Ex-NYPD Officer Challenges Police Reform Movement With Shocking Street Experience

Steve Stanulis brings a unique perspective to the heated debate surrounding police reform in America. With seven years of service as an NYPD officer, combined with experience as a Hollywood bodyguard and private investigator, Stanulis offers insights that few can match. His credentials extend beyond his own career, rooted in a multi-generational law enforcement family that includes his father (a retired sergeant with 33 years of service), his brother (20 years), uncle, and cousin (both with over 20 years each). This collective experience totals more than a century of combined street-level law enforcement knowledge.

The launch of his podcast Bulletproof marks Stanulis' entry into the public discourse on police reform, particularly addressing the growing movement to defund police departments across America. His debut episode tackles one of the most contentious political issues of our time, using real-world experiences to challenge popular reform proposals. Rather than engaging in theoretical debates, Stanulis draws from actual incidents that demonstrate the complexities and dangers law enforcement officers face daily.

His background spans multiple industries, giving him a rare vantage point to observe both street-level crime and the privileged perspectives of those advocating for police reform. This episode sets the stage for ongoing discussions about public safety, crime prevention, and the practical implications of policy changes that could fundamentally alter law enforcement in major cities.

The Incident That Defines the Debate  

Stanulis recounts a call that forever changed his understanding of police work and its inherent dangers. While responding to a routine "man with a knife" call with his partner, what seemed like another potentially unfounded report quickly escalated into a life-threatening situation. The encounter involved an emotionally disturbed person under the influence of PCP who engaged in shocking self-harm before turning violent against the responding officers.

The suspect's behavior defied conventional expectations and demonstrated the unpredictable nature of police work. Despite the officers' size advantage and training, the individual displayed superhuman strength, easily overpowering multiple trained law enforcement personnel. The situation required backup from Emergency Service Units, yet even with tasers and additional officers, the suspect continued to resist with alarming force. This single incident involved officers slipping in blood while attempting to subdue someone who threw grown men around like they weighed nothing.

The aftermath revealed the suspect's condition as an emotionally disturbed person requiring psychiatric care rather than incarceration. This detail becomes central to Stanulis' argument about the complexity of police calls and the split-second decisions officers must make. The incident serves as a case study for understanding what happens when mental health crises intersect with public safety concerns, particularly when dangerous weapons and mind-altering substances are involved.

Family Legacy in Law Enforcement  

The Stanulis family represents generations of public service in law enforcement, providing a deep well of experience that informs current debates about police reform. With over 100 combined years of service across multiple family members, their perspective encompasses decades of evolving police practices, community relations, and street-level crime fighting. This generational knowledge offers insights into long-term trends in urban policing that extend far beyond individual experiences.

Each family member brings stories and experiences that collectively paint a picture of daily law enforcement challenges. The veteran officers in his family have witnessed countless situations similar to the PCP incident, reinforcing the message that unpredictable and dangerous encounters are routine rather than exceptional. Their experiences span different eras of policing, providing historical context for current reform discussions and highlighting how certain fundamental challenges remain constant despite changing policies and procedures.

This family background lends credibility to discussions about police reform because it represents authentic, long-term engagement with the realities of law enforcement. Unlike theoretical approaches to police work, the Stanulis family perspective comes from actual experience dealing with the most challenging aspects of urban crime. Their collective knowledge base includes understanding both the successes and failures of various policing strategies implemented over multiple decades.

Hollywood Privilege Meets Street Reality  

Stanulis' experience in Hollywood provides unique insight into the disconnect between privileged perspectives and street-level realities. Working on major film productions exposed him to conversations among wealthy individuals who advocate for police reform without personal experience with street crime. These observations revealed how economic privilege can insulate people from the daily dangers that make police protection necessary for many communities.

The entertainment industry environment allowed Stanulis to witness firsthand how people form political opinions when they never worry about personal safety or crime in their neighborhoods. He describes overhearing discussions between takes on film sets where individuals expressed support for reducing police presence while living in gated communities with private security. This experience highlighted the gap between theoretical support for police reform and the practical need for law enforcement protection in different communities.

His Hollywood work also revealed how family connections and privilege can influence political ambitions and policy positions. Stanulis connects this observation to current political candidates whose backgrounds may not include direct experience with the communities most affected by crime. This perspective adds another layer to debates about who should make decisions about public safety and law enforcement policies in urban areas.

Social Workers vs Police Officers in Crisis Response  

The proposal to replace police officers with social workers in certain situations becomes a central focus of Stanulis' argument against defunding police departments. Using the PCP incident as an example, he questions whether mental health professionals would have been equipped to handle such a dangerous and volatile situation. The scenario raises important questions about public safety and the appropriate response to mental health crises that involve weapons and violent behavior.

Crisis intervention requires multiple skill sets that may not align with traditional social work training. The incident Stanulis describes involved immediate physical danger, requiring officers to make split-second decisions about public safety while dealing with an individual experiencing a severe mental health emergency. The situation demanded both restraint and force, medical knowledge and tactical awareness, compassion and self-preservation instincts.

The debate extends beyond individual incidents to broader questions about resource allocation and public safety infrastructure. Consider these key factors when evaluating crisis response alternatives:

• Training requirements for handling armed and dangerous individuals experiencing mental health crises

• Response time differences between police units and social workers during emergency calls

• Equipment and backup support available to different types of first responders

• Legal authority and protocols for involuntary commitment and public safety measures

• Coordination between mental health professionals and law enforcement during complex situations

Take Action and Stay Informed  

The launch of Bulletproof represents an important addition to ongoing conversations about police reform and public safety. Stanulis promises future episodes will feature diverse perspectives, including jury members from high-profile cases, discussions with other law enforcement professionals, and explorations of cold cases and private investigation work. These upcoming conversations will provide listeners with access to experiences and insights typically unavailable to the general public.

Understanding these complex issues requires hearing from people who have lived them rather than relying solely on theoretical discussions or political rhetoric. The podcast format allows for deeper exploration of nuanced topics that cannot be adequately addressed through social media soundbites or political campaign speeches. Each episode builds toward a more complete understanding of law enforcement challenges and potential solutions.

Stay engaged with these critical discussions by following Bulletproof and similar platforms that prioritize experience-based perspectives on public safety. The decisions made today about police reform will affect community safety for years to come, making it essential that citizens understand both the complexities involved and the real-world implications of proposed changes. Your voice and vote matter in shaping policies that balance public safety with community needs and social justice concerns.

 Take Action and Stay Informed 

The debate over police reform affects every community in America, and your voice matters in shaping these critical policies. Start by listening to the full Bulletproof episode to hear Stanulis' complete account and form your own informed opinion about these complex issues. Subscribe to the podcast on your preferred platform to access future episodes featuring exclusive interviews with law enforcement professionals, crime experts, and those directly involved in high-profile cases.

Research your local candidates' positions on police funding and public safety before the next election. Contact your city council members and mayoral candidates to ask specific questions about their plans for law enforcement and crisis response. Attend town halls and community meetings where these policies are discussed, bringing the real-world perspectives you've learned from officers like Stanulis.

Share this with friends and family who may only hear one side of the police reform debate. Agree or not with Stanulis' position; informed civic engagement starts with hearing multiple viewpoints grounded in real experience.

Subscribe to Bulletproof, follow Steve Stanulis on social media, and join the conversation about public safety in your community. The policies decided today will determine the safety and security of your neighborhood tomorrow.