Episode 28

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Published on:

15th Oct 2025

Steve Sund on When Cops Are Told to Stand Down

What happens when officers are ordered not to act, even as lives hang in the balance?

In this gripping episode of Heroes Behind the Badge, former U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steve Sund returns to discuss the growing tension between politics and policing in America.

From the real-life Chicago dispatch audio where police were told to stand down, to the lessons he learned on January 6, Sund reveals how split-second decisions can collide with political agendas. Joined by hosts Dennis Collins, Bill Erfurth, and Craig Floyd, the conversation dives deep into duty, leadership, and the cost of obedience in modern law enforcement.

This is a raw, unfiltered look at what happens when orders conflict with honor, and why the courage to act still defines the badge.

#SteveSund #HeroesBehindTheBadge #LawEnforcement #Policing #January6 #Leadership #Duty #StandDown #CitizensBehindTheBadge

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About the Podcast

Heroes Behind the Badge
We tell REAL stories about REAL cops.  And we expose the fake news about police and give you the REAL truth.
From the front lines to the final call, Heroes Behind the Badge brings you the untold stories of America's law enforcement community. Led by Craig Floyd, who spent 34 years working alongside police officers across the nation, alongside veteran facilitator Dennis Collins and law enforcement expert Bill Erfurth, this podcast cuts through misconceptions to reveal the true nature of modern policing.

Our dynamic trio brings unique perspectives to each episode: Craig shares deep insights from his decades of experience and relationships within law enforcement, Dennis guides conversations with meticulous research and natural flow, and Bill adds engaging commentary that makes complex law enforcement topics accessible to all listeners.

Each episode features in-depth conversations with law enforcement professionals, sharing their firsthand experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Drawing from extensive research and real-world experience, we explore the realities faced by the over 800,000 officers who serve and protect our communities every day.

From dramatic accounts of crisis response to quiet moments of everyday heroism, our show illuminates the human stories behind the badge. We dive deep into the statistics, policies, and practices that shape modern law enforcement, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of what it truly means to serve in law enforcement today.

Whether you're a law enforcement professional, a concerned citizen, or someone seeking to understand the complexities of modern policing, Heroes Behind the Badge provides the context, insights, and authentic perspectives you won't find anywhere else. Join us weekly as we honor those who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe, one story at a time.

Presented by Citizens Behind the Badge, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for law enforcement professionals across the United States. Join over 126,000 Americans who have already signed our Declaration of Support for law enforcement at behindbadge.org.