An officer-involved shooting can unfold in seconds, but its impact can last far beyond the moment the gunfire stops. In this episode, I sit down with Monroe Police Department officers Madison Sweatt and Tristan Shea at the 2026 NCGIA Gangs and Violent Crime Training Symposium to hear their firsthand account of a critical incident that began as a suspicious vehicle encounter and quickly became a fight for survival.

Madison and Tristan walk us through the pursuit, the moment gunfire erupted, the training that took over when there was no time to think, and what happened in the days and months that followed. We also discuss physical recovery, trauma therapy, post-incident investigations, peer support, and the lessons they want other officers—and the public—to understand about the human beings behind the badge. This is a powerful conversation about survival, resilience, preparation, and what happens after the gunfire stops.

Episode Highlights

[1:53] – Meeting Monroe Police officers Madison Sweatt and Tristan Shea at the 2026 NCGIA Gangs and Violent Crime Training Symposium.

[8:34] – Madison and Tristan begin recounting the critical incident and how an ordinary night shift took an unexpected turn.

[9:12] – A suspicious vehicle at 2 a.m. leads Tristan into a pursuit that eventually brings Madison into the response.

[13:37] – The pursuit abruptly stops, the suspect exits the vehicle, and Madison finds herself under fire.

[15:19] – Madison describes being shot, trying to get out of the danger zone, and relying on fellow officers to get her to safety.

[23:31] – Tristan shares his perspective of seeing the gunfire, returning fire, and realizing Madison had been wounded.

[25:25] – The search for the armed suspect continues as the SRT team is activated and officers learn more about what happened before the pursuit.

[28:13] – How training, muscle memory, and instinct take over during a life-or-death encounter.

[31:42] – Madison discusses physical rehabilitation, trauma therapy, hypervigilance, and her road back to duty.

[34:11] – Tristan opens up about his own recovery, nightmares, “what if” questions, and leaning on fellow officers for support.

[38:33] – What happens after an officer-involved shooting, from investigative interviews to administrative leave and review.

[42:22] – Madison and Tristan discuss the human side of law enforcement and the emotional weight that can follow the use of deadly force.

[45:25] – A message for young officers about complacency, preparation, and never assuming the next encounter will be like the last.

[48:03] – Closing with the four principles behind Behind the Thin Blue Line: service, sacrifice, strength, and support.

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Listener Advisory

This episode includes discussions of real-world violence, criminal activity, and emotionally intense subject matter. Listener discretion is advised.

Online child exploitation is evolving faster than ever, and the threats facing kids today look very different than they did just a few years ago. In this episode, I sit down with Alan Schlitz, a Computer Crimes Agent with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, to pull back the curtain on how investigators are combating these crimes every day.

Alan shares practical insights into how offenders use social media, gaming platforms, encrypted apps, and even AI to target children. We also discuss emerging extremist online groups, the warning signs parents, educators, and law enforcement should recognize, and the importance of collaboration when protecting vulnerable victims. If you have children, work in public safety, or simply want to better understand today's digital threats, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Episode Highlights

[1:07] – Introducing Alan Schlitz and the mission behind the ICAC Task Force.

[2:21] – What the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force does and how agencies work together.

[3:35] – How cyber tips are investigated and where computer forensics fits into the process.

[4:23] – The growing role of artificial intelligence in online exploitation investigations.

[6:45] – Why child exploitation investigations matter and how technology has changed the landscape.

[10:01] – Breaking down the online group known as "764" and the rise of digitally connected extremist communities.

[15:19] – How predators create convincing fake online identities to manipulate children.

[20:01] – Grooming tactics, gaming platforms, chat rooms, and why young people often feel safe sharing online.

[25:23] – The connection between nihilistic violent extremist groups, online manipulation, and child exploitation.

[30:30] – Using technology and investigative tools to identify offenders and protect victims.

[35:19] – Warning signs of self-harm and behavioral changes that parents and professionals should recognize.

[40:18] – Victim response, advocacy, and the partnerships needed to support children after disclosure.

[50:11] – Cloud storage, digital evidence, and challenges investigators face.

[55:04] – Practical advice for parents, schools, and community members when a child discloses online exploitation.

Have a question or topic you’d like explored on the show? Know someone whose story belongs Behind the Thin Blue Line?

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Listener Advisory

This episode includes discussions of real-world violence, criminal activity, and emotionally intense subject matter. Listener discretion is advised.

In Part 2 of my conversation with retired Fayetteville Police Department tactical commander Daryl Smith, we move beyond the action and into the realities that come after the gunfights, high-risk operations, and years spent working in some of the most dangerous environments imaginable. Daryl shares powerful firsthand accounts of officer-involved shootings, the life-saving role of training under stress, and the split-second decisions that define survival in critical incidents.

We also have an honest conversation about the unseen toll of law enforcement and combat service. Daryl opens up about PTSD, personal loss, faith, mental health, and the importance of seeking help when the weight of the job becomes too much to carry alone. From SWAT operations and overseas contracting in Iraq to lessons for the next generation of officers, this episode delivers hard-earned wisdom, resilience, and perspective that every first responder—and every listener—can learn from.

Episode Highlights

[00:27] - Daryl recounts his first officer-involved shooting and the dangers officers face during domestic violence calls.

[01:55] - A high-risk warrant service turns into a life-or-death encounter, highlighting how critical training becomes under pressure.

[06:00] - The aftermath of an officer-involved shooting and how support for officers has evolved over the years.

[08:20] - Daryl discusses PTSD, the cumulative effects of trauma, and why officers must be willing to ask for help.

[13:45] - The support systems, mentors, and personal faith that helped Daryl navigate some of the darkest periods of his life.

[22:20] - How Daryl transitioned from law enforcement into overseas contracting and tactical operations in Iraq.

[32:15] - Daryl shares the story of his son Jonathan, the impact of military service, and a powerful message about mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

[45:20] - Advice for new police officers entering the profession, including training, communication skills, and preparing for the realities of the job.

[50:25] - A final discussion on PTSD, resilience, and why seeking help is a sign of strength—not weakness.

Have a question or topic you’d like explored on the show? Know someone whose story belongs Behind the Thin Blue Line?

Share this episode with someone interested in real-world law enforcement stories

Contact us: mbridgeman@behindthethinblueline.org

Listener Advisory

This episode includes discussions of real-world violence, criminal activity, and emotionally intense subject matter. Listener discretion is advised.