LO AND ORDER (sebasbcounty)

Today on SEBA on DEMAND we talk to Dep. Briana Chapman who protected and cared for a child who was abandoned in a car. She and her partners exceeded protocol or policy, proving that human connection is a large part of law enforcement.

On this episode of SEBA ON DEMAND, we talk to newly appointed San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus.

On this episode of SEBA ON DEMAND, we talk to Corporal Nathan Campos who is the Public Affairs Labor and Education Liaison for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

On this episode of SEBA on Demand we speak to Deputy Dustin Whitson's sister, Joelie Whitson, in part three of our four-part series that discusses what happens when an officer is shot in the line of duty.

The series revolves around the shooting of Deputy Dustin Whitson, who miraculously survived an attempted murder on March 23, 2021 in Hesperia.

On this episode of SEBA ON DEMAND we talk to Supervisor Curt Hagman about leadership during the COVID-19 health crisis and a partnership with Elon Musk and The Boring Company.

On this episode of SEBA on Demand we speak to San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy Robert Jahn in part four of our four-part series that discusses what happens when an officer is shot in the line of duty.

On this episode of SEBA on Demand we speak to Retired San Bernardino County Sheriff's Captain and Current SEBA Member Brad Toms about life after retirement and his award-winning passion for photography.

On this episode of SEBA ON DEMAND, Executive Director Lolita Harper talks to 2nd District Supervisor Candidate Jesse Armendarez about public safety and his mission to improve the quality of life in San Bernardino County.

In this episode of Lo and Order, SEBA Executive Director Lolita Harper sits down with San Bernardino Police Chief Darren Goodman to unpack the heated debate surrounding education mandates in law enforcement.

From his unique journey through USC, Harvard, and beyond, Chief Goodman shares why a college degree shouldn’t be the golden ticket into policing—and how Sacramento’s top-down policies are missing the mark.

Together, they explore the real-world consequences of a "one-size-fits-all" academic requirement, the dangers of legislating from flawed premises, and how removing life experience from the badge equation could cost communities far more than politicians realize.

Learn More about the San Bernardino Police Department: https://www.sbcity.org/412/Police-Department

Follow Police Chief Darren Goodman: https://x.com/SBPD_CHIEF

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Topics Covered:

07:45 – Education vs. Experience in Policing Why checking the "degree box" isn’t a silver bullet—and how real-world experience often matters more.

11:40 – Sacramento’s Modern Policing Bill A deep dive into the legislation’s origins, its flawed premise post-George Floyd, and the political virtue-signaling behind it.

18:20 – The Problem with One-Size-Fits-All Mandates How requiring a degree could devastate recruitment, especially in underserved communities.

23:50 – Diversity Beyond Skin Color Why life experience, military service, and cultural familiarity matter more than classroom credentials.

28:30 – What Makes a Great Cop Chief Goodman’s must-haves: heart, grit, public service commitment—and why a degree can’t teach those.

33:00 – Political Disconnect in Sacramento How state leaders are legislating in a vacuum, ignoring the people who actually keep streets safe.

38:40 – The Real Cost of Virtue Signaling Personal stories from San Bernardino: what the community loses when good candidates are locked out by mandates.

46:10 – Recruitment, Retention, and California's Exodus Why even military vets and seasoned professionals are leaving the profession—or the state altogether.

52:00 – Human Trafficking Hypocrisy & Misguided Reforms A brutal look at how legislation aimed at "equity" is inadvertently enabling exploitation.

57:30 – Public Involvement and Civic Action Chief Goodman’s call to action: how everyday citizens can stop reckless policymaking before it’s too late.

1:02:00 – Closing Thoughts Why heart will always beat a diploma—and the danger of punishing police instead of empowering them.

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Learn more about the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association (SEBA): https://www.seba.com/

SEBA is the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association proudly representing 4,000+ public safety officers in San Bernardino County since 1946

Follow Show Host Lolita Harper:

Instagram

LinkedIn

On this episode of SEBA on Demand we talk to 12-year-old Jhala Angelique of Rancho Cucamonga who created the “I Am” campaign after being bullied in school. As part of her campaign she travels around to local schools where she speaks to young students about the harmful effects of bullying.

