Episode 02
This episode of Beyond the Walled Garden features Diego Zanella, a Patrol Commander in Washington state with over 20 years of policing experience. Diego discusses his mission to reform law enforcement from within by moving away from traditional paramilitary structures toward community-focused service.
Shifting
From paramilitary structure to community service
Exploring
Militarization & police public perception
Inside Modern Policing: Patrol Commander on Police Reform from Within
Learn how modern police departments are integrating social workers, improving mental health response, and reimagining what effective policing looks like.
👮♂️ About Today’s Guest:
Originally from Florence, Italy, Diego Zanella moved to the United States 25 years ago. Over the past 20 years, he has built a diverse career in law enforcement, serving as a patrol officer, school resource officer, detective, special operations officer, supervisor and mentor. Currently, he holds the position of patrol commander at a police department in Washington State.
👮♂️ Connect with Diego:
– Check out Diego’s Podcast Lo Scudo Blu (The Blue Shield): https://loscudoblu.libsyn.com
– Chat with Diego: loscudoblu@gmail.com
▶️ If you stay up to date, please consider subscribing to the channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@joel_austin?sub_confirmation=1
🎭 Joel Austin is an actor, writer, filmmaker, and podcaster living in Los Angeles, CA. He teaches at UCLA Ext. and produces Beyond the Walled Garden with Joel Austin. He releases multiple videos and shorts every week. Find more about him below. 🎭
⭐ More about Joel Austin:
– YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joel_austin?sub_confirmation=1
– Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/joelaustin.bsky.social
– IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1792430/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_joel%2520austin
– Site: https://joel-austin.com
⭐ More about Beyond the Walled Garden: https://joel-austin.com/beyond-walled-garden-podcast/
– All Other Links: https://linktr.ee/beyondthewalledgarden
0:00 Intro
1:32 – Diego’s background & career in law enforcement
3:17 – Current role as Patrol Commander
4:18 – Shifting from paramilitary structure to community service
10:36 – Pressure to incarcerate?
13:45 Metrics of successful policing
15:16 Changes in police training over the past 20 years
19:23 Checks on the Chief of Police?
21:36 Militarization & police public perception
30:18 Is Diego’s approach gaining popularity?
33:21 How precincts have failed in their messaging
40:02 What does the general public need to know?
46:24 Building trust in disadvantaged communities
51:37 Disciplinary process for police misconduct
55:45 Pay attention to the chief of police
58:29 What Diego means by “Paramilitary Organization”
01:03:01 Importance of good leadership in police departments
01:08:12 Wrapping Up