This segment from the Daigle Law Group Technology Summit 2025 introduces a panel discussion that highlights collaboration and shared learning across the law enforcement and public safety community. The speaker emphasizes the value of hosting this annual event for the past four years as a way to foster conversations among professionals with different perspectives, while also showcasing strategic partnerships with organizations that support the field.

The discussion sets the tone by underscoring that partnerships are not just symbolic, but practical opportunities to learn from one another and address evolving challenges together. By bringing in partners and key law enforcement representatives, the summit creates a platform for collective problem-solving and innovation in technology, policy, and public safety practices.

In this episode of the Guardian Mindset Podcast, Attorney Eric Daigle dives deep into the critical legal issues shaping modern protest response tactics. Broadcasting from Dallas, Daigle walks through the Ninth Circuit’s decision in Puente v. City of Phoenix, a pivotal case arising from a 2017 protest at a Trump rally. This case is more than a legal ruling—it’s a training roadmap for law enforcement navigating First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendment obligations during high-tension demonstrations.

• How Puente v. Phoenix defines the limits of force in crowd control

• Why the use of pepper balls and tear gas didn’t qualify as a "seizure"

• What the “Shocks the Conscience” standard means for fast-moving protests

• First Amendment obligations during “unlawful assembly” declarations

• How planning, policy, and training helped officers maintain qualified immunity

• The real-world consequences of unprofessional conduct—like commemorative coins gone wrong

The Future of AI in Law Enforcement

The Guardian Mindset Podcast is back with a critical conversation on Artificial Intelligence in Law Enforcement. Attorney Eric Daigle sits down with Attorney Joseph Race, an expert in policy and accreditation, to break down the real-world implications of AI in policing. From predictive analytics and real-time crime centers to the legal minefield of facial recognition, this episode tackles what’s coming, what’s at risk, and how agencies can stay ahead.

AI is here—but is your department ready for it? Tune in for a no-nonsense discussion on how smart policies, proper training, and transparency are the keys to leveraging AI without exposing your agency to legal and operational failures.

Listen now and stay ahead of the future of policing.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• AI in Policing – How departments are already using AI in report writing, license plate readers, and crime analysis.
• Legal & Ethical Risks – Why one bad rollout could put AI tools—and your agency—in legal jeopardy.
• Facial Recognition: The Next Battleground – A single misstep could lead to nationwide bans.
• Policy & Training: The Non-Negotiables – Before deploying AI, your agency must have clear policies, oversight, and accountability.
• The ACLU & Public Trust – Why transparency matters before launching AI initiatives.
• AI & Report Writing – The serious risks of letting AI replace an officer’s perception in critical reports.

What’s Next? Continue your education with DLG Training, including our upcoming First Amendment Summit and Tech Summit on AI in Policing—giving you the knowledge and tools to keep your agency ahead of the curve. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay ahead!

In this episode, Attorney Eric Daigle dives into Barnes v. Felix, a crucial Supreme Court case with significant implications for law enforcement professionals. The case, currently under review after oral argument on January 22, 2025, addresses the use of deadly force, the totality of the circumstances standard, and the moment of threat doctrine. Daigle provides an in-depth legal breakdown, discusses how the ruling could reshape police training and policies, and offers practical takeaways for officers handling high-pressure situations.

Key Takeaways:

1. Moment of Threat vs. Totality of Circumstances

• The Supreme Court is reviewing whether force should only be judged at the exact moment of threat or if prior officer actions that escalated the situation should also be considered.

• Review of foundational cases:
  • Tennessee v. Garner (1985) – Deadly force limitations.
  • Graham v. Connor (1989) – Objective reasonableness in use-of-force cases.
  • Kingsley v. Hendrickson (2015) – Application to corrections settings.
  • Lombardo v. St. Louis (2021) – Clarifications on totality of circumstances.

• The 5th Circuit upheld qualified immunity, stating that only the moment Felix was in danger should be considered—not the actions leading up to it.
• The Supreme Court is now reviewing whether courts must consider the officer’s entire decision-making process when analyzing excessive force cases.

• Backup & De-escalation: Call for support before escalating to deadly force.
• Avoid “Car Surfing”: Jumping onto moving vehicles creates officer jeopardy.
• Totality of Circumstances Matters: Courts may soon require a broader analysis of use-of-force decisions.
• Policy & Training Implications: Agencies may need to revise force policies and training curriculums if the Supreme Court sides with totality analysis.

Final Thoughts:

This case is a stark reminder that use-of-force decisions don’t happen in isolation—they are shaped by everything leading up to the moment of action. Officers must be proactive in using sound tactics and making legally defensible decisions to ensure their actions hold up under scrutiny. As we await the Supreme Court’s ruling, now is the time for law enforcement professionals to reflect. Whether the Supreme Court rules in favor of the moment of threat doctrine or shifts toward a totality of the circumstances approach, one thing remains clear: agencies should take this case as an opportunity to evaluate their training programs, reinforce de-escalation strategies, and emphasize the importance of avoiding officer-created jeopardy.

Resources:

• Officer Felix Dashcam Footage
• Barnes v. Felix, No. 22-20519 (5th Cir. 2024)
• Barnes v. Felix, No. 23-1239 (SCOTUS)

Welcome back to The Guardian Mindset Podcast with Attorney Eric Daigle. Kicking off 2025, this episode tackles the timely and controversial topic of geofence warrants. As technology continues to redefine modern policing, these powerful investigative tools raise critical questions about privacy, constitutional rights, and the future of law enforcement. Eric explores the evolving legal landscape, breaks down recent circuit court rulings, and discusses their implications for professionals navigating this complex intersection of technology and law.

