When Brandon del Pozo first thought about the life of an academic, it seemed way too slow-paced. Like Jack Kerouak, he needed to go experience what people were doing across America. But once he'd walked that road, he realized he could spread innovation by getting beyond the local beat. After concluding his long policing career, he did go back for his PhD and had just completed it when he first spoke with Roads Taken, somewhat in academic limbo as a postdoctoral researcher.

In this episode, find out from Brandon how reflecting on what you've seen and know locally can have eventual large-scale impact …on Roads Taken Revisited with Leslie Jennings Rowley.

About This Episode’s Guest

Brandon del Pozo is currently an assistant professor of medical and health services, policy and practice at Brown University. He conducts NIH-funded research at the intersection of public health, public safety, and justice, focusing on substance use, the overdose crisis, and violence. Prior to his research career, Brandon served as a police officer for 23 years, 19 with the New York City Police Department and an additional four as Chief of Police of Burlington, Vermont, where he directed the city's interdisciplinary response to the opioid crisis, an effort associated with a substantial and sustained reduction in opioid overdose deaths. His book, The Police and the State: Security, Social Cooperation, and the Public Good, was published in 2023 by Cambridge University Press. You can find out more at brandondelpozo.com. (240)

For Brandon’s first appearance on Roads Taken, listen to The Philosopher Officer.

Find out how reflecting on what you've seen and know locally can have eventual large-scale impact..

Find more episodes at https://roadstakenshow.com

Executive Producer/Host: Leslie Jennings Rowley

Music: Brian Burrows

Email the show at RoadsTakenShow@gmail.com

Innovation from the Outside: Brandon del Pozo (redux)

Roads Taken