Running Code

by Newport News Police Department

Government Society & Culture

Season 1

Running Code, Episode 18: Sgt. Goss

Sgt. Michael Goss is featured in this episode of Running Code. The supervisor of NNPD's high school SRO unit, Sgt. Goss talks about NNPD's relationship with youth, his career path, his love for dad jokes and his work with the NNPD Honor Guard.

Running Code, Episode 17: Kelly Wells, Forensics

Forensic Specialist Kelly Wells is our guest in this episode of Running Code. Wells talks about her 20+ years with NNPD, starting off as a records technician before transitioning to the Forensic Services Unit. In this show, she discusses what it takes to be a good crime scene investigator, her somewhat unconventional route to get to where she is, and how she deals with the stress of the job.

Running Code, Episode 16: Lt. Rogers

Lt. Kevin Rogers is the guest in the latest episode of Running Code. After seven years in the Air Force, this New York native found a home in Hampton Roads and joined the NNPD in 1997. He has served in numerous units throughout the department, and now serves as the lieutenant over the Internal Affairs Division. In that role, he serves as a mentor and coach to NNPD officers, while also making sure the department’s policies are followed and standards are upheld. In this episode, Lt. Rogers talks about his time in the Air Force, serving as a father figure to younger officers, some of his favorite past assignments in the department and more.

Running Code, Episode 15: Officer Hobbs

Episode 15 features North Precinct Patrol Officer Donte Hobbs. He has served with NNPD for just over two years and feels that law enforcement, and helping youth, is his calling. He didn’t always know that to be true – Officer Hobbs has overcome a number of hurdles in his life to get where he is today, which he discusses in this show. He also talks about his self-help book, How Badly Do You Want It?, his ministry at Liberty Live, and much more.

Running Code, Episode 14: MPO Watkins

MPO Aaron Watkins has served with NNPD for more than 13 years. He is currently assigned to the Recruiting Division, but previously worked in patrol, as a business relations officer, and an SRO. In this episode, he talks about his past assignments, his focus on community policing, and mentoring the youth of today.

Running Code, Episode 13: Investigator Mercer

Episode 13 features Misty Mercer, who has more than 40 years of experience with NNPD. From working patrol in the 1980s, to a distinguished career as a detective, investigator Mercer came out of retirement to serve as a part-time investigator with NNPD’s newly-formed Cold Case Unit, which works to solve older homicide cases.

Running Code, Episode 12: Capt. Smith

Episode 12 of Running Code features J.P. Smith. A 24-year veteran of NNPD, Capt. Smith currently oversees the Support Services Division, which includes the records division, training, recruiting and property and evidence units. Capt. Smith also talks about his recently published book and his work on NNPD's CISM Team.

Running Code, Episode 11: MPO Blanchard

MPO Skip Blanchard is our guest in Episode 11. The self-proclaimed oldest officer on NNPD, Blanchard got his start in policing in 1983 and currently services as the SRO at Warwick High. In this show, he talks about building relationships with people, mentoring younger officers, and much more.

Running Code, Episode 10: Lt. Churchill

In this episode, Lt. Churchill joins the show. One of our long-time leaders in North Precinct, Lt. Churchill is also the Commander and an 18-year member of the Tactical Operations Unit, a family man and a key voice in the area of officer health and wellness.

Running Code, Episode 9: Sgt. Hollandsworth

In this episode, Sgt. Jeffery Hollandsworth joins the show. He discusses his 21-year career with NNPD, which has included stints in South Precinct, notable assignments with the Tactical Operations Unit (SWAT Team), and now as one of the leaders of the NNPD Training Academy.

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