'Peace Officer' documentary tackles the topic of police militarization

"Peace Officer" is a documentary about the increasingly militarized state of American police as told through the story of “Dub” Lawrence, a former sheriff who established and trained his rural state’s first SWAT team only to see that same unit kill his son-in-law in a controversial standoff 30 years later. Driven by an obsessed sense of mission, Dub uses his own investigative skills to uncover the truth in this and other recent officer-involved shootings in his community while tackling larger questions about the changing face of peace officers nationwide.

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William 'Dub' Lawrence once served as a Marine and a police officer in Utah. But his unwavering support of law enforcement was put to the test seven years ago.

William "Dub" Lawrence once served as a Marine and a police officer and was actually the youngest sheriff ever to be elected in his home of Davis County, Utah.

But his unwavering support of law enforcement was put to the test seven years ago this week when his son-in-law, Brian Wood, was killed by the local SWAT unit after a lengthy standoff.

Officers were initially called to the scene after a domestic dispute. Wood barricaded himself in his truck, and the SWAT unit did all they could to subdue him. Perhaps the worst part of it, Lawrence had started that very same SWAT unit several decades prior.

Lawrence is out of law enforcement now, and is working to reform police tactics so that peace officers can truly live up to their name.

His efforts can be seen in the new documentary called "Peace Officer," playing now at the Nuart Theater in LA.

William "Dub" Lawrence and Director Scott Christopherson join Alex Cohen for a discussion about the film.

To hear the entire chat click on the audio link embedded above.