Episode 34: The Standard You Set. The Legacy You Leave.
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Guest: Joseph A. Race | Retired Police Captain, Attorney, Accreditation Expert, and Author
What if accreditation could do more than establish standards? What if it could transform an entire organization?
In Episode 34 of the Faces of Leadership Podcast, presented by Command Presence Training, host Michael Warren welcomes Joseph A. "Joe" Race, retired Madison, Connecticut Police Captain, attorney, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and advisor with Daigle Law Group. Drawing from his experience helping rebuild a troubled police department, Joe shares how accreditation can become a powerful foundation for accountability, stronger leadership, organizational improvement, and long-term success.
Together, Michael and Joe explore why public safety agencies must move beyond simply meeting standards and focus on building systems, developing people, and preparing for challenges that haven't yet arrived.
In this episode, they discuss:
- Why accreditation is a leadership tool, not just a compliance exercise.
- How strong organizational foundations create opportunities for innovation and growth.
- The importance of preparing and supporting the next generation of supervisors.
- Why emerging technologies, including AI, drones, and robotics, demand proactive policies.
- How collaboration and shared resources strengthen public safety agencies.
- What it takes to build programs that continue succeeding long after their leaders move on.
Joe also discusses his book, The Accreditation Manager's Practical Guide: Building Programs That Outlast Their Managers, and why sustainable leadership means creating something greater than any one individual.
Great leadership isn't measured only by what you accomplish. It's measured by what continues to succeed after you're gone.
Episode Guest
Joseph Race is a nationally recognized law enforcement leader, attorney, university professor and keynote speaker specializing in policy, compliance, and accreditation. As a retired Captain of the Madison (CT) Police Department, Joseph commanded the Administrative Division, overseeing Internal Affairs, Training, Accreditation, Recruitment & Selection, and Public Information. He has guided agencies through multiple state and national accreditation programs and currently serves as President of the Connecticut Police Accreditation Coalition (ConnPAC) and is a member of the Board of Advisors for the National Association for Accreditation Leadership.
A CALEA Assessment Team Leader and trusted advisor at Daigle Law Group, LLC, Joseph brings over two decades of experience helping organizations achieve the highest standards of accountability and excellence. He is a graduate of Winona State University (B.A.) and Quinnipiac University School of Law (J.D.), and is admitted to practice in Connecticut, New York, and the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.
Joseph’s distinguished law enforcement training includes graduation from the FBI National Academy (270th Session), the Southern Police Institute’s 76th Command Officers Development Course and the MIT-Sloan Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy course. Joseph is a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, as well as an avid runner, cyclist, and hiker.
Joseph’s keynote presentations deliver actionable strategies for leadership, organizational change, and building public trust. His most requested topics include:
· Accreditation Essentials: Strengthening Accountability and Excellence in Policing
· Policing the Future: Policy Frameworks for Emerging Technology in Law Enforcement
· Gatekeeping Law Enforcement: Ensuring Legally Sufficient Background Investigations in Policing to Mitigate Risk
Audiences leave Joseph’s sessions inspired and equipped to implement meaningful improvements in their organizations. Contact the Daigle Law Group today to see how Joseph can speak at your next event.
Links and Resources
Connect with Joseph A. Race
Daigle Law Group:
Daigle Law Group | Police Legal Advisors and Policy Consultants
Joseph on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/joseph-race-1516703
Featured Book:
The Accreditation Manager's Practical Guide: Building Programs That Outlast Their Managers
Additional Resources:
Daigle Law Group Use of Force Summit, December 1–3, 2026:
https://daiglelawgroup.com/
15th Annual Use of Force Summit 2026:
Use of Force Summit 2026 - Daigle Law Group
CALEA:
Home | CALEA® | The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.
National Association for Accreditation Leadership (NAAL):
Home
About Faces of Leadership
Hosted by Michael Warren and presented by Command Presence Training, the Faces of Leadership Podcast explores the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape effective leaders in public safety and beyond.
