Mar 24, 2021
Gang investigations, patrol, and internal affairs--those are just a few positions my guest today has held during his 16-year career as a law enforcement officer. During his career, Garrett TeSlaa has lived a life of stories, lots of which he can’t share, yet storytelling has infused his profession in some surprising ways.
Why in the world would anyone want to even go into law enforcement with such scrutiny on that profession right now? Does storytelling belong within the law enforcement profession? How do people misinterpret the power of story, especially misunderstandings communications between police officers and the public? Garrett answers these questions and more during our fascinating conversation!
We discuss the number one obstacle facing cops and the communities they serve right now, the type of officers most reluctant or best equipped to deal with that obstacle, and what departments need to do to confront the issue. Garrett also shares a time where story served as an unexpected opportunity to build trust on the job and walks through how he uses a storytelling tool I taught him that you can put into practice immediately.
What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Garrett?
Garrett TeSlaa left behind a successful career in music and film in 2005 for a career in public service. He graduated from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute and obtained his Masters in Public Administration with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership and Public Sector Management.
For 16 years, he’s served on active duty as an officer of the law in southern California. Garrett has held assignments in patrol, community relationships, gang investigations, media relations, and internal affairs, among others. He’s also found himself involved in several critical events that brought international press attention. Currently, he hosts The Squad Room, a podcast geared towards personal development for first responders.
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