Cops and Writers Podcast

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Today on the show, we welcome back a returning guest: bestselling author and newly retired Lieutenant Scott Moon, formerly of the City of Wichita Police Department.

Scott Moon is a writer of speculative fiction, mostly science fiction and space opera, and a fan of many storytelling. Prior to writing full time, he spent twenty-five years in law enforcement. Notable assignments included the Special Community Action Team, Special Weapons and Tactics team, Exploited Missing Children Unit, and various supervisory roles, including the executive officer to the chief of police.

Scott has been writing since he was a cop and now is a full-time author in his retirement from law enforcement. He has published many bestselling books and has published over fifty books so far in his writing career solo or in collaborations. 

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      How and why, Scott got into law enforcement. 

·      Scott’s career with the Wichita Police Department, including his time as a SWAT operator, detective, sergeant, and lieutenant.

·      When and why, Scott started writing books.

·      Scott’s plan for retirement and how that played out. 

·      How his life has changed after retiring from police work and becoming a full-time writer. 

·      How his self-discipline helps with his efficiency as a full-time writer.

·      His advice for those contemplating or who have retired from police work.

·      The pleasant surprise that happens after retirement from police work.

·      What he misses the most and least from being a cop.

Check out Scott's website which has links to his books and podcast.

Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website. 

What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?

https://a.co/d/2UsJPba

Support the show

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. 

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

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Today on the show we have retired Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detective and Author Danny Smith. 

Danny Smith is a retired homicide detective who spent 21 years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. In 2004 he moved to Idaho and spent the next 18 years working as a private investigator and consultant. 

He is the author of the award-winning Dickie Floyd Detective Novel series, the Rich Farris Detective Novel series, and his autobiography, Nothing Left to Prove: A Law Enforcement Memoir. His blog can be found at murdermemo.com.

For those of you who want to know what it is really like to be a homicide detective in a big city, this episode is for you.

 In today’s episode we discuss:

·      Why Danny chose a career with the L.A. Country Sheriff’s Department. 

·      What academy life and equipment looked like in the early 1980s.

·      The appeal of investigations for Danny.

·      Danny’s life as a Homicide Detective.

·      When and why, Danny started writing books. 

·      The unanticipated benefit of writing novels. 

·      How he and his department interacted with the L.A.P.D. and other law enforcement departments.

Visit Danny at his website! 

Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website.

What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?

https://a.co/d/2UsJPba

Support the show

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. 

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Send us a text

Welcome back to the conclusion of our special two-part interview with retired Death Investigator and author, Barbara Butcher of the New York City Medical Examiner's Office. 

Barbara Butcher spent 23 years at the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner as a death investigator, director of the Forensic Sciences Training Program, and chief of staff. There she investigated more than 5500 deaths, 680 of them homicides. She worked mass disasters, including 9/11, the 2004 tsunami in Thailand, the London Underground bombing, and the crash of Flight 587.

During this interview, Barbara opens up and lets us into the life of a death investigator being confronted with death and profound sadness on a daily basis and the toll it took on her physical and mental health. 

We also have a candid talk about alcoholism and her “rock bottom.” Barbara also shares her recovery from this deadly disease and the good that came from it.
 
 I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did.

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      Tools of her trade as a death investigator. 

·      The relationship she had with the cops and how they worked together to solve the crime.

·      How the time of death gets determined in real life. Spoiler alert, not like what you see on T.V. or the movies.

·      Advise for rookie death investigators or someone thinking about this job as a future career.

·      Testifying in court. 

·      What she misses the most about the job. 

·      Faith in a higher power after being subjected to so much death and profound sadness.

·      Why she wrote her book, “What the Dead Know” and why it is so popular.

·      Her writing process.

·      “You don’t have that much time. Be kind.”

Visit Barbara at her website!
Purchase her book, What the Dead Know: Learning About Life as a New York City Death Investigator
Check out Weekends at Bellevue: Nine Years on the Night Shift at the Psych ER and When Breath Becomes Air

Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website.

What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?

https://a.co/d/2UsJPba

Support the show

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. 

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Send us a text

Today is episode one of a special two-part interview with retired Death Investigator and Author, Barbara Butcher of the New York City Medical Examiner's Office. 

Barbara Butcher spent 23 years at the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner as a death investigator, director of the Forensic Sciences Training Program, and chief of staff. There she investigated more than 5500 deaths, 680 of them homicides. She worked mass disasters including 9/11, the 2004 tsunami in Thailand, the London Underground bombing, and the crash of Flight 587.

During this interview, Barbara opens up and lets us into the life of a death investigator being confronted with death and profound sadness on a daily basis and the toll it took on her physical and mental health. 

We also have a candid talk about alcoholism and her “rock bottom.” Barbara also shares her recovery from this deadly disease and the good that came from it.
 
 I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did.

 In today’s episode we discuss:

·      Her interview on the James Altucher Show Podcast and his notion that New York is dead, spoiler alert. She doesn’t think so! 

·      Her honesty and willingness to be vulnerable with her new book and this interview.

