Running Code
Society & Culture
About
Go behind the badge and meet members of the NNPD in the podcast, Running Code. We introduce you to various members of the NNPD, allowing the viewer to learn about their stories and see what policing looks like through their eyes.
Episodes
- Running Code Podcast: Det. Neidengard
In this episode of Running Code podcast, Detective Carl Neidengard shares insights into his career path, including his move to NNPD 17 years ago. He also touches on his diverse life experiences outside of law enforcement.
- Running Code Podcast: Officer Zapata
Officer Greymi Zapata, featured on the 51st episode of Running Code, shares her journey into law enforcement with NNPD and her role in community engagement, including Spanish translation and the Hispanic Citizen Police Academy.
- Running Code Podcast: Mayor Jones
In the 50th episode of the Running Code podcast, Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones discusses his military background, public safety policy, and the future of the city. He also reveals a secret talent at the end of the episode.
- Running Code Podcast: Officer Hughes
Officer Keeyson Hughes, a School Resource Officer for Newport News and a U.S. Army Reservist, shares his experiences on the Running Code podcast. He recently returned from deployment and is back to working in city schools.
- Running Code Podcast: Lt. Sinclair
Lt. Michael Sinclair shares insights from his varied career in law enforcement, covering roles in patrol, investigations, training, and the Real Time Crime Center. He also touches upon his journey into policing and his work as a swimming c…
- Running Code Podcast: Sgt. Thompson
Sgt. J.J. Thompson, with 20 years at NNPD, shares insights on his career path, favorite assignments, managing job stress, and his family. He currently serves as Sergeant over the Aggravated Assault Unit.
- Running Code Podcast: Sgt. Walker
Sergeant Adrienne Walker shares her journey into law enforcement, recounting how her initial belief about the lack of women in the field evolved. Now with 20 years of experience, she serves in NNPD's Community and Youth Outreach Division.
- Running Code Podcast: Det. Nou
Detective Sophat Nou discusses his 19-year career in law enforcement, including his roles in property crimes and the Drone Unit. He also shares details about his personal life and his journey into police work.
- Running Code, Episode 44: Sgt. Cline
In this episode of Running Code, Sgt. Brett Cline shares details about his 15-year career with the NNPD and his previous U.S. Navy service. He also touches on his upbringing, his background as a scholarship swimmer, and his passion for sur…
- Running Code, Episode 43: Officer Kelly Hernandez
Officer Kelly Hernandez shares her journey from military service and dispatch to joining the NNPD, detailing her experiences during the training academy.
- Running Code, Episode 42: Detective Toch
In Running Code, Episode 42, Detective Maria Toch shares insights into her career path, her passion for teaching, and her various responsibilities within the NNPD. Originally interested in mental health, she found a unique fit for her skil…
- Running Code Episode 41: Lt. Peregrine
Lieutenant Thomas Peregrine shares his journey into law enforcement after an NNPD detective's visit to his family nail salon inspired a career change. He discusses his unconventional path and the camaraderie within the NNPD.
- Running Code, Episode 40: Det. McDonough
NNPD Detective Kylee McDonough is featured on Episode 40 of Running Code. She talks about her rapid career progression from patrol to investigations, her ties to Newport News, and her enjoyment of travel.
- Running Code, Episode 39: Sgt. Stepp
Sgt. Steven Stepp, supervisor of the NNPD Special Victims Unit, shares details about his career, including his time in High Impact Patrol and the Tactical Operations Unit. He also touches on his hobbies and offers guidance for those intere…
- Running Code, Episode 38: Officer Powell
Officer Muhammad Powell shares his experience joining the NNPD’s South Precinct, becoming a leader, and following a path of discipline and leadership distinct from his military family.
- Running Code, Episode 37: Lt. Webster
Lt. Cornelius Webster, head of the NNPD Training Academy, shares insights on his Newport News roots, his history in football, and his current work shaping future police officers.
