In this episode, Kevin and Scott Duffey discuss:

• The importance of humility, faith, and compassion in criminal justice leadership
• How law enforcement leaders can build trust through active listening and genuine connection
• The evolving conversation around mental health awareness in public safety professions
• The value of mentorship and learning from both good and flawed leaders
• The need for self-awareness and knowing personal limitations in leadership roles

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership in law enforcement must prioritize listening over control. Great leaders know when to talk and when to listen, ensuring their people feel heard and supported.
• Self-awareness is a cornerstone of leadership maturity. Recognizing personal triggers, limits, and insecurities helps leaders make clearer, wiser decisions under pressure.
• Mental health conversations in public safety must move beyond stigma. Scott advocates for creating safe spaces where vulnerability isn’t seen as weakness, and where help-seeking is actively encouraged.
• Mentorship leaves a lasting impact. The leaders who shape you—good or bad—stay with you, and it’s crucial to pass on what you’ve learned to the next generation.
• Every human connection matters. Every person you meet is a meaningful, potentially life-changing encounter worth respecting.

“Enjoy every minute of it, and don’t be down on yourself for more than it takes to learn from that mistake and move forward.” – Scott Duffey

About Scott Duffey:

Scott Duffey is a powerhouse in the world of criminal justice—someone who has not only worn the badge but has shaped the minds behind it. With 27 years of combined law enforcement experience and nearly two decades of police instruction and training under his belt, he brings both street wisdom and academic excellence to the table.

He currently serves as the Director of the Wilmington University Criminal Justice Institute, where he leads the charge in preparing the next generation of law enforcement professionals.

But that’s not all—he was an FBI special agent for 22 years and also taught for the FBI, specializing in interview and interrogation techniques, sharing his expertise with law enforcement professionals across the globe. When it comes to understanding the criminal mind and the art of effective communication under pressure, this is the man they call.

Connect with Scott Duffey:

Website: https://cji.wilmu.edu/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ssrafbi_ret/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-duffey-673689a/

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS 

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkd63 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@coachkd63