·      Growing up in New York being the oldest of nine kids and her dad being on the New York Police Department rising to the rank of Deputy Inspector.

·      Ghosts or other paranormal feelings being involved in 5,500 death investigations.

·      Myths and misconceptions regarding alcoholism. 

·      Barbara hitting rock bottom with her drinking and rising from the ashes. 

·      How Barbara got the job with the New York Medical Examiner’s Office as a death investigator and the training involved in her job.

·      Her first time going to a death investigation solo.

·      The job of the death investigator.

Visit Barbara at her website!
Purchase her book, What the Dead Know: Learning About Life as a New York City Death Investigator
Check out Weekends at Bellevue: Nine Years on the Night Shift at the Psych ER and When Breath Becomes Air

Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website.

What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?

https://a.co/d/2UsJPba

Avenging Adam Audiobook by Jodi Burnett
Get 50% off Avenging Adam audiobook with this link! 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. 

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Send us a text

Our subject for today’s show is divorce. Divorce is far too prevalent in the world of law enforcement, and I have wanted to do a podcast episode about this subject for some time now.

I survived a brutal divorce that lasted over two years and wrote a book about it to help others going through a nasty divorce titled, “Divorced Dad: Kids are Forever, Wives are not.” This book is not full of venom or hate, it is a guide to help those, especially dads, who are navigating the sometimes shark-infested waters of divorce. I used the pen name of L.J. Burke because I was still employed as a cop and didn’t want to deal with the red tape of getting the book approved through the department. 

I felt it would be a good idea to bring on someone with a unique perspective on the subject, Kerrie Droban. Kerrie is also a divorce survivor who now helps others get through their parting of the ways with her family law practice and at one time was married to a homicide detective.

Kerrie Droban received a Master's degree from The Johns Hopkins University Writing Seminars and a Master of Fine Arts and Juris Doctorate from the University of Arizona.

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      The reasons for the high rate of divorce among first responders.

·      The warning signs of an impending divorce and sometimes ignoring them, listen to your gut feelings.

·      When should you think about marriage counseling? 

·      Best practices when asking your spouse for a divorce and breaking the news to your children.

·      When is it time to get a divorce lawyer and is it a good idea to share one?

·      Separation and moving out. Dos and don’ts to protect yourself and your kids.

·      Tips on how to soften the damage of divorce on children.

·      Avoid speaking poorly about your soon-to-be ex or their parents to your kids. 

·      When should you reconsider getting a divorce?

·      Self-care during a divorce and avoiding destructive behavior during the process.

·      Co-parenting best tips and practices

·      When should you start dating?

Visit Kerrie at her website!

Read, Divorced Dad: Kids are Forever, Wives are not.
Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website.
If you have a question for the sarge, hit him up at his email.
Join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook group 

What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?

https://a.co/d/2UsJPba

Support the show

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. 

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Send us a text

Today we are chatting with the former producer and executive of Court T.V., The Nancy Grace Show, and Author Wendy Whitman.  

Wendy has a unique background through her decades-long work as an executive and producer for Court TV and HLN, covering almost every major high-profile murder case in America. Through her knowledge of the most detailed aspects of the crimes, Ms. Whitman has become an expert on the subject of murder in America. Before attending Boston University School of Law, Whitman worked for comedians Lily Tomlin and George Carlin. After graduating from law school, Wendy embarked on what turned out to be a twenty-year career in television covering crime.

Ms. Whitman is now the author of the Deer Killer series.
 
In today’s episode we discuss:

·      The O.J. Simpson and Robert Blake trials. 

·      Working with Lily Tomlin and George Carlin.

·      Working on Court T.V. and Nancy Grace for almost two decades. 

·      Coping with trials that included graphic details about horrific crimes on a regular basis.

·      How she went from working in true crime to writing fiction.

·      Her “Deer Killer Series” and people's fascination with serial killers.

 Visit Wendy at her website to learn more about her and her books!

Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website.
If you have a question for the sarge, hit him up at his email.
Join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook group 

What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?

https://a.co/d/2UsJPba

Support the show

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. 

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Send us a text

Today we are chatting with Lt. Tommy Brooks of the Boston Police Department.  

In 1998 he started his law enforcement career as a Transit cop and then became a member of the Boston Police Department. After working primarily in plain clothes units, Brooks joined the Boston Gang Unit as a detective and later, as a Sergeant. While in the gang unit, he worked making gang cases via informants, undercover work, search warrants, and other investigative means. He has also maintained a working role as an Academy Instructor for many academies throughout Massachusetts.

During his career, he has had the opportunity to work with the best cops in the nation, and he has received the George L Hanna Award for Bravery from the Governor of Massachusetts, two Medals of Honor, a Medal of Valor, and an Award of Merit from the Governor.  
 
In today’s episode we discuss:

·      Movies like Blown Away and The Departed and their depiction of the Boston P.D.

·      His unusual beginning into law enforcement. 

·      Tommy’s career with the Boston Police, including being promoted to detective, sergeant, and lieutenant.

·      The different special units he worked in and supervised. 

·      The gang, gun, and honor game.

