The FORT Podcast: Tegan Broadwater

Tegan Broadwater is the Founder and President of Tactical Systems Network, a security and investigations firm located in Forth Worth TX. Tegan is also the author of “Life in the Fish Bowl: The true story of how a white cop infiltrated and took down 41 of the nation’s most notorious CRIPs. In Episode 22, Chris and Tegan discuss Tegan’s undercover work in narcotics, his inspiration for starting TSN and how he is helping change the systemic lack of opportunity in the inner-city.

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1:53 – Tegan’s Story from Rockstar to Undercover Gang Infiltration
15:29 – When you are undercover, do you start changing as a person?
16:38 – How “normal” are one of these drug dealers you deal with? / Hierarchy of Gangs
20:33 – Was your goal not to stop until you got to the top guy?
23:45 – Tegan’s Experience Writing “Life in the Fishbowl”
25:54 – Moving from FWPD to Entrepreneurship, the relationship between his undercover work and business.
27:40 – The similarities of the functions of a gang hierarchy and business organizations.
30:09 – How do you move up in the gang system?
33:50 – Was there sadness as you reached the end of the operation?
39:25 – What are options for former-convicts to be able to re-enter society, specifically in business?
45:26 – What are things people do that contribute to this systemic issue that they may not necessarily recognize?
47:50 – How micro-finance could play a role in alleviating these systemic problems.
51:40 – The Idea for Starting Tactical
54:20 – Investigations by Tactical
58:38 – The fluidity of running a business and the importance of always learning.
1:03:50 – Are you drafting off the success of businesses that lead to needing security?
1:08:28 – Is it harder to get away with a crime today with technological advancement?
1:10:40 – Cybersecurity and AI Ethics
1:13:25 – Does looking through the lens of the bad guy ever work to your disadvantage?
1:16:08 – How many clients that call with a suspicion that something bad will happen end up happening vs. being paranoid?
1:17:45 – Consulting with developers on security measures in real estate.
1:19:50 – Is there anything besides the current business you are thinking about or working on?

MORE ABOUT TEGAN

Tegan began his professional career as a musician, performing at age-restricted, multicultural venues from the age of 14. He went on to study music at the University of North Texas before touring and recording to burnout at the age of 27. He felt the music industry was too political at that time and although he still loved to write and record music, he abandoned the road to pursue something entirely new.
Having met a number of police officers in his performing days, he decided to cut 8-inches of locks and join the Fort Worth Police Department where he successfully served for 13 years. His tenure included stints with Narcotics, Gang, Homicide and the FBI’s Gang & Violent Crimes Task Force. He also worked cases alongside the DEA, Secret Service, and ATF. Drawing from his eclectic background, his primary assignments were uniquely undercover, even deep cover. As a result, he prepared and served over 500 dynamic, high-risk search warrants.
Not just an expert undercover operator, Tegan has extensive experience in personal protection, investigations and threat analysis. He also instructed Defensive Tactics and Arrest Procedures to police departments and recruits for over 9 years.
In May of 2008, Tegan left the police department and founded Tactical Systems Network, LLC in Fort Worth, Texas; a protection, security and investigations firm that provides high-level consultancy, services and assessments to executives, businesses, Fortune 500 companies, law offices, religious organizations, schools, politicians and celebrities. TSN employs over 65 people who are comprised of over 50% military veterans.
Leveraging his unique multi-cultural life experiences, Tegan has also revived his musical endeavors. He writes, collaborates and records meaningful, intentional music designed to spawn productive conversations to remedy the racial division within our country.
Hoping to gain placements on his own “Life in The Fish Bowl” tv series, the LA-based tv project is currently in an early-stage process. The screenplay was authored by Sutton McKee and it will be produced by “Straight Outta Compton” Producer, Scott Bernstein.