Officer Darren Derby: Community Policing, Mental Health, and Comfort Dogs – EP 139

I had the pleasure of catching up with Officer Darren Derby, a law enforcement professional with 22 years of experience and a local celebrity in Massachusetts.

We discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted community policing, Officer Derby’s new role as the department’s full-time safety officer, and the introduction of a Comfort Dog program.

We also dove into Officer Derby’s personal journey with mental health, exploring his experiences with depression and ADHD.

Additionally, we touched on the origins of his “get out of your cruiser” hashtag, the importance of listening and community support, and the benefits of having a comfort dog like his standard poodle, Winston.

Finally, we announced the launch of Java Blue, a coffee brand with a cause that supports first responders in need.

Join us for this heartfelt and informative conversation with Officer Darren Derby, and make sure to check out his inspiring work on social media!

About Darren Derby

• Pryor Guest EP 3 – March 2020
• Kind of like a local celebrity
• 22 years in LE
• Massachusetts

Follow Darren Derby

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Winston’s Instagram

Chapters:

(0:00:00) – Building Bridges

(0:15:03) – Exploring Mental Health in Uniform

(0:25:10) – Balancing Being Seen and Being Darren

(0:30:40) – Listening and Community Support

(0:38:54) – Benefits of Comfort Dog

(0:47:04) – Coffee for a Cause

Chapter Summaries:

(0:00:00) – Building Bridges (15 Minutes)

In this episode, we catch up with Officer Darren Derby, a law enforcement professional with 22 years of experience and a local celebrity in Massachusetts.

Darren shares updates on his life since his last appearance on the podcast in March 2020, discussing how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted community policing and his role in the profession.

Darren’s department recently implemented a Comfort Dog program, which has been successful in Massachusetts.

He is now the department’s full-time safety officer, focusing on community engagement, crime prevention, and addressing safety issues in the community.

(0:15:03) – Exploring Mental Health in Uniform (10 Minutes)

We delve into Officer Darren Derby’s personal journey with mental health, including his experiences with depression and ADHD.

He shares how the challenges of the job and the impact of COVID-19 contributed to his mental health struggles.

However, he also emphasizes the importance of talking about mental health, especially in uniform, and encourages others to seek help and support.

But Despite the hardships, Officer Derby remains passionate about his work and continues to make a difference in his community’

(0:25:10) – Balancing Being Seen and Being Darren (6 Minutes)

We explore the origins of Officer Darren Derby’s “get out of your cruiser” hashtag and his motivation to show the positive side of law enforcement officers.

He discusses his desire to highlight the good deeds and genuine connections that officers make within their communities.

Officer Derby also touches on balancing his personal and professional lives, navigating the attention he receives as a well-known figure, and the impact his online presence has had on other law enforcement agencies’

(0:30:40) – Listening and Community Support (8 Minutes)

We discuss the impact of COVID-19 on Officer Darren Derby’s work-life balance and his realization of the importance of family.

The pandemic allowed him to spend more time with his loved ones and appreciate his home life. The conversation also highlights the power of spreading positivity and kindness to marginalized individuals, as well as acknowledging the importance of staying humble and being open to listening to others.

Officer Derby expresses his gratitude towards Tommy Norman, whose work inspired him to make a difference in his own community’

(0:38:54) – Benefits of Comfort Dog (8 Minutes)

Discover the benefits of having a comfort dog, like Officer Darren Derby’s standard poodle Winston, in the workplace and community.

Winston brings happiness and comfort to not only the community but also the officers themselves. With over 150 comfort dogs in the state and more being introduced in other states and organizations like NYPD, we see the powerful impact these animals can have.

The conversation wraps up with a rapid-fire round where Officer Derby shares his preferences on various topics and his social media handles for those interested in following his journey’

(0:47:04) – Coffee for a Cause (1 Minutes)

We announce the launch of Java Blue, a coffee brand with a cause. Partnering up with Fund the First, proceeds from the sale of Java Blue coffee will go towards supporting campaigns for first responders in need.

Check out the four flavors at javablue.coffee and help make a difference in the lives of first responders.