On this episode of SEBA ON DEMAND we talk to Nick Wilson about The Resiliency Project and his mission is to end the silent suffering of our nation's first responders.

On this episode of SEBA ON DEMAND we talk to Deputy Harris who recently had racial slurs hurled at him by protestors in Rancho Cucamonga. He speaks candidly about his dedication to the profession, regardless of criticism.

On this episode of SEBA ON DEMAND we talk to County Superintendent Ted Alejandre about educational resources for parents and SEBA’s revised approach to Back to School Shop with a Cop.

On this episode of SEBA ON DEMAND, Executive Director Lolita Harper speaks to former San Bernardino County Deputy Meagan McCarthy.

On this episode of Lo and Order, we sit down with San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus to discuss critical topics like recruitment and retention in law enforcement, and what we like to call the "BLTs" - beards, load-bearing vests and tattoos. This is LO AND ORDER.

https://wp.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/

Sheriff Shannon Dicus: https://www.instagram.com/sheriffshannondicus/

08:55 - Recruitment Challenges and Incentives: Recruitment strategies include referral bonuses, hiring bonuses, and targeted outreach to military personnel and local communities. The Sheriff emphasizes innovative approaches like mentorship programs and pre-academy preparation to attract and retain candidates.  

13:01 - Load-Bearing Vest Policy: The Sheriff outlines the journey and challenges in implementing load-bearing vests, emphasizing their importance for reducing injuries and ensuring officer safety. He discusses the insurance policy complications and the steps taken to address these issues, such as sourcing approved vests and initiating field testing with 20 units.  

19:32 - Tattoo and Beard Policy: The Sheriff explains his stance on tattoos and beards, focusing on maintaining a professional image. He supports exemptions for religious reasons (e.g., Sikh officers) while prioritizing a unified, professional look for the department.  

29:09 - Staffing and Retention Issues: The Sheriff addresses the increasing number of deputies leaving due to dissatisfaction with California’s law enforcement climate and economic factors. He discusses the rapid promotion of younger officers due to high turnover and the challenges this creates.  

32:27 - Commitment to Listening and Balancing Stakeholder Needs: The Sheriff emphasizes his willingness to listen to both his deputies and the community to make informed decisions. He acknowledges competing priorities and strikes a balance between operational effectiveness and public expectations.  

40:15 - Balancing Modern Expectations with Tradition:  The Sheriff discusses the generational shift in work-life balance expectations. He acknowledges the importance of adapting policies, like alternative schedules and job-sharing, to attract and retain a younger workforce while maintaining operational effectiveness.  

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Learn more about the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association (SEBA): https://www.seba.com/

SEBA is the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association proudly representing 4,000+ public safety officers in San Bernardino County since 1946

Follow Show Host Lolita Harper:

Instagram

LinkedIn

The Brief: Law enforcement has faced years of political weaponization, leaving officers caught in the crossfire of partisan agendas. We're making this message in response to recent press inquiries about preemptive pardons and their impact on law enforcement.

The hypocrisy is exhausting—leaders who once defunded and disrespected police are now pretending to champion law enforcement, using us as a political weapon to attack their opponents. This isn’t about taking sides; it’s about standing up for the men and women who serve with integrity and asking for the respect they deserve. Stop using law enforcement as a political tool—our profession and communities deserve better

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Learn more about the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association (SEBA): https://www.seba.com/

SEBA is the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association proudly representing 4,000+ public safety officers in San Bernardino County since 1946

Follow Show Host Lolita Harper:

Instagram

LinkedIn

On this episode of SEBA ON DEMAND, Executive Director Lolita Harper speaks to Attorney & Advocate for First Responders Nicole Castronovo about the negative impact of AB 3070 on California Peace Officers.

On this episode of SEBA on Demand we speak to San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon in part one of our four-part series that discusses what happens when an officer is shot in the line of duty.

The series revolves around the shooting of Deputy Dustin Whitson, who miraculously survived an attempted murder on March 23, 2021 in Hesperia.

PLEASE SHARE: If you have children at home, this is a must-watch with Detective Brian Arias from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Specialized Investigations Division, Crimes Against Children Unit.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 there has been an increase in the number of reports coming in from online providers regarding solicitation of child pornography from online predators, Arias said.

