Cops and Writers Podcast

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On today’s show, I speak with Dennis Benigno, who is the founder and CEO of Street Cop Training. 

His law enforcement career began in 2001 at 19 years of age as an NJ Corrections Officer. In 2004, Benigno became a police officer with the US Park Police Dept. in Washington, DC, and in 2005 moved over to the position of a police officer in one of NJ's largest municipalities. He has received multiple awards, including but not limited to Lifesaving, Meritorious Service, Mayor's Award for Excellence in Public Service, Several Letters of Recognition, Leadership awards, and Certificates of Appreciation from several law enforcement organizations.

He now leads one of the fastest growing LEO education companies in the country. Dennis is recognized as not only an instructor but as a thought leader and influencer in modern day policing. His outspoken vision of changing law enforcement for the better has struck the hearts of over 150,000 followers on social media platforms alone. He has now partnered with several non-profits and works to provide no cost support to several families.

Dennis is also the host of the wildly popular Street Cop Podcast.

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      Why he was interested in a law enforcement career. 

·      His first job in law enforcement working in the jail.

·      Why he left law enforcement.

·      What he misses the most from his days in uniform on the street.

·      Dennis starting the Street Cop Training company. 

·      What students should expect from one of his classes. 

·      The future of law enforcement.

·      His Street Cop Podcast that is currently in the top 2.5 percent of all published podcasts.

All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

Visit Dennis at his Street Cop 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

Consider buying me a coffee :-)

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

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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’s show takes us to the Big Apple. Yes, today we are going to New York City to chat with Author and Police Officer Kevin Sullivan of the NYPD.

Kevin “Sully” Sullivan has been with the NYPD for about ten years and is assigned to the transit and counterterrorism unit. 

Among other things, Kevin is a musician, surfer, and indie author.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

·      What got him interested in law enforcement. 

·      Why did he join the New York Police Department?

·      Why he is interested in the transit counterterrorism unit?

·      The impact that 9/11 still has on the department and the City of New York.

·      His plans for his future in the NYPD. 

·      How he started his writing career. 

·      His choice to become a self-published author.

·      The benefits of writing a book to help you through a tough time in your life.

All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

Come visit Kevin and check out his books on his website!
Check out Kevin's Instagram.

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

Consider buying me a coffee :-)

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’s show takes us back to the Windy City, The City of Big Shoulders, yes, of course, I’m talking about the place of my birth and where I spent my youth, Chicago. Today we will be speaking with Retired Chief of Detectives of the Chicago Police Department, Eugene Roy.

Gene has over 40 years in various law-enforcement roles. He started his career as a dispatcher for the Illinois State Police and later became a narcotics investigator for an agency in another state. He returned to Chicago and joined the Chicago Police Department, rising from Police Officer to Chief of Detectives.

During his career with the CPD Gene has been involved in several high-profile cases through the years, ranging from the investigation of a major drug ring on the West Side, the shooting of 13 people–including a 3-year-old child in a Chicago Park, and the murder of a family of 6, including two grade-school-aged children, in their home.

Gene also has extensive experience in operations at major events, with an emphasis on Homeland Security. he led police operations during the 2005 White Sox Championship season and World Series. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs selected him to participate in a Homeland Security/Counter-Terrorism Training Program in Israel, and he put that training to use by working with various government agencies to secure several high-profile events in the Chicago area.

Gene is a firm believer in the “Servant Leadership” and shares his experience at seminars on Wellness and Resiliency for First Responders and their families. He also serves as a volunteer Peer Support for an organization that provides defusing and debriefing services for First Responders in the Northern Illinois area.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

·      How being a lifelong resident of Chicago helped him in his career as a Chicago Police Officer. 

·      How mentors in the Chicago Police Department helped guide him into a career with the CPD.

·      His career trajectory with the CPD that started as a police officer and ended with him being the Chief of Detectives.

·      His interest in investigations. 

·      Being in charge of high-profile cases, including mass casualty situations. 

·      Chief Roy’s work helping with other agencies with critical incident briefings.

All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

You can find Gene on LinkedIn and Twitter. 

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

Consider buying me a coffee :-)

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’s show takes us to the Windy City, The City of Big Shoulders. Yes, of course, I’m talking about the place of my birth and where I spent my youth, Chicago. Today we will be speaking with Pulitzer Prize nominee John Gorman.

John Gorman started his journalism career at the storied City News Bureau of Chicago before joining the Chicago Tribune. He spent half of his 26 years at the Tribune as a reporter covering courts, cops, and catastrophes, and was twice a runner-up for the Pulitzer Prize. As an Assistant City Editor for 13 years, he oversaw the city desk, herding, helping, and harassing reporters. Later, he spent nearly a decade as the Communications Director for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office. 

Prior to starting his journalism career, he was in the Peace Corps in India and later worked in Australia and South Africa, and traveled through Europe before returning to the U.S. in 1971.

John is also an author and we discuss his debut novel, Death Before Life. 

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      His time in the Peace Corps and traveling around the world as a young man. 

·      His interest in journalism and his time as a reporter, then editor for the Chicago Tribune.

·      What it was like being on the ‘front lines’ reporting some of the most dangerous stories.