- Running Code, Episode 36: Captain Cupp
Episode 36 of Running Code features Captain Randy Cupp, a 20-year NNPD veteran. He shares insights from his time in the force, his experiences growing up in Newport News, and his current role overseeing the Special Investigations Division.
- Running Code, Episode 35: Officer Tyson
Officer Tyson shares her lifelong dream of becoming a police officer and her future goals in this episode of Running Code. A Portsmouth native and recent NNPD Training Academy graduate, she serves the South Precinct.
- Running Code, Episode 34: Lt. Collins
Lt. Jessica Collins shares her experiences during 23 years with NNPD, detailing her past role as a 911 dispatcher and enjoyable assignments. The episode also includes comments from Capt. Tietjens regarding his retirement.
- Running Code, Episode 33: Officer Donski
Officer Valerie Donski, originally from Uzbekistan and Russia, discusses her path to becoming a police officer and entrepreneur in the U.S. on Running Code, Episode 33. She shares insights into her career journey, motherhood, and her varie…
- Running Code, Episode 32: Officer Handy
Officer Asya Handy discusses her career path, including her time in law enforcement in Philadelphia and her current role as a patrol officer in Virginia. The episode also includes discussions on the NFL and pet preferences.
- Running Code, Episode 31: Detective Sutton
In Episode 31 of Running Code, Detective Alonza Sutton shares insights from his first year at NNPD, including his lateral transfer, doctoral research, and military background.
- Running Code, Episode 30: MPO Ferree
Master Police Officer Jeff Ferree shares his experiences as an eight-year veteran of the NNPD, covering his roles in patrol, field training, the Marine Unit, and his work mentoring city youth. This discussion is featured in the 30th episod…
- Running Code, Episode 29: Officer Stamp
In Running Code, Episode 29, Officer Samantha Stamp shares her lifelong dream of becoming a police officer, her previous experience in the Air Force, and her interest in training horses.
- Running Code, Episode 28: K9 Officer Kelly
K9 Officer Nicholas Kelly is featured on Running Code, Episode 28. He discusses his new K9 partner, his experiences growing up as the son of a former NNPD Assistant Chief, and how those experiences influenced his career.
- Running Code, Episode 27: Capt. Dunbar
Captain Terrence Dunbar discusses his varied career, which includes jumping out of aircraft as crew chief for the Golden Knights and appearing on an episode of COPS. The 20-year veteran of NNPD shares insights from his decorated service on…
- Running Code, Episode 26: Dispatcher Valerie Atkinson
Valerie Atkinson, Public Safety Communications Supervisor, discusses her 25-year career as a 911 dispatcher on Running Code, Episode 26. She shares insights on memorable calls, training, job satisfaction, and being married to a police offi…
- Running Code, Episode 25: Chief Drew
NNPD Chief Steve Drew is the guest for Episode 25 of Running Code. He discusses his 30+ year law enforcement career, his vision for the NNPD, and his upbringing in Ohio.
- Running Code, Episode 24: Capt. Spencer
Captain Wayne Spencer, a 28-year NNPD veteran, joins Running Code to share insights into his law enforcement career, including his family's history in the field, key investigative experiences, and his involvement in baseball and police sof…
- Running Code, Episode 23: Asst. Chief Hires
Assistant Chief Eric Hires joins the Running Code podcast to discuss his journey, including his childhood in rural Georgia, his military service, and his transition to the NNPD, focusing on leadership and learning.
- Running Code, Episode 22: Sgt. Lou
Sgt. Andrew Lou of NNPD shares insights on his background, career path, and interests including fitness, canines, and cosplay. This episode of Running Code covers a variety of personal and professional topics.
- Running Code, Episode 21: Lt. Spence
Lt. Thomas Spence shares his journey into law enforcement, detailing a pivotal ride-along, his academy training, and his division's community work on this episode of Running Code.
- Running Code, Episode 20: Det. O'Neill
In episode 20 of Running Code, Detective Anne O'Neill shares her experiences joining the NNPD, her current assignment in the Aggravated Assault Unit, and her role as an instructor at the Training Academy.
