Law Enforcement Expert Shares Survival Tips For Attacks

Former Police Chief John Hartman Joins ‘Keeping It Real with Dave Bondy’ as Legal and Law Enforcement Expert

Keeping It Real with Dave Bondy is adding a new voice of authority to the team. John Hartman, a retired police chief with decades of experience in law enforcement, has joined us as our legal and law enforcement expert.

Hartman’s career began in Pennsylvania, where he led one of the state’s regional police departments serving as many as ten communities across three counties. Under his leadership, the department handled complex cases and grew into a model for multi-municipality policing. He retired in 2018 but has continued to be active in training, investigations, and private consulting.

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Beyond his time as chief, Hartman has trained thousands of officers, school staff, and even military personnel in rapid deployment and active threat response. He helped pioneer programs focused on school shootings, church security, and workplace safety. “We provided training for a number of police departments in western Pennsylvania and extended it to the military and other organizations,” Hartman said. “It was extensive, it was successful, and I was glad to be a part of it”.

His expertise extends beyond training. Hartman is also a licensed private investigator in Pennsylvania, specializing in complex civil and criminal cases. He consults with businesses, churches, and schools across the country, helping them prepare for threats ranging from mass shootings to workplace violence.

When asked what the average person should do if they find themselves in a dangerous situation, Hartman stresses awareness. “First of all, open your eyes and realize those threats exist. You have to have a plan,” he said. “Know your surroundings, know your exits, and if something looks wrong, it is wrong. Trust your intuition and act accordingly”.

Hartman advises that distance is often the best protection. “The first move is to put as much distance as possible between you and the action,” he explained. “Being aware doesn’t mean being paranoid. It means being prepared”.

He also works with parents and schools on how to prepare children without instilling fear. With his certification in school safety training, Hartman often emphasizes the federal “run, hide, fight” standard. “If something bad happens, run. If you can’t run, hide. And as a last resort, fight,” he said.

Mental health is another area where Hartman believes communities can make a difference. He points to the importance of early intervention. “If you see something, say something applies here, too,” he said. “If you believe a loved one may pose a danger, don’t wait. Reach out to professionals. Ignoring warning signs can lead to tragedy”.

As our new legal and law enforcement analyst, Hartman will provide insight on crime trends, police investigations, and public safety issues. His decades of on-the-ground experience, combined with his ongoing work in training and investigations, make him uniquely positioned to help our viewers understand the realities of crime and how to stay safe.

“I’m honored to be part of this,” Hartman said. “We live in a world where awareness and preparation matter. If I can share what I’ve learned to help people stay safe, then I’ve done my job.”