"With kids being away from school and being at home more which leads them to being on their devices more, we have noticed that our caseload has tripled since the outbreak of this health scare," said Detective Arias.

The Brief: In this Lo & Order, SEBA Executive Director Lolita Harper dives into the ever-shifting political landscape, using Governor Gavin Newsom as a prime example of why politicians can’t always be trusted. Once a vocal supporter of defunding the police, Newsom has now done a complete 180—denouncing the movement he once championed. But was he ever really on board?

Lolita pulls back the curtain on Sacramento politics, exposing how elected officials often say one thing in front of the cameras while admitting something entirely different behind closed doors. As Newsom eyes a bigger national stage, his policy pivots raise a critical question: Are our leaders guided by principles, or just chasing poll numbers?

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Learn more about the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association (SEBA): https://www.seba.com/

SEBA is the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association proudly representing 4,000+ public safety officers in San Bernardino County since 1946

Follow Show Host Lolita Harper:

Instagram

LinkedIn

On this episode of SEBA on Demand we speak to San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy Todd Johnson who recently saved the life of a baby during a recent incident in Rancho Cucamonga.

On this episode of SEBA on Demand we speak to San Bernardino County Sheriff's Corporal Cole Raynolds in part two of our four-part series that discusses what happens when an officer is shot in the line of duty.

The series revolves around the shooting of Deputy Dustin Whitson, who miraculously survived an attempted murder on March 23, 2021 in Hesperia.

On this episode of Lo and Order, we talk to Valerie Vaca, the widow of Sergeant Dominic Vaca. She shares her powerful story of love, loss, and resilience after Dominic was killed in the line of duty on May 31, 2021. 

In this deeply moving conversation, Valerie opens up about the realities of surviving families—the grief, the struggles, and the unwavering commitment to keeping their loved ones’ legacies alive.

She sheds light on the importance of continuous support beyond the End of Watch date, the role of law enforcement families, and how we can all do better in honoring our fallen heroes by being present for those they left behind.

This is not just a conversation about loss—it’s a testament to strength, advocacy, and the unbreakable bond of the law enforcement community.

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To get involved in the Sergeant Dominic Vaca Memorial Football Tournament, visit their page on Instagram: vacamemorialtournament

To register for the the 2025 3rd Annual Honor Our Fallen and Remember the Families 5K Memorial Run visit: http://getmeregistered.com/sebahonor

Learn more about the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association (SEBA): https://www.seba.com/

SEBA is the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association proudly representing 4,000+ public safety officers in San Bernardino County since 1946

Follow Show Host Lolita Harper:

Instagram

LinkedIn

On this edition of SEBA of DEMAND we talk to SEBA Vice President Danny Rosa about assistance available to our members through the Peace Officers’ Relief Fund (PORF).

PORF offers financial assistance for those in our SEBA bargaining groups who may be suffering from the financial impact of these unprecedented times. Although our first responders are still at work, members may have spouses who have lost employment or lost necessary income from the hit to small businesses.

PORF is also available to our members who have suffered a catastrophic event. Our prayers are that all of our members stay healthy, safe and financially sound during these rough times. But also know SEBA is here to offer assistance to those who need it.

On this episode of SEBA ON DEMAND we talk to John Futch, a former police officer and the newly-elected president of the San Bernardino NAACP Branch.

Comments by a @UCDavis English professor saying he believes police officers “need to be killed” gained attention after the shooting death of City of Davis Police Department Officer Natalie Corona.

On this episode of SEBA ON DEMAND we discuss the professor's comments with Phil Jonas, the current SEBA Secretary and a Senior Investigator for the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office.

On this episode of SEBA ON DEMAND we talk about your retirement with Sheriff’s Lieutenant Marc Bracco who was recently elected to the SBCERA Board of Retirement.

On this special edition of SEBA on Demand, Grant Ward responds to last week's attack on our deputy and explains the frightening truth about what constitutes "violent" crime in California.

On this episode of SEBA on DEMAND, we talk to SEBA Labor Representative Melissa Burroughs:

“The work I do at SEBA is extremely personal for me. I was a Deputy Sheriff for 17 years until I was medically retired in 2016. It was devastating, but it has given me the knowledge and experience to help others. Ultimately, I want our members to know they have resources and that they can call me anytime they have questions, or need help.”

