The Truth About Being a Cop: Lessons From a Reserve Deputy
The Truth About Being a Cop: Lessons From a Reserve Deputy in Colorado. A Special Episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast. Hollywood and the media often paint a glamorous, high-speed picture of police work. But as Len Herstein, a Reserve Deputy in Colorado, reveals, the truth is far more complex, and far more human. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms.
“It’s far more boring, far more dangerous, and far more impactful on your mental and physical health than most people realize,” Len says during a special episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, available on their website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and many other podcast platforms.
This is The Truth About Being a Cop, a story about service, sacrifice, and the lessons policing can teach us all about vigilance, leadership, and life. Look for supporting articles about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin .
A Late Calling to Serve
At age 45, Len Herstein traded business meetings for patrol briefings. After decades in marketing and entrepreneurship, he joined the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff, a volunteer position that requires up to 850 hours of service per year. The Truth About Being a Cop: Lessons From a Reserve Deputy in Colorado. A Special Episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast
“I do police work for free,” Len explains. “People think I’m crazy when they hear that, but for me, it’s about giving back. It’s about being part of the solution.” Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.
Douglas County, Colorado is located between Denver and Colorado Springs, it is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state. For Len, it’s also a classroom for learning lessons that reach far beyond the badge.
“Complacency Kills” — The Lesson That Changed Everything
Early in his training, Len learned one of the most important principles in law enforcement: “Complacency kills.” The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms.
“When you stop paying attention, when you assume things are safe, that’s when the danger strikes,” he says. “That lesson hit me hard, and it applies to every part of life and business.”
This revelation became the inspiration behind his book, Be Vigilant! Strategies to Stop Complacency, Improve Performance, and Safeguard Success, where Len connects lessons from policing to the world of leadership and marketing. The Truth About Being a Cop: Lessons From a Reserve Deputy in Colorado. A Special Episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast
Lessons for Business, Marketing, and Leadership
Before becoming a Deputy, Len spent more than 30 years in the corporate world, building brands for Coca-Cola, Campbell Soup Company, and Nabisco. He later founded ManageCamp Inc., where he produced 19 annual Brand ManageCamp marketing conferences, attracting leaders from companies like Facebook, Apple, and Google. The full podcast episode is streaming now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
But his time in law enforcement taught him something no boardroom ever could.
“Policing forces you to be aware, to anticipate threats before they appear,” Len says. “That’s exactly what businesses need to survive in today’s world. Complacency can be fatal, whether you’re on the street or in the C-suite.”
His blend of law enforcement experience and marketing expertise has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader, teaching organizations how to build vigilance into their culture and operations.
Why Complacency Is the Real Enemy
“Success can be deadly,” Len explains. “When things are going well, you stop looking for threats. You stop improving.” The Truth About Being a Cop: Lessons From a Reserve Deputy in Colorado. A Special Episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast.
He warns that complacency doesn’t just affect performance, it affects people. It can lower morale, waste money, and create the kind of blind spots that competitors exploit.
“The same mindset that keeps a cop alive can keep a company thriving,” Len adds. “Vigilance isn’t paranoia, it’s preparation.”
These lessons resonate across industries, especially in a digital landscape where Facebook, Instagram, and social media marketing can shift overnight. “Online, one wrong move can damage your brand,” he says. “Vigilance protects both reputations and relationships.”
The Human Side of the Badge
Herstein’s experience as a Reserve Deputy in Colorado also sheds light on the emotional and psychological toll of the job.
“You see the best and worst of humanity, sometimes in the same shift,” he shares. “It’s not just about enforcing laws; it’s about understanding people, de-escalating conflict, and protecting those who can’t protect themselves.”
He believes those same principles, humility, empathy, and awareness, are vital for leaders in every field. “If you lead a team, you’re responsible for their safety and success,” he says. “That’s what policing teaches you every single day.” The Truth About Being a Cop: Lessons From a Reserve Deputy in Colorado. A Special Episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast
Bringing the Lessons Home with his book, Be Vigilant!: Strategies to Stop Complacency, Improve Performance, and Safeguard Success. Your Business and Relationships Depend on It. And through his website.
You can help contribute money to make the Gunrunner Movie . The film that Hollywood won’t touch. It is about a now Retired Police Officer that was shot 6 times while investigating Gunrunning. He died 3 times during Medical treatment and was resuscitated. You can join the fight by giving a monetary “gift” to help ensure the making of his film at agunrunnerfilm.com .
Background song Hurricane is used with permission from the band Dark Horse Flyer.
You can contact John J. “Jay” Wiley by email at Jay@letradio.com , or learn more about him on their website .
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The Truth About Being a Cop: Lessons From a Reserve Deputy in Colorado. A Special Episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast.
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