- Running Code, Episode 19: Officer Williams
Officer Tiffany Williams joins Running Code to discuss her nearly two years with the NNPD. She shares details about her journey into law enforcement, motivated by a personal tragedy, and touches upon her career aspirations and experiences…
- Running Code, Episode 18: Sgt. Goss
Sgt. Michael Goss, supervisor of NNPD's SRO unit, joins Running Code to discuss the NNPD's relationship with youth, his career path, his passion for dad jokes, and his involvement with the NNPD Honor Guard.
- Running Code, Episode 17: Kelly Wells, Forensics
Forensic Specialist Kelly Wells shares her 20+ year career journey with NNPD, starting as a records technician and moving into the Forensic Services Unit. She details the skills needed for crime scene investigation, her unique career path,…
- Running Code, Episode 16: Lt. Rogers
Lt. Kevin Rogers is the guest on Running Code, Episode 16. He shares details about his time in the Air Force, his service in the NNPD since 1997, and his current role leading the Internal Affairs Division, where he mentors officers and uph…
- Running Code, Episode 15: Officer Hobbs
Episode 15 features Officer Donte Hobbs, who shares his experiences in law enforcement and his passion for helping youth. He discusses overcoming personal challenges, his book "How Badly Do You Want It?", and his ministry work.
- Running Code, Episode 14: MPO Watkins
In episode 14 of Running Code, MPO Aaron Watkins details his extensive career with the NNPD, highlighting his work in patrol, business relations, and as a School Resource Officer. He emphasizes his commitment to community policing and ment…
- Running Code, Episode 13: Investigator Mercer
Investigator Mercer, a veteran with over 40 years of experience in various roles at NNPD including patrol and detective work, discusses her career and her current role in the newly established Cold Case Unit, which focuses on solving older…
- Running Code, Episode 12: Capt. Smith
Captain J.P. Smith of the NNPD
- Running Code, Episode 11: MPO Blanchard
In Episode 11 of Running Code, guest MPO Skip Blanchard, who began his policing career in 1983, shares insights on building relationships and mentoring junior officers. He currently serves as the School Resource Officer at Warwick High.
- Running Code, Episode 10: Lt. Churchill
In this episode of Running Code, Lt. Churchill joins the show to discuss officer health and wellness. He is a leader in North Precinct and an 18-year member of the Tactical Operations Unit.
- Running Code, Episode 9: Sgt. Hollandsworth
Sgt. Jeffery Hollandsworth discusses his 21-year career with the NNPD. His experience includes service in South Precinct, assignments with the SWAT Team, and leadership at the NNPD Training Academy.
- Running Code, Episode 8: Det. Campbell
Detective Tesfaya Campbell shares his journey from the U.S. Air Force to the NNPD, highlighting the significance of mental health, family support, and embracing second opportunities. The episode includes numerous pop culture discussions.
- Running Code, Episode 7: Officer Reyes
Officer Wilfredo Reyes of the NNPD's South Precinct shares his journey into law enforcement, his New York origins, and the significance of the Hispanic/Latino community and family in Newport News.
- Running Code, Episode 6: Asst. Chief Creswell
Assistant Chief Brandon Creswell shares insights from his over 20 years with the Newport News Police Department, detailing his career progression, enjoyable assignments, and his perspective on leadership.
- Running Code, Episode 5: Sgt. Mallette
Sgt. Kevin Mallette shares his career path, spanning over 17 years with NNPD and including time in the U.S. Marine Reserves. He currently works in the Recruiting Division and recounts a notable call for service with Capt. Tietjens.
- Running Code, Episode 4: The Sergeants Huling
In Running Code, Episode 4, Sgt. James and Aaron Huling, the first father and son to simultaneously serve as NNPD sergeants, share insights into their law enforcement careers, including Aaron's decision to continue the family tradition and…
- Running Code, Episode 3: Capt. Funaiock
Episode 3 features Captain Alison Funaiock discussing her career in law enforcement. She shares her experience of navigating a health concern and progressing steadily through the ranks, highlighting her trailblazing journey.