. Your safety matters—don't wait to get the support you need.

Scottsdale Police Foundation (SPF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that raises funds to support and supplement Scottsdale Police Department programs and initiatives.  The Scottsdale Police Foundation was established in 2023 to support the Scottsdale Police Department area commands, special units, equipment, training, and community engagement programs and initiatives and crime prevention events that build relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.  Scottsdale Police Department Officers are here to Protect and Serve our Community and together with law enforcement, we can help make our neighborhoods safer for all.  Please join us in our important work by contributing as generously as you can.  Debbie Steinhauer A person passionate about giving to the community.  An expert in starting Non-Profit Foundations, she is the Founder of Fox River Grove Recreation Counsel (1984), Co-Founder/Chair VOICES (1992), Seattle Fire Foundation (2019), and the Scottsdale Police Foundation (2023). As Founder and CEO of the Scottdale Police Foundation, she volunteers her time to the organization  and  is responsible for the management of the organization, the Board and integration of the various programs into the community.  Outside of Debbie’s volunteer work, Debbie spent her career in Health Care Executive Leadership as Director of Physician Services, then moved to owning two successful restaurants. She lives in North Scottsdale with her husband and three dogs. Jon Rosenberg Originally from New York, Jon grew up in Scottsdale and is a graduate of University of Arizona in Tucson. With a background in both commercial brokerage and property management, Jon co-founded LevRose Commercial Real Estate in 1992 with Robert Levine.  Under his leadership, LevRose is a six time honoree as one of the Inc 500/5000 Fastest Growing Companies in the U.S. LevRose has consistently been named one of the Business Journal's "Top 25 Commercial Brokerage Firms", is a multi-year recipient of Costar Groups "Power Broker" Award and in 2020 was names "#1 Commercial Brokerage Firm" by Ranking Arizona Magazine.  Jon served for several years on the board and is an active member of the Arizona Chapter of Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO). Currently, he is a member of the Board of Directors of TCN Worldwide, an International alliance of commercial real estate firms of which LevRose is the Arizona affiliate and is also serving on the Board of Directors of the recently formed Scottsdale Police Foundation.  He recently served on the Board of the Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) and gives time to serve on committees for the City of Scottsdale, the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix and the University of Arizona Mentorship Society, where he helps mentor numerous up and coming leaders in Arizona.  Jon was recently recognized by AZRE Magazine as One of the "Top People to Know in Commercial Real Estate". He has been a featured guest on PBS television show "Arizona Horizons" as well as interviews on numerous podcasts, GlobeStreet.com, the Arizona Republic and the Phoenix Business Journal.  To learn more visit https://scottsdalepolicefoundation.org/

Get ready for an adrenaline-packed episode as we gear up for the upcoming K9 Trials! This annual event is not just a competition but a celebration of the skill, dedication, and teamwork that defines ALECA’s K9 units. We’ll be talking with participants, events, and spectators to give you an insider’s view of what it takes to compete in these high-stakes trials. Discover how these trials hone the skills of our K9 teams, ensuring they remain at the top of their game when it matters most. Whether you’re a law enforcement professional, a dog lover, or someone interested in the behind-the-scenes action of police work, this show has something for you!!! For more information on the Desert Dog Police K9 Trials & Public Safety Expo October 26-27, 2024 Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm Sunday 8:00am-3:00pm please visit this link https://www.alecapolicek9.com/k9-trials

Katie Gregory, the new General Manager of WestWorld, brings over 30 years of experience in public management to Scottsdale. Before joining WestWorld, Katie served as Prescott’s City Manager, and she has held various key positions in Peoria, including Deputy City Manager. Katie holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in political science from Western Oregon University and a master’s degree in public administration from Arizona State University. With a strong background in community building, municipal operations, and strategic management, Katie is excited to lead WestWorld into a new era of growth and innovation. Her vision includes expanding the programming and enhancing the already first-class events and activities at WestWorld, making it a hub for world-class events in Scottsdale.

Since October 2007, Nicole Patterson has been a dedicated Detention Supervisor in Scottsdale. Originally from New York, she's the youngest of eight, with a passion for the Dallas Cowboys, Yankees, and Lakers. A true dog lover, Nicole enjoys life with her 3-year-old red Doberman, Buddy. Snacks are her jam!!! Kelvin Rawlins grew up in Oxnard, California before coming to Arizona in 2005. Sports has always been a passion and played baseball until his junior year in high school and basketball that allowed an opportunity to play at the junior college level, at the Division 1 level (Boise State), and two full seasons in Melbourne, Australia. Later, he developed an interest in the law enforcement profession that gave experience and also worked in the beverage industry prior to moving to Arizona. Once in Arizona, he began a career as a service advisor in the auto industry and hired on with the Scottsdale Police Department in 2007. He worked as a detention officer for about 10 years, promoted to sergeant and eventually detention manager as a lieutenant. The experience and relationships built over the course of his career are those that he will never forget.