On this episode of SEBA on DEMAND, we talk to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Sergeant and Cannonball Memorial Run Co-Founder Jason Hendrix: “For me, twenty-three years ago, I was shot eight times in the line of duty and I survived. But each and every day there are officers that go to work, put on that uniform and they do not know if they are going to be coming home that night.” #SEBAStrong

On this episode of SEBA on DEMAND, we talk to City of Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren who recently joined SEBA and hundreds of peace officers in the State Capitol: “It gave me a chance to understand, even more, the trials and tribulations that all of you are going through. And we as a public, we support you.” #SEBAStrong

On this episode of SEBA on DEMAND, we talk to San Manuel Tribal Leader Rowena Ramos about a wide-ranging number of topics: charitable giving in the community, her great-grandfather Santos San Manuel and basket weaving. #SEBAStrong

On this episode of SEBA ON DEMAND, we talk to Sgt. Jerred Besheer of the Sheriff's Athletic Federation (SAF) about the upcoming Mud Run and the overall mission of SAF. #SEBAStrong

On this episode of SEBA on Demand we talk to SBCUSD Board of Education Member and Community Leader Dr. Margaret Hill.

In this powerful discussion, San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson sits down with SEBA Executive Director Lolita Harper to unpack the complexities of the justice system, the challenges of criminal legislation, and how law enforcement and prosecutors can work together to create safer communities.

From the impact of Prop 36 to the future of crime prevention, this is a must-watch conversation for anyone invested in public safety, justice, and the rule of law.

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Podcast Overview:

[02:30] - What is Prop 36? Prop 36 addresses gaps left by Prop 47, aiming to reduce drug-related crime and homelessness.

[08:15] - How Prop 36 Works Drug offenses can now be charged as felonies, but offenders can avoid jail by completing rehab.

[12:30] - Addressing Theft & Serial Offenders Prop 36 allows repeat theft offenders to face felony charges, helping stop serial shoplifters.

[18:00] - Impact of Prop 47 & 57 Prop 47 & 57 led to rising theft, addiction, and homelessness, frustrating law enforcement.

[24:45] - Past Drug Court Success Before Prop 47, San Bernardino led the nation in drug courts, helping hundreds overcome addiction.

[30:10] - Prop 36 & Retail Theft Retailers like Target & Home Depot supported Prop 36 to combat rising shoplifting crimes.

[35:55] - Legislative Challenges DAs and police were excluded from policy discussions, leading to ineffective crime laws.

[42:20] - Accountability & Rehabilitation Prop 36 ensures rehabilitation is a choice, not a loophole, by requiring personal accountability.

[48:15] - The Death Penalty Debate California voters continue to support the death penalty, but politics undermines enforcement.

[55:40] - Homelessness & Addiction Homelessness is often tied to addiction, not just housing issues. Prop 36 aims to break this cycle.

[1:02:20] - Law Enforcement & Mental Health Many mental health crises stem from drug use. Programs like Laura’s Law help with intervention.

[1:08:45] - Training for Prop 36 New officers don’t remember pre-Prop 47 laws. DA’s office is training them on new enforcement.

[1:15:10] - Measuring Success Success will be tracked by rehab completions, case dismissals, and crime reduction.

[1:22:30] - Community Engagement DA Anderson teaches high school students about their legal rights and law enforcement roles.

[1:30:45] - Final Thoughts Public safety is everyone’s responsibility. Prop 36 must be implemented fairly for real change.

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To learn more about the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office visit: https://sbcountyda.org/

Learn more about the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association (SEBA): https://www.seba.com/

SEBA is the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association proudly representing 4,000+ public safety officers in San Bernardino County since 1946

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Follow Show Host Lolita Harper:

Instagram

LinkedIn

On this episode of SEBA ON Demand we talk to local comedian Mike Cano. When Mike isn't performing at comedy clubs all across the United States, he is making a positive impact in his community. See why we asked him to perform at our upcoming event for SEBA Members!

You can follow Mike on just about every social media outlet at @mikecanolol

The show’s inaugural guest is Lynette MacKay, wife of slain detective Jeremiah MacKay. Lynette and Lolita discuss life after tragedy, the healing power of laughter and the harsh realities of being a law enforcement family. 

On this episode of SEBA ON DEMAND we talk to San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe.