The 10-8 Podcast addresses leadership, training, mental and physical wellness, and accountability for Arkansas’s law enforcement officers.
Join us as we share strategies to enhance service to our communities and departments.
10-8 is hosted by Arkansas Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (ADLEST) Director Chris Chapmond, who holds nearly 30 years of experience in various law enforcement roles including patrolman, detective, and SWAT operator. Co-hosts are his Deputy Directors Eric Wacaster and Jason Lawrence, who contribute over 30 years of combined experience and expertise as certified instructors in multiple areas of law enforcement and the judicial court system.
ADLEST oversees standards and training for the nearly 12,000 officers statewide, manages training academies, sets policing standards, 911 communicator training, jail standards, and administers the law enforcement support program – all of which aim to promote excellence in policing throughout the state.
Episode 1 – Welcome to the 10-8 Podcast
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Episode 2 – Officer Decertification Process Changes, New Advanced Training Section and New Awards
In the second episode of the 10-8 Podcast, hosts Chris Chapmond, Eric Wacaster, and Jason Lawrence discuss improvements on the officer decertification process, the new advanced training section which offers over 35 free training classes to law enforcement agencies in Arkansas, and the introduction of the Servant’s Leadership, Invictus, and Heraclitus Awards presented to academy graduates, officers, and instructors who exhibit leadership and skill above the call of duty.
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Episode 3 – Chiefs Roundtable
Little Rock Police Chief Heath Helton, North Little Rock Police Chief Patrick Thessing, and Benton Police Chief Scotty Hodges join Chad, Eric, and Jason for a discussion on cooperation across jurisdictional lines, growing leadership from within the department, departmental changes since the post-George Floyd protests, and holding officers accountable.
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Episode 4 – Hot Springs Incident Debrief
“I’m gonna get off the phone. Let me handle this real quick.”
Those were the last words that Hot Springs Police officer Nick Cato heard before the fight for his life began on the night of March 11, 2024, when a suspect opened fire on him and fellow Officer Alex Lee. Despite being struck twice, Officer Cato was able to return fire while Officer Lee was able to secure a safe position while returning fire before returning to administer aid to Officer Cato.
Officers Cato and Lee, along with Hot Springs Police Chief Billy Hrvatin join Chris, Eric, and Jason for a discussion of that fateful night, the circumstances leading up to the event, the aftermath, and how training and preparedness helped them win the fight.
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Episode 5 – Arkansas Human Trafficking Council
“80% of missing children are contacted by a trafficker within 48 hours.”
Major Stacie Rhoads, Commander of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division, and ASP Sgt. Matt Foster, Arkansas Human Trafficking Coordinator, discuss the origins of the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council, the staggering numbers, the value of dedicated, passionate investigators, and the fight to rescue victims of human trafficking.
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Episode 6 – Clint Bruce
Former NFL athlete, U.S. Navy Seal, entrepreneur, and founder of the HighgroundHQ Foundation, Clint Bruce joins Chris, Jason, Eric, and Dr. Clem to discuss how lessons learned on the ball field and the battlefield translate to the boardroom and the breakfast table.
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Episode 7 – Officer Wellness and Resiliency
Hosts Chris Chapmond, Eric Wacaster, and Jason Lawrence are joined by Dr. Chris Clem to discuss officer wellness and resiliency, specifically what’s being done in Arkansas by the Department of Public Safety to encourage and create strong mental health programs for new, current, and future officers from the start of employment through retirement.
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Episode 8 – Women in Law Enforcement Leadership
Three prominent law enforcement officers from around Arkansas, Chief Kristi Bennett (Hot Springs Village), Chief Denise Richardson (Pine Bluff), and Assistant Chief Lynn Waterworth (Jonesboro) join our hosts Chris, Eric, and Jason for a discussion about how they broke down the barriers to become leaders of their departments and how they are working to pave the way for future law enforcement officers.
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Episode 9 – Brothers in Blue: The Hagar Brothers Share Insight on Leadership and Service
Arkansas State Police Colonel Mike Hagar and Sherwood Police Chief Jeff Hagar join the 10-8 Podcast to discuss leadership, service, and mental wellness in law enforcement with hosts Chris Chapmond, Jason Lawrence, Eric Wacaster, and Dr. Chris Clem. The conversation focuses on the importance of servant leadership and its potential to improve outcomes for both officers and the communities they serve.
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Episode 10 – Ensuring Integrity – How Arkansas is Leading the Way in Officer Decertifications
Taylor Reavis, legal counsel for the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training joins hosts Chris Chapmond, Jason Lawrence, Eric Wacaster, and Dr. Chris Clem for a discussion on the decertification process for police officers, which involves revoking an officer’s certification if they fail to meet required standards.