Dom Vattuone grew up Germantown, Maryland, played varsity baseball for UNC Greensboro Spartans, spent three and a half seasons in the minor leagues with the Oakland Athletics before starting with Scottsdale PD in 2016 where he currently serves as a member of the Downtown District Bike Unit. During his professional career posted 84 strikeouts in 78.1 innings pitched all out of the bullpen as a set up/ closing pitcher. Rob Katzaroff hails from Seal Beach,  California, played varsity baseball for UCLA, spent six and a half seasons in the minor leagues with a .300 career average before starting with Scottsdale PD in 1997 where he currently serves as the Foothills District Crime Prevention Officer.

The Thunderbirds, hosts of the WM Phoenix Open Presented by Taylor Morrison, have named George Thimsen the Tournament Chairman for the 2024 edition of “The People’s Open”, which is set to tee it up Feb. 5-11 at TPC Scottsdale. Additionally, The Thunderbirds announced that Matt Mooney has been named Assistant Tournament Chairman for the 2024 event. Thimsen assumes the role of Tournament Chairman after serving last year as Assistant Tournament Chairman alongside Pat Williams. He will guide The Thunderbirds organization in the planning and execution of all facets of the 2024 event, including sponsorship generation and renewals, security and safety, community relations, logistics, and development of on-course venues. A Southern California native from Rancho Palos Verdes, Thimsen earned his degrees in Marketing and Communications from California State University, Chico. He’s been a member of The Thunderbirds since 2017 and has called Phoenix home with his wife, Natalie, and their two children, Gia (age 10) and Jayde (age 8), since 2013. Thimsen’s business background includes serving in various leadership roles at Red Bull for more than 11 years before becoming a Partner and Chief Revenue Officer at Timeless, LLC in 2019. “Being named Tournament Chairman of the WM Phoenix Open is not only an honor, but a responsibility to uphold this group’s incredible legacy of giving back to the community,” Thimsen said. “I am excited to work alongside my fellow Thunderbirds, our partners, volunteers, and our amazing sponsors – including the best title sponsor in professional sports, WM – to create another unforgettable ‘People’s Open’ for the players and the greatest fans in golf.”

Alessandra “Alex” Sachs is originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, but grew up in the US and France. In 1993, she moved back to Brazil and pursued an undergraduate degree in Physical Education at FEFISA. She followed with a Master’s degree in Sports Psychology at UNIFMU, where she worked under Brazil’s top Sports Psychology, Dr. Regina Brandao. In 2000, her Master’s thesis was published at the Sports Psychology World Conference in Skiathos, Greece. She met Dr. Darren Treasure and Dr. Cristina Versari at the conference and in 2001 was invited to be a doctoral candidate at Arizona State University under the guidance of Dr. Treasure. Unfortunately, a year later Dr. Treasure left the university and Alex transferred to San Diego University of Interactive Studies under the leadership Of Dr. Versari. Alex played professional soccer for 11 years on the Brazilian Women’s National Team. She has a silver medal from the 2004 Olympic Games and a gold medal from the 2007 Pan American Games. She was inducted into the Brazilian Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005. Alex worked at the Jewish Community Center for 11 years, was a program manager for Playworks Arizona for 3 years and now works for the Scottsdale Police Department as the Crime Prevention Police Aide for the Via Linda District. Elissa Nowacki has worked with children most of her life, starting in her early teens, babysitting the neighborhood kids. She worked with the YMCA after school programs in high school and while getting her teaching degree from ASU.  She spent many summers working at residential summer camps in the mountains of Prescott AZ and the Pocono Hills in Pennsylvania.  She started teaching in Maryvale in 1996 and spent the next 20 years at the same school.  She spent most of her years teaching 5th grade.  In 2016, she stepped into a new role as an instructional coach. In 2018 she started on her School Administrator journey!  She loves her current school community and hopes to be able to serve there for many years.

Joe Iturri brings nearly 30 years of hospitality experience to Caesars Republic Scottsdale, previously serving as General Manager of Saguaro Scottsdale for nine years, the opening Director of Sales and Marketing at W Scottsdale for six years, and Regional Director of Revenue Management for all of Starwood’s Southwest hotels for 13 years. During his tenure with Starwood, he was also a leader in their process improvement effort, acting as a “Black Belt" in Six Sigma at the Phoenician Resort.  A Scottsdale resident with longstanding roots in the community. Joe Iturri serves on many boards in the community, including Vice Chair of the Board at Experience Scottsdale Education Chair at the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, (AZLTA), is a board member of Scottsdale Police Chief Walther’s Community Engagement Group and the Scottsdale Police Foundation.   About Caesars Republic Scottsdale Caesars Republic Scottsdale is a new lifestyle hotel experience and the first non-gaming hotel by Caesars Entertainment in the United States. Located adjacent to Scottsdale’s premier luxury retail destination, Scottsdale Fashion Square, the new concept taps into the unique pulse of the surrounding city to form a one-of-a-kind experience. The 11-story, 265-room hotel and conference center is scheduled to open in February 2024.