Podcast

SPD Protect and Connect

Government

Protect & Connect — A Shelbyville TN Police Department Podcast

Protect & Connect takes you beyond the badge and into the people, stories, and conversations that make up the Shelbyville Police Department and the community we serve.

Hosted by members of the Shelbyville Police Department, each episode features conversations with officers, department leaders, community partners, first responders, and special guests. We’ll discuss law enforcement, public safety, community programs, leadership, and the experiences that often go unseen behind the uniform.

Some episodes will be informative. Some will be serious. Others will give you a chance to laugh with us and get to know the people behind the badge.

Our goal is simple: build relationships, strengthen trust, share our stories, and better connect with the community we are proud to serve.

Protect & Connect — Connecting our community with the people behind the badge.

The views, opinions, and experiences expressed on the Protect and Connect Podcast are those of the individual speakers and guests and do not necessarily represent the official policies, positions, or opinions of the Shelbyville Police Department or the City of Shelbyville.

This podcast is intended for informational, educational, and community-engagement purposes only. Discussions involving laws, policies, procedures, investigations, or public-safety practices are general in nature and should not be considered legal advice or official departmental guidance.

To protect privacy, safety, and the integrity of law-enforcement operations, certain details may be omitted or modified. The podcast will not discuss confidential, sensitive, or active investigative information.

Protect and Connect is committed to strengthening communication, building relationships, and providing our community with a better understanding of the people and partnerships behind public safety.

Episodes
5
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
40 min
On air since
2026
Latest episode
2 weeks ago

Episodes

5 episodes, newest first

  1. CID Homicide Case Study

    Season 1, Episode 4

    Show notes

    Welcome to Shelbyville Police Department's Protect and Connect Podcast, the official podcast of the Shelbyville Police Department!

    In this episode of the Protect and Connect Podcast, Detective Lieutenant Cody Swift joins us for a compelling look inside the Shelbyville Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division (CID).

    We take a deep dive back into a complex 2023 homicide investigation handled right here in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Detective Lt. Swift breaks down the realities of modern police work from the initial response and crime scene processing to piecing together evidence and working relentlessly to bring closure and justice to the victim's family and our community.

    The views and opinions expressed on the Protect and Connect Podcast are those of the individual speakers and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the Shelbyville Police Department or the City of Shelbyville.

    This podcast is for informational and community-engagement purposes only. Certain details may be omitted to protect privacy, safety, and the integrity of law-enforcement operations.

    40 min
  2. Ep 03 Chief and Deputy Chief

    Season 1, Episode 3

    Show notes

    Welcome to Shelbyville Police Department's Protect and Connect Podcast, the official podcast of the Shelbyville Police Department!

    In this episode of Protect and Connect, we look inside the top leadership guiding the Shelbyville Police Department. Chief Jan Phillips reflects on his 50+ year career journey from starting as an EMT and dispatcher to leading the department as Chief of Police.

    Deputy Chief Pat Mathis shares insights from his nearly four decades of service, spanning his beginnings at the Bedford County Jail to serving as second-in-command.

    Additionally, this episode looks at the evolution of local policing and how technology, community growth, and modern policing strategies have shaped Shelbyville over the decades.

    Lastly, the executive team discusses their shared commitment to officer training, community trust, and keeping Shelbyville safe.

    So tune in for an engaging conversation on leadership, community engagement, and decades of public service!

    The views and opinions expressed on the Protect and Connect Podcast are those of the individual speakers and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the Shelbyville Police Department or the City of Shelbyville.

    This podcast is for informational and community-engagement purposes only. Certain details may be omitted to protect privacy, safety, and the integrity of law-enforcement operations.

    40 min
  3. Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

    Season 1, Episode 2

    Show notes

    Welcome to Shelbyville Police Department's Protect and Connect Podcast, the official podcast of the Shelbyville Police Department!

    In this episode, we're diving into the upcoming Battle of the Badges blood drive which is a collaborative effort bringing together local emergency agencies and community partners across Bedford County. Participating organizations include:

    • Shelbyville Police Department
    • Shelbyville City Fire Department
    • Bedford County Sheriff's Office
    • Bedford County Fire Department
    • Bedford County Emergency Management Agency
    • Bedford County Emergency Ambulance Service
    • Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital

    While our main goal is gathering life-saving blood donations, our local agencies are bringing a little friendly competition to the table to see who can rally the most donors. Ultimately, the true winners are the patients whose lives will be saved by these critical donations.

    Thanks for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please don't forget to like, share, and spread the word. Enjoy the show!

    The views, opinions, and experiences expressed on the Protect and Connect Podcast are those of the individual speakers and guests and do not necessarily represent the official policies, positions, or opinions of the Shelbyville Police Department or the City of Shelbyville.
    This podcast is intended for informational, educational, and community-engagement purposes only. Discussions involving laws, policies, procedures, investigations, or public-safety practices are general in nature and should not be considered legal advice or official departmental guidance.
    To protect privacy, safety, and the integrity of law-enforcement operations, certain details may be omitted or modified. The podcast will not discuss confidential, sensitive, or active investigative information.
    Protect and Connect is committed to strengthening communication, building relationships, and providing our community with a better understanding of the people and partnerships behind public safety.

    51 min
  4. Protect and Connect Introduction

    Season 1, Episode 1

    Show notes

    Welcome to the Shelbyville Police Department's podcast Protect and Connect. This podcast will take you behind the scenes and behind the badge. We look forward to connecting with you the citizens of Shelbyville and beyond. In this episode we will introduce you to the host Major Charles Merlo and Lieutenant Ronnie Blankenship. Also, you can contact us via email at protectandconnect@shelbyvilletn.org

    14 min
  5. Intro Trailer

    Show notes

    Trailer for Episode 1 Intro to Protect and Connect

    1 min

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