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Episode 11 – Legends in Law Enforcement – Lessons from 98 Years of Service, Leadership, and Sacrifice
Longtime Pulaski County Sheriff Doc Holladay and Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Director Gary Sipes reflect on their combined 98 years of law enforcement service. They share valuable lessons on leadership, resilience and the evolution of policing while stressing the value of service, accountability and personal sacrifice.
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Episode 12 – Tactical Excellence to Human-Centered Leadership – Navy SEAL Veteran Stephen Barrett
In this episode, former Navy SEAL Stephen Barrett shares his journey over his 23-year career from a young, insecure recruit to a seasoned leader and owner of Barrett Strategic Leadership Group. Prompted by a pivotal deployment in Afghanistan in 2010, Barrett refocused his efforts as a leader to emphasize emotional intelligence, self-reflection, communication and continuous improvement.
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Episode 13 – Understanding Crime Victim Reparations in Arkansas
In this episode, Lisette Yang, administrator of the Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Board, visits the 10-8 Studios to share about the program’s functions and eligibility requirements. The Crime Victims Reparations Board provides financial assistance to victims of violent crimes or sexual assault in Arkansas.
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Episode 14 – Addressing Trauma in Law Enforcement – HoldFast Institute CEO Dan Bradley
In this episode, HoldFast Institute CEO Dan Bradley stops by the 10-8 Studios to settle a Super Bowl bet with Eric Wacaster, Arkansas DPS Chief Legal Counsel. This episode features a conversation about the importance of addressing mental health and trauma in law enforcement and first responder communities and the need for innovative resources and facilities tailored to these groups.
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Episode 15 – Improvements to Jailer Training and Auditing Processes
In this episode, recent improvements to auditing processes are discussed with Senior CLEST Agents Amie Martin and Brian Johnson, as well as the topic of jailer training programs with Calvin Bishop.
These programs are aimed at enhancing efficiency, compliance, and reducing liability for Arkansas law enforcement agencies.
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Episode 16 – Advocates for Mental Health: The Evolution of Officer Wellness
Arkansas State Police Sergeants Zach Owens and Chuck Lewis share what the ASP Wellness Program has to offer and how attitudes toward mental health have shifted over the years to a culture that is more supportive of officers seeking help for mental health and trauma recovery.
Plus, Sgt. Owens discusses how much the culture has changed for the better since he was shot during a traffic stop in 2006.
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Episode 17 – Free Leadership and Resiliency Conferences for Arkansas Law Enforcement
The Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training, together with the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, is proud to present a robust lineup of Summer 2025 training opportunities focused on leadership, wellness, and resiliency for Arkansas law enforcement officers.
Renowned speakers and past guests of the 10-8 Podcast, Dan Bradley and Clint Bruce, will lead “Pursuing Elite: Achieving and Sustaining Elite Outcomes” in Benton on June 13 and Jonesboro on August 8.
On June 18, join us for the 2nd Leadership, Wellness, and Resiliency Summit, where we’ll explore effective leadership in law enforcement, mental health, officer wellness, and building resiliency. This interactive event will feature powerful stories, valuable class opportunities, and essential resources.
Leadership expert Steven Barrett, also a past 10-8 Podcast guest, will host sessions on developing stronger leaders and teams in Pine Bluff on June 19 and Springdale on July 16.
The National Command and Staff College is bringing its acclaimed MAGNUS Leadership Program to Benton for a two-day course on June 26-27.
All of these high-impact conferences are completely FREE, and many qualify for CLEST course credit hours.
Don’t miss this chance to elevate your skills and connect with fellow officers! Register today by calling (501) 682-2260 or through the CLEST portal.
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Episode 18 – Resilience on the Front Lines: A Journey of Service and Recovery
In October 2023, Pine Bluff Police Department Officer Tiffany Wood was seriously injured in a head-on crash with a drunk driver while on duty.
Officer Wood, who suffered multiple fractures and internal injuries in the collision, remained calm and focused on her survival in the days and weeks that followed. She credits her own determination and the support of her colleagues for helping her through the ordeal.
In this episode of the 10-8 Podcast, Officer Wood shares her story of perseverance, advocacy, and the role that mental toughness plays in law enforcement.
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Episode 19 – Women of Valor Conference: Mentorship, Leadership, and Legacy
On this episode of the 10-8 Podcast, Major Stacie Rhoads and Corporal Christiana McKibbon of the Arkansas State Police, and Assistant Chief Lynn Waterworth of the Jonesboro Police Department, join us for a candid and empowering discussion. The three address their personal journeys, the unique challenges women face in a male-dominated profession, and the importance of mentorship and peer support.
Conversation centers around the upcoming Women of Valor Conference, scheduled for July 23, 2025, which aims to build community, enhance leadership skills, and foster resilience among female officers. The conference will emphasize the need for emotional intelligence, effective communication, and greater representation of women in policing. With topics ranging from culture and wellness to identity and leadership, the event aspires to inspire the next generation of women in law enforcement and create lasting professional connections.
