Welcome to the first episode of WIU: Inside the System, presented by Western Illinois University’s School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA).In this episode, Interim LEJA Program Director Jamie Johnson chats with Dr. Todd Lough, who shares his experiences as a former Chicago Police Officer and current WIU professor. With nine years at the Chicago Police Department (CPD), Dr. Lough worked in multiple roles, including Patrol Officer, Gang & Tactical Officer, Neighborhood Relations Officer, and Gang Violence Analyst. As a Gang Violence Analyst in the CPD’s Deployment Operations Center, he conducted weekly analyses of street gang-related shootings, helping deploy resources to reduce gang violence and lower Chicago’s homicide rate.Beyond policing, Dr. Lough has experience in private security, working for organizations such as Major League Baseball and Sotheby’s. His research interests include policing issues, private and public security concerns, and multi-jurisdictional responses to terrorism.Now, as a faculty member at WIU, Dr. Lough brings both frontline experience and academic expertise to prepare the next generation of criminal justice leaders.Don’t miss this in-depth conversation on the realities of Chicago policing, crime analysis, and the transition from law enforcement to higher education.