In this episode, our host Ryan Baty sits down for an in-depth conversation with Sheriff Jeff Easter, the 40th Sheriff of Sedgwick County. With nearly 40 years in law enforcement, from his beginnings with the Wichita Police Department to over a decade leading the county sheriff’s office, Sheriff Easter brings a unique perspective and hard-earned wisdom to some of the most pressing issues facing our community today.

Ryan and Sheriff Easter discuss the enormous challenges and changes in law enforcement over the years—everything from jail staffing crises, the evolution of policing technology, and the impact of national events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the George Floyd protests, to the quiet but powerful ways local sentiment shapes public safety. Sheriff Easter opens up about his family’s deep history of service, including the tragic loss of his brother in the line of duty, and reflects on what it means to serve and to lead through crisis.

Together, they dig into the complex intersections of mental health, substance abuse, and crime, revealing how Sedgwick County has adapted to an ever-shifting landscape with innovative approaches, like creating mental health pods in the jail and prioritizing officer wellness. Sheriff Easter also shares candid thoughts about juvenile crime, the need for legislative reform, and the real stories behind the county jail’s rising population and costs.

Whether you’re curious about how law enforcement truly operates behind the scenes, or you want to better understand the links between public policy, community safety, and the people who dedicate their lives to both, this episode offers a rare, honest, and insightful look from one of the region’s most respected law enforcement leaders.