Key Takeaways:

1. Impact of Geofence Warrants
   • Geofence warrants have significantly changed how criminal investigations are conducted.
   • They provide novel investigative avenues but also raise pressing concerns about constitutional protections.
2. Circuit Split and Constitutional Questions
   • The Fourth Circuit (Chatrie) upheld geofence warrants, emphasizing voluntary data sharing and limited expectations of privacy.
   • The Fifth Circuit (Smith) struck them down, citing Fourth Amendment violations and potential overreach.
   • These conflicting rulings could propel the issue to the Supreme Court for definitive guidance.
3. Balancing Public Safety with Privacy
   • Rapid technological advancements outpace existing legal frameworks.
   • Law enforcement professionals must stay informed and seek targeted legal advice when employing emerging technologies.

Final Thoughts:

As law enforcement professionals, it’s essential to remain aware of the evolving legal standards around modern policing tools. By seeking clear, actionable guidance from legal advisors and staying current on judicial trends, agencies can leverage technological innovations responsibly while honoring constitutional boundaries. Together, we can effectively balance public safety with privacy rights in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Referenced Topics and Resources:

• Supreme Court Decision: Carpenter v. United States (CSLI data and Fourth Amendment implications)
• Key Court Cases:
  • United States v. Chatrie, 107 F.4th 319 (4th Cir. 2024)
  • United States v. Smith, 110 F.4th 817 (5th Cir. 2024)

In this episode, Eric tackles the hot topic of election law as we approach the November 2024 elections. Eric took the time to address the critical intersection of law enforcement and community safety during elections.

1. The Role of Law Enforcement in Elections: Eric emphasizes the essential role law enforcement plays in ensuring free, fair, and secure elections. He stresses the importance of police in preserving democracy and managing safety around polling places.

2. Current Threat Landscape: Drawing from intelligence reports and updates from Homeland Security and the FBI, Eric discusses the rise in threats toward election officials, ballot dropbox sabotage, and swatting incidents, as well as the proactive measures law enforcement must take.

3. Training Initiatives: Georgia's groundbreaking mandate for election law training for police officers is highlighted as an important step in preparing officers to handle election-related incidents, with a focus on de-escalation and non-threatening conduct.

4. Legal Framework and Threats to Election Security: The episode dives deep into the balance between free speech and election security, referencing key Supreme Court cases like Brandenburg v. Ohio and Counterman v. Colorado, which outline how law enforcement should approach threats while respecting First Amendment rights.

5. Election Threats Task Force: Created by Attorney General Merrick Garland, this task force works alongside law enforcement to investigate and prosecute threats against election workers. Eric explains the challenges and limited scope of prosecutions due to concerns about free speech.

6. Best Practices for Law Enforcement Agencies: Eric provides actionable steps for law enforcement, including early planning, conducting tabletop exercises, fostering interagency collaboration, and supporting election officials with security assessments and recommendations.

• Election Law Resource Page

Show Notes:

In this special 4th of July episode, attorney Eric Daigle is joined by his son, Captain Matthew Daigle, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Daigle. They discuss the importance of family, integrity, and commitment within both the military and civilian law enforcement sectors.

Highlights include:

• Matthew's Journey: From West Point to his experiences as a captain in the U.S. Army, Matthew shares insights on the Cadet Honor Code and the crucial role of NCOs on the battlefield.
• Leadership and Integrity: The discussion delves into effective leadership, emphasizing the values of integrity and accountability.
• Training and Accountability: Eric ties these lessons to current challenges in law enforcement, stressing the importance of training, accountability, and pride in service.
• Military and Law Enforcement Values: The conversation covers the significance of continuous learning, discipline, and honest communication in both professions.

Amid personal anecdotes and reflections, this episode offers valuable insights on fostering professionalism and excellence in high-stakes environments. Tune in to understand how these principles can be applied to enhance operational effectiveness and community service.

About the Guest:

Captain Matthew Daigle is a distinguished officer in the United States Army Military Police. With a career marked by dedication and exemplary service, Captain Daigle has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the safety and security of military personnel and facilities.

Captain Daigle graduated from the West Point Military Academy in 2019. He has served as a Platoon Leader in the 23rd MP CO, 91st MP BN, 16th MP BDE, Executive Officer in the headquarters and headquarters detachment, 91st MP BN, 16th MP BDE, and is currently serving as the Current Operations Officer in the 759th MP BN, 89th MP BDE.

He has undergone rigorous training and deeply understands military law, enforcement procedures, and security protocols. Captain Daigle has been recognized throughout his tenure for his strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and unwavering dedication to duty, making him a respected leader within the Military Police Corps. His contributions have significantly enhanced his units' operational effectiveness and morale, embodying the U.S. Army's core values.

Resources:

Duty, Honor, and Community: Westmoreland and Taking Back the Narrative

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Guardian Mindset Podcast, Attorney Eric Daigle delves into the complex and evolving role of artificial intelligence in law enforcement. Highlighting a DLG Legal Update published in early 2024 on the 'Artificial Officers Dilemma,' Attorney Daigle discusses the balance between intelligence and integrity in policing. He examines AI's potential impact on various law enforcement functions such as predictive analytics, facial recognition, and report writing, while also addressing ethical concerns, privacy issues, and the necessity for clear guidelines and proactive policies. Featuring insights from leading figures and research, the podcast emphasizes the importance of assessing both the benefits and risks of AI technologies in upholding constitutional rights and maintaining law enforcement integrity.

Legal Update: The ‘Artificial’ Officer’s Dilemma: Balancing Intelligence with Integrity in Law Enforcement

DLG Technology Summit 2024