·      Clues that a suspect who is armed with an illegal gun gives to police, without being aware of them.

·      The heartwarming story of Tommy and his fellow officers going beyond the call of duty helping a dog in a time of peril.

Check out Tommy on Instagram.
The Gun Game on Street Cop.
Gang Game On Demand.
The Honor Game On Demand

Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website.
If you have a question for the sarge, hit him up at his email.
Join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook group

What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?

https://a.co/d/2UsJPba

Support the show

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. 

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Send us a text

Welcome to today’s debrief of Cop Camp 2023. 

Today’s show is going to be a little different. I will chat with some of the experts who were presenters and a few of the attendees from the inaugural Cop Camp 2023 that occurred last June 1st through June 4 at the Fox Valley Police Academy in Appleton, Wisconsin. 

In this episode, the presenters and students chat about what were their favorite parts of Cop Camp, the pleasant surprises, and the bonds that were formed during this special conference. I ended this podcast with a quick interview with the president of LMBPN publishing company and creator of the largest indie publishing group in the world, 20 Books to 50K, Michael Anderle. 

Please visit and patronize my guests on today's show.

Dr. Sharon Michalove at her website!
Ronda Wells M.D. at her website!
C.S.I expert, Falynne Gerisch at her email.
Det. Adam Richardson's website
RJ Beam's website
Michael Anderle

Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website.
If you have a question for the sarge, hit him up at his email.
Join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook group

What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?

https://a.co/d/2UsJPba

Support the show

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. 

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Send us a text

Today we are chatting with Wall Street Journal Bestselling author and retired Police Captain, Isabella Maldonado. 

Before her foray into the world of crime fiction, Ms. Maldonado wore a gun and badge in real life. She retired as a police captain after over two decades in law enforcement. During her tenure in the department, she was a patrol officer, hostage negotiator, spokesperson, and recruit instructor at the police academy. After being promoted, she worked as a patrol sergeant and lieutenant. Finally, as a captain, she commanded the Gang Council, Public Information Office, and a police precinct with 150 personnel, including patrol officers, detectives, specialty units, supervisors, and civilians. 

After retiring as a police captain and moving to Arizona, Isabella joined the Sisters in Crime Phoenix Metro Chapter, Desert Sleuths, in 2010 with the goal of embarking on a second career as a crime fiction writer. For five years, she attended workshops and writer’s conferences and studied numerous books on the craft of writing.
 
 Isabella’s first book in her FBI thriller series, THE CIPHER, was published in November 2020. The sequel, A DIFFERENT DAWN, was released in August 2021, and the third, THE FALCON, in June 2022. Netflix optioned CIPHER for a feature film starring Jennifer Lopez.

A KILLER’S GAME, the first book in the FBI Agent Daniela Vega series, will be released in June 2023, and the second, A FORGOTTEN KILL, in March 2024.
 
 In today’s episode we discuss:

·      Isabella’s beginnings in law enforcement.

·      Isabella’s rise to the rank of captain.

·      The strain of police work on her personal relationships. 

·      The importance of internships and volunteering for a career.

·      How Isabella prepared herself for her successful writing career. 

·      How Isabella landed her agent.

·      Her success with writing in a series and knowing when to end them.

·      How Isabella effectively communicates an overarching message to her readers through her books.

Visit Isabella's website with links to her socials and books!

Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website.
If you have a question for the sarge, hit him up at his email.
Join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook group

What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?

https://a.co/d/2UsJPba

Support the show

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. 

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Send us a text

Today we are going across the pond to England chatting with Detective Superintendent Julie Mackay and Investigative Journalist and Podcaster Robert Murphy. 

Julie Mackay retired from policing as Detective Superintendent (head of homicide teams) after a distinguished career spanning 32 years. Trained as a review officer, Senior Investigating Officer, and with a passion for putting victims first, she has continued to work in arenas that strive for improvement. Julie led the 30-year-old cold case investigation that identified the killer of Melanie Road 31 years after her murder.

From breaking exclusive news stories which resonate around the world to in-depth coverage of complex criminal court cases, award-winning Robert Murphy is at the cutting edge of television news journalism. 

Rob is the presenter/producer of ‘Behind the Crimes with Robert Murphy’ podcast.

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      Julie’s beginnings in law enforcement.

·      The equipment and uniform that a female British Police officer was issued in the late 1980s.

·      Julie’s distinguished law enforcement career where she retired as a Detective Superintendent. 

·      Julie leading the investigative team that solved a 30-year-old rape/murder case of Melanie Road.

·      Robert and Julie’s co-writing the book, “To Hunt a Killer.”

·      Robert’s process of interviewing Julie during the writing of the book. 

·      The amazing speed with which Robert wrote the book.

 Check out; To Hunt a Killer: The gripping true crime story solving the Melanie Road cold case.

Visit Julie at her website.
Visit Rob at his website.

Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!
Enjoy the Cops and Writer's book series.
Please visit the Cops and Writers website.
If you have a question for the sarge, hit him up at his email.
Join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook group

What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?

https://a.co/d/2UsJPba

Support the show

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. 

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show