ESP Ep. 70 Chief Keith Mello

This week’s episode is with Police Chief Keith Mello, a distinguished law enforcement leader and current Chief of Police for the City of Milford, Connecticut. With a career spanning over four decades, Chief Mello shares his journey from patrol officer to Chief, including his experiences as a K-9 handler, SWAT member, detective, and department commander. We explore the defining moments of his career, his personal background, and his leadership roles on both local and state levels—such as serving as Chairman of the Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council and President of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association.

Beyond titles and training, Chief Mello opens up about the heart behind police work—emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding your “why,” and leading by example. He reflects on personal childhood experiences with law enforcement that left a lasting impression, and how those moments shaped his lifelong commitment to becoming the kind of officer he wished he had encountered. This powerful insight drives much of his leadership philosophy and reinforces his focus on morale, community trust, and ethical responsibility.

Our conversation also covers the evolution of police training, the impact of body-worn cameras, and the need for clear, consistent communication within departments. Chief Mello shares his thoughts on the role of emerging technologies like drones and virtual simulation, along with pressing challenges related to recruitment, retention, and officer mental health. We close on a personal note by discussing physical fitness, work-life balance, and what continues to motivate him after so many years of service. This episode offers a rare and thoughtful perspective from one of Connecticut’s most respected public safety leaders. Enjoy!

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Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction & Opening Remarks
• 5:26 Background & Growing Up
• 10:00 Choosing Law Enforcement
• 12:28 Early Career & Experience
• 15:19 Empathy & Law Enforcement
• 22:08 Impact of Body Worn Cameras
• 29:10 Moving Up The Ranks
• 37:01 Path to Leadership
• 41:50 Understanding the "WHY"
• 45:10 Communicating the "WHY"
• 59:58 Training & Virtual Simulation
• 1:08:05 Drone Technology & Law Enforcement
• 1:19:30 Retention & Recruitment Challenges
• 1:28:45 Mental Health & Police Officers
• 1:37:55 Physical Fitness & Preparedness
• 1:44:10 Work/Life Balance & Priorities
• 1:48:45 Closing Remarks