In this episode of Lo and Order, SEBA Executive Director Lolita Harper sits down with renowned labor and defense attorney Michael Schwartz—one of the most respected legal advocates for law enforcement officers across California. Together, they dive deep into due process, legal misconceptions, and the challenges peace officers face in today’s rapidly shifting media landscape.

Schwartz reflects on his early days as a public defender, what led him to defend law enforcement, and how his unwavering commitment to the Constitution drives his work. They also unpack the rise of politically motivated prosecutions, the dangers of rushed statements, and why having the right legal representation can make all the difference when a split-second decision is scrutinized for years to come.

From officer-involved shootings to public perception, this is an unfiltered look at the legal system through the eyes of one of its fiercest defenders.

To learn more about Michael Schwartz, visit: https://www.themichaelschwartzfirm.com/criminal-law/

Topics Covered:

02:30 – From Defender to Defender Schwartz shares his journey from public defender to representing law enforcement.

06:15 – Due Process and Why It Matters He breaks down the difference between defending the guilty vs. the innocent and the importance of forcing the government to prove its case.

11:40 – Today’s Law Enforcement Discussion about media bias, social narratives, and the shift in public trust toward officers.

18:05 – The Realities of Use of Force Schwartz explains the legal and practical differences in use-of-force encounters for officers.

24:00 – The Power of Perception and Misconception A conversation on non-compliance, misinformation, and the expectation that all force can be de-escalated.

31:10 – Legal Advice and Representation Why officers must have representation immediately after a critical incident—and what not to do.

38:25 – Public Safety Statements and Legal Risk Schwartz warns against rushed or informal statements and shares real-world examples where they backfired.

45:00 – DOJ Investigations and Lack of Experience The challenges of newer DOJ protocols and the risk of being scrutinized by inexperienced investigators.

52:00 – The Cost of Not Calling A case where an officer wisely withheld a statement—resulting in acquittal and a new career path.

56:30 – Trust Your Attorney Final advice to law enforcement: representation isn’t a threat—it’s protection.

59:00 – Closing Reflections Lolita Harper and Schwartz discuss the future of the profession and why SEBA exists.

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Learn more about the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association (SEBA): https://www.seba.com/

SEBA is the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association proudly representing 4,000+ public safety officers in San Bernardino County since 1946.

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In this episode of Lo and Order, SEBA Executive Director Lolita Harper sits down with Riverside County Sheriff—and now California gubernatorial candidate—Chad Bianco for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation.

From his early days in undercover narcotics to leading one of California’s largest sheriff’s departments, Bianco shares why he’s trading in a “perfect job” to run for governor. With honesty, grit, and candor, he opens up about leadership, government accountability, and the cost of political apathy—both personal and statewide.

Together, they explore California’s growing exodus, the waste behind the state’s homelessness crisis, and what real reform would look like in Sacramento—from repealing SB 54 to eliminating the state income tax.

Whether you agree with him or not, one thing’s certain: Bianco isn’t in this for the title—he’s in it for the people.

To learn more about the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, visit: riversidesheriff.org

To learn more about Sheriff Bianco’s gubernatorial campaign, visit: biancoforgovernor.com

Topics Covered:

05:00 – From Sheriff to Candidate Bianco reflects on his career, core values, and why he’s stepping up to run for governor.

14:30 – Accountability in Law Enforcement and Politics How internal affairs shaped his leadership style—and why Sacramento lacks that same accountability.

25:15 – California’s Exodus and Economic Crisis A candid look at rising costs, broken infrastructure, and his bold plan to eliminate the state income tax.

35:50 – Tackling Homelessness and Government Waste Why $24 billion later, the system is worse—and how to fix it with transparency and enforcement.

49:00 – The Role of Leadership Bianco’s philosophy on leading people, not just departments—and what Sacramento needs now.

1:02:00 – Repealing SB 54 and Protecting Communities Why sanctuary policies backfire, and how immigration reform could be both humane and effective.

1:15:00 – Campaigns, Smear Tactics, and Staying Grounded Bianco addresses misinformation, attack ads, and staying true to his values in the spotlight.

1:27:00 – Passion, Grief, and the Law Enforcement Memorial An emotional reflection on leadership during tragedy—and why that moment changed him forever.

1:41:00 – A Message to Voters His final appeal: Why character still matters, and how he hopes to serve all Californians, not just a party.

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Learn more about the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association (SEBA): https://www.seba.com/

SEBA is the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association proudly representing 4,000+ public safety officers in San Bernardino County since 1946

Follow Show Host Lolita Harper:

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In this episode of Lo and Order, SEBA Executive Director Lolita Harper sits down with San Bernardino Police Chief Darren Goodman to unpack the heated debate surrounding education mandates in law enforcement.

From his unique journey through USC, Harvard, and beyond, Chief Goodman shares why a college degree shouldn’t be the golden ticket into policing—and how Sacramento’s top-down policies are missing the mark.

Together, they explore the real-world consequences of a "one-size-fits-all" academic requirement, the dangers of legislating from flawed premises, and how removing life experience from the badge equation could cost communities far more than politicians realize.

Learn More about the San Bernardino Police Department: https://www.sbcity.org/412/Police-Department

Follow Police Chief Darren Goodman: https://x.com/SBPD_CHIEF

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Topics Covered:

07:45 – Education vs. Experience in Policing Why checking the "degree box" isn’t a silver bullet—and how real-world experience often matters more.

11:40 – Sacramento’s Modern Policing Bill A deep dive into the legislation’s origins, its flawed premise post-George Floyd, and the political virtue-signaling behind it.

18:20 – The Problem with One-Size-Fits-All Mandates How requiring a degree could devastate recruitment, especially in underserved communities.

23:50 – Diversity Beyond Skin Color Why life experience, military service, and cultural familiarity matter more than classroom credentials.

28:30 – What Makes a Great Cop Chief Goodman’s must-haves: heart, grit, public service commitment—and why a degree can’t teach those.

33:00 – Political Disconnect in Sacramento How state leaders are legislating in a vacuum, ignoring the people who actually keep streets safe.

38:40 – The Real Cost of Virtue Signaling Personal stories from San Bernardino: what the community loses when good candidates are locked out by mandates.

46:10 – Recruitment, Retention, and California's Exodus Why even military vets and seasoned professionals are leaving the profession—or the state altogether.

52:00 – Human Trafficking Hypocrisy & Misguided Reforms A brutal look at how legislation aimed at "equity" is inadvertently enabling exploitation.

57:30 – Public Involvement and Civic Action Chief Goodman’s call to action: how everyday citizens can stop reckless policymaking before it’s too late.

1:02:00 – Closing Thoughts Why heart will always beat a diploma—and the danger of punishing police instead of empowering them.

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Learn more about the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association (SEBA): https://www.seba.com/

SEBA is the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association proudly representing 4,000+ public safety officers in San Bernardino County since 1946

Follow Show Host Lolita Harper:

Instagram

LinkedIn