Law Enforcement Leadership with Jeff Wenninger | What It Takes Podcast
Lessons in Leading Under Pressure
In this episode of What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker welcomes Jeff Wenninger, a retired LAPD lieutenant turned consultant. With over 33 years in the field, Jeff reveals the core of law enforcement leadership—from decision-making in life-or-death moments to reimagining how police departments operate today.
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Jeff’s journey into law enforcement began with a difficult experience. As a college student, he witnessed police misconduct firsthand, which led him to pursue criminal justice—not to criticize the system, but to improve it from within.
“It was an obstacle, but not a barrier.”
He also faced personal challenges. Jeff grew up with dyslexia and a speech impediment, but thanks to a dedicated teacher and his own persistence, he learned to thrive. Those early struggles taught him how to lead with empathy and determination.
Leadership in the LAPD’s Most Demanding Units
Jeff didn’t simply serve in the LAPD—he excelled. He joined the Metropolitan Division, where he provided dignitary protection for U.S. presidents and top global leaders. Later, during a department-wide corruption crisis, he led a gang unit in one of LA’s most high-risk districts.
“Would you want a surgeon who just barely passed? Then why would you want a police officer with the same mindset?”
Rather than rewarding activity, Jeff focused on results that matter—like conviction rates and long-term community impact. His approach changed the culture of his unit, earning citywide recognition for excellence.
Reimagining Law Enforcement Leadership Today
Jeff now leads Law Enforcement Consultants, where he helps departments across the country improve training, reduce liability, and build trust with the public. He emphasizes data-driven decision-making and uses metrics to promote both safety and accountability.
“Reform implies something is broken. I prefer to talk about reimagining policing—how can we do it better?”
Officer wellness is another priority. Jeff highlights that more officers die by suicide than in the line of duty—a heartbreaking fact that underscores the urgent need for better support and leadership.
Key Insights from Jeff Wenninger
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Mindset matters: Outstanding officers commit to excellence, not just competency.
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Empathy is essential: Personal hardship shaped Jeff’s ability to lead with understanding.
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Training must evolve: With 36% of officer-involved shootings involving individuals in mental crisis, better mental health training is critical.
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Narratives shape trust: Since most people never interact with police directly, public perception often comes from media. Leaders must own that story.
Memorable Quotes from the Episode
“You have to have the courage to be passionate and strive to achieve. Life is bigger than just you.”
“More officers die by suicide every year than are killed in the line of duty. We need to take better care of them.”
“80% of people will never have a personal interaction with law enforcement. They form their opinions based on what they see in the news.”
Learn More About Jeff Wenninger
📘 Pre-Order Jeff’s Book: On Thin Ice – jeffwenninger.com
🔎 Law Enforcement Consultants: lawenforcementconsultants.com
💼 Jeff on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeff-wenninger-4247a854
