Two Ordinary Cops

In this episode, we reflect on the tragic events out of Alice Springs and the loss of Kumunjayi Little Baby.

We break down what actually happens during a major police investigation—from the initial response, search efforts, and escalation, through to arrest and the long road to prosecution.

It’s a confronting conversation, but an important one. We talk about the balance between emotion and evidence, why process matters, and the rea...

In this episode, we break down the reality behind the Northern Territory’s liquor laws—why they exist, how they differ from place to place, and what it’s actually like policing them on the ground.

From permit systems and dry communities to the chaos that can unfold when alcohol floods back in, we share firsthand experiences from the job that most people would never see or fully understand. We also tackle the bigger question—where d...

In this episode, the boys take a closer look at the high-profile arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith — and ask the question many in policing are thinking: why was it done that way?

Schultzy and Damo break down the different types of arrests, including “arrest by appointment”, and explain why it’s often the safest and most practical option for cooperative individuals.

They also dive into the realities of policing that the public rarely sees...

This week, the Two Ordinary Cops step into one of the most talked-about and complex stories in Australia — the arrest of Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith.

Drawing on their policing experience, Schultzy and Damo unpack the realities of high-risk environments, the pressures placed on those who serve, and the difficulty of judging decisions made in situations most of us will never truly understand. They discuss due process, ...

Leadership in policing — everyone talks about it, but what actually makes a good leader?

In this episode, the Two Ordinary Cops welcome back fan favourite Andy Bedwell for one of the most thought-provoking conversations yet. While the episode starts with some reflections and real-world examples, it quickly builds into a powerful discussion about leadership, decision-making, and what’s really going wrong — and right — in policing to...

This week, the boys sit down with one of their closest mates and one of the best leaders they ever worked under — former Detective Sergeant Andy Bedwell.

From the wild days of Catherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, Andy joins Schultzy and Damo to relive the jobs that shaped them — from homicide investigations and remote policing to the camaraderie that helped them survive some of the toughest moments of their careers.

They tal...

What really happens when substances like kava, cannabis, and alcohol take hold in remote communities?

In this episode, the boys cut through the noise and misinformation to share what they actually saw on the ground. From massive kava seizures and organised crime networks making huge profits, to the devastating impact on families and communities, this is the reality most people never hear about.

They also tackle the backlash from so...

In Episode 114, Schultzy and Damo sit down with retired Queensland police officer and long-time dog handler David Raymond, who spent 26 years in the dog squad after joining the QPS in 1989. From tracking offenders through the streets and scrub of North Queensland to locating missing people and saving lives, David shares what police dogs are really capable of and why they are one of the most effective tools in policing.

This episode...

In Episode 113, Schultzy and Damo kick things off with shout outs to members of the policing community who have reached out to the podcast, including former coppers who have sent in books, patches, and messages from across Australia and New Zealand.

The boys then unpack a busy week in law enforcement across the country, discussing several recent police shootings and explaining why police are often referred to as society’s hard stop...

What does a detective actually do?

In this episode, we break down the reality behind plainclothes policing — where detectives came from, why they exist, and what it really takes to earn that gold badge. From intense training courses and major crime exercises to extradition warrants, long hours, and cases that don’t stop just because you’re exhausted — this is the work behind the badge.

But it doesn’t stop there.

We also reflect on ...

In Episode 111, the boys sit down with serving Queensland Police Sergeant Jake Lacy for a genuine yarn about growing up on the Gold Coast, joining the police, and choosing the adventure of heading north before being thrown straight into the realities of bush policing in Mount Isa. From relentless jobs and limited backup to tight-knit teams and lifelong friendships, Jake explains how the bush fast-tracks both your policing experienc...

Every week we get asked the same question: “How do I join the police?”

But the real question isn’t how — it’s why.

In this episode, we break down what becoming a police officer actually demands. Not the recruitment brochure version. Not the TV drama version. The real version.

We talk about:

• Why your motivation matters more than your fitness score

• The responsibility behind the badge (not the power)

• The lifestyle change no ...

What happens when NT bush coppers and Queensland country police work the same patch of dirt? You get chaos, camaraderie, and some cracking stories.

In this episode we sit down with Queensland Police officer Amit Singh, whose career has taken him from Brisbane to some of the most remote communities in the country. From solo responses on the Barkly Highway to cross-border jobs with NT Police, Amit shares what policing is really like ...

We’re back answering your questions — from joining the AFP and life in the dog squad, to why bush policing can shape you into a better cop.

We share stories about working with police dogs, the reality of remote Territory jobs, and how body-worn cameras could save huge time on statements. Then we tackle the big one: does a full moon really send people wild? Let’s just say… there’s a reason cops watch the sky.

We also head into croc ...

In this episode, we’re joined by Rebecca Dale, Queensland Police veteran and Games Manager for the Australasian Police & Emergency Services Games, to talk about what the Games are really about — connection, camaraderie, and catching up with the people who just get it.

From cops, ambos and fireies reconnecting years after working side-by-side, to mixed teams, unexpected friendships and plenty of laughs along the way, this isn’t ...

After missing their first deadline in 105 episodes — thanks to a 250kg heifer flattening Damo’s wife — the Two Ordinary Cops are back on the mic.

In this episode, Schultzy and Damo dive deep into one of the most fundamental — yet often underestimated — parts of policing: taking a proper statement.

Sparked by Schultzy reviewing a poorly constructed statement in the Lockie Jones investigation, the boys unpack why statements are often...

After a disrupted start to the year, Schultzy and Damo reunite to reset and kick off 2026.

This episode is driven by listener feedback following recent powerful episodes, particularly the stories shared by Kath and Susie. The boys reflect on why those conversations mattered, how they humanised policing, and the impact they’ve had across Australia and New Zealand.

They also share honest reflections on the realities of modern policin...

In this episode, Schultzy flies solo while Damo takes some time out for family, and he dives into something deeply important. A huge thank you goes to Melanie Reid and Bonnie Sumner, whose powerful work on The Boy in the Water series helped bring this case, and its serious concerns, into the light and kept it in the public conversation.

While visiting New Zealand, Schultzy travelled to Gore to walk the ground, speak with those invo...

In this shorter-than-usual Boxing Day catch-up, the Two Ordinary Cops jump on quickly to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year. With family time taking priority over the holidays—and Schultzy heading over to New Zealand to spend time with loved ones—recording time has been tight, so this one is brief but heartfelt.

Schultzy also shares that his NZ trip isn’t just about family; he’ll be digging deeper into The Boy in t...