Transcript for Hustle & Heat Episode 9

00:00:04
What’s up, guys? And welcome back to the Hustle and Heat podcast. My name is George from Dubz Barbecue, and today I’d like to welcome a very special guest. Without further ado, I’d like to welcome the North Port Police Department Chief, Todd Garrison. Todd, welcome to the podcast. I appreciate you coming on.

Good morning. Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to be here.

Thank you for coming. Tell us about Todd Garrison.

00:00:27
Well, I’ve been in law enforcement now going on 34 years. I’ve actually been in uniform for 40 years. I started at the age of 14 as a police explorer, and I’ve been doing this ever since. I’m a third-generation law enforcement officer. My family’s bloodline runs blue—everyone in my family has been in law enforcement. My dad was a cop for 50 years. I’m a proud father of three beautiful daughters, and yeah, this is me.

It’s all you know, huh?

Yep.

I feel the same way with the restaurant. I started when I was 12—it’s all I know. Did you ever feel pressure to go into law enforcement because of your family background?

00:01:05
No, honestly it was natural. I always say I was born into this. I never wanted to do anything else. Growing up, playing cops and robbers, I was always the cop. From as early as I can remember, this is what I wanted to do. I never felt pressure. My dad never told me I had to do this, but it’s an honorable profession, and I saw that growing up. It came naturally.

00:02:07
You’re approaching eight years as Chief of North Port. In that time, you’ve done so much to grow the department. What accomplishments are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the men and women who wear this uniform and serve the city. I’m proud of how we’ve brought technology into the department—our real-time crime center, license plate readers, and other tools. We’re providing a blanket of protection throughout the city that many residents may not even realize. We’re ahead of many agencies technologically, and that’s something I’m very proud of.

00:03:12
Can you elaborate on that technology?

We implemented a real-time information center. It’s a focal point where staff monitor computers, cameras, and live data as incidents occur. In the past, crimes were investigated days later. Now, things develop instantaneously. We’ve captured and arrested many people simply because we have eyes on real-time information.

00:04:20
Your leadership has made such an impact that Governor DeSantis appointed you to the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. What responsibilities come with that?

It’s a huge responsibility, and I’m honored. The commission oversees training and certification for all law enforcement in Florida. We set the standards. We also review disciplinary cases statewide, including revoking certifications when necessary. This profession runs deep in my family, and protecting it means holding people accountable and keeping bad apples out.

00:05:35
What’s your number one standard?

Honesty and integrity. If you don’t have that, you don’t deserve to wear the badge.

00:06:10
What other organizations are you affiliated with?

I’m Vice President of the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police and will become President next year. I’m also a director with the Florida Police Chiefs Association and a member of the Southwest Florida Police Chiefs Association. This profession changes daily, and staying involved keeps us current and moving forward.

00:07:25
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen since you started?

Technology—without question. We didn’t have computers, GPS, body cameras, or in-car cameras when I started. Technology has changed policing for the better. It holds bad cops accountable but also highlights the good work officers do every day.

00:08:39
North Port continues to grow. What are your future goals, and how can business owners help?

Our biggest need is a new police station. It’s a need, not a want. We’re out of space—people are literally working in closets. Morale suffers when your environment isn’t functional. Patrol officers are just one piece of the department. Behind the scenes are dispatch, records, evidence, analysts, and the real-time crime center. The public doesn’t always see that, but it’s critical.

00:11:32
How can we help make people more aware?

Help spread the message. This isn’t about a shiny new building for me. I’ll probably never work a day in it. This is about future generations and giving our officers the space they need to serve the city properly.

00:13:22
With the vote not passing, what are the next steps?

That will depend on the commission and city leadership. The need isn’t going away—it’s only getting worse.

00:14:03
Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?

That’s a loaded question. I love music. I played the trumpet.

You should’ve brought it with you.

I haven’t played in about 20 years, but I recently bought a new one and I’m trying to get back into it. Music brings me back to center—it helps with the stress of the job.

00:15:41
Music, cigars, sports, and food continue to weave through the conversation as Chief Garrison shares his love for football, his work authenticating Major League Baseball memorabilia, family life, cooking, and community. The discussion highlights shared values—discipline, passion, risk-taking, and the importance of slowing down and connecting with people.

00:34:35
Thanks again for coming on. I appreciate you and your continued support over the years.

Same to you, brother. Thank you.