·      Close calls and putting himself in harm’s way when getting a story. 

·      Being one of the first reporters on the scene of serial killer John Wayne Gacy’s home. 

·      His debut novel, “Death Before Life.”

All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

Check out John's Amazon Author Page!

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

Consider buying me a coffee :-)

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’s show marks my 100th episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast!!!

I would like to take a minute and thank all of you who support me and the show. My wonderful patrons, everyone who has purchased a book in my Cops and Writers series and my new Brew City Blues series. And, of course, the amazing guests I have had on the show over the last two years. And a big thank you to all of you, my dear listeners who listen and promote this show, I thank you. 

Speaking of amazing guests, I have four of some of the most popular guests I've had on the show with us today. Retired F.B.I. Special Agent Jerry Williams, Retired Chicago Police Det. Lt. Richard Rybicki, Detective Adam Richardson of the Writers Detective Bureau, and founder of 20 Books to 50K, and LMBPN, Michael Anderle. 

We exchange ‘war stories’ and give tips and hints for you writers out there. This episode was a lot of fun and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      Some of the most shocking incidents that happened on the job. 

·      Amusing stories that happened on the street and inside the police department.

·      Heartwarming stories that happened on the job and the human side of policing.

·      Author lessons learned in 2022 and what is in store for us in 2023, and how to prepare for these changes. 

·      The importance of emotions in your characters, both good and bad. 

·      Future and current projects and books that everyone is working on.

All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

Visit Jerri Williams at her webiste!
Check out Richar Rybicki's website!
Michael Anderle of LMBPN's website!
Head on over to Adam Richardson's headquarters!

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

Consider buying me a coffee :-)

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

On today’s show, we have Morgan Wright. Morgan is currently the co-host/co-producer of the Game of Crimes podcast with Steve Murphy of Narcos fame. 

Previously Morgan was a Senior Advisor in the US State Department Antiterrorism Assistance Program, taught behavioral analysis at the National Security Agency, and spent a year teaching the FBI how to conduct internet investigations. 

Besides 18 years in state and local law enforcement as a highly decorated state trooper and detective, Morgan was a technical advisor for the show America’s Most Wanted for 1.5 years. He holds a patent for how to use publicly available information to solve crime, and just received a grant from US DOJ - COPS office - to build the National Center for Open/Unsolved cases. 

He’s just finished up his first thriller novel and is now working on the second installment.

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      How Morgan became interested in law enforcement and his early days as a Kansas State Trooper. 

·      Morgan’s career as a detective and the successful interview and interrogation techniques that he used.

·      Teaching F.B.I. Agents on how to conduct internet investigations.

·      His time as an advisor for the television show, America's Most Wanted. 

·      Starting the National Center For Open and Unsolved cases. 

·      The wildly popular podcast, Game of Crimes.

·      Morgan Wright’s new thriller novel.

 All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

Visit Morgan at the Game of Crimes website to learn more about him and the show.

Check out Murph and Morgan interrogating me on their podcast, Game of Crimes!
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

Consider buying me a coffee :-)

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

On today’s show, we have author, non-verbal communications expert, and former Police Officer Sean Grogan!

Sean Grogan is a former special investigations detective that spent his career with the Woodbridge, N.J. Police Department. Besides spending most of his career in the narcotics unit as a detective, he was also a K-9 handler and gang investigator.

Sean has traveled to Europe for advanced training in facial expressions and other non-verbal communication. Sean has also been certified as a trainer for the Body Language Institute in Alexandria, Virginia. 

Traveling throughout the United States since 2019, Sean provides training to law enforcement on non-verbal communication, giving detectives, officers, investigators, and agents the advanced skills that can be used in a variety of settings. Sean’s classes include ‘Unmasking Hidden Facial Expressions’ & ‘Body Language for Law Enforcement.

His book, Beware the Body, gives insight into aggression and aggression detection by utilizing body language.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

·      Sean's time in Marine Corps Boot Camp on Parris Island during 9/11. 

·      Why he became a police officer.

·      The job of being a K9 police officer and utilization of K9s in police work.

·      His book, “Beware The Body”, Gavin DE Becker's “The Gift of Fear”, and Patrick Van Horne and Shawn Coyle’s book, “Left of Bang.”

·      Micro and macro facial expressions. 

·      Common examples of body language. 

·      When to use and not use non-verbal communication skills with family and friends.

·      Are the eyes really the window to a person's soul?

 All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

Come on over to Sean's website to learn more about his work.

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

Consider buying me a coffee :-)

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

On today's show, we travel to Texas to speak with author, podcaster, and Police Officer David Viergutz!

David Viergutz is a disabled Army Veteran, an 8-year law enforcement veteran, the majority in rural Texas, and Field Training Officer. His experience is in drug interdiction, interview/interrogation, and investigations. He is also a mental health investigator and state child abuse investigator.

David gives us some unique insights into policing in a small town in Texas.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

·      How David joined the army at age 16 1/2. He did get his parents' permission. 

·      The injury that ended his army career.

·      His calling to join law enforcement. 

·      The unique challenges and rewards of being a police officer in a small town. 

·      Working with a variety of other law enforcement agencies in Texas, including the iconic Texas Rangers. 

·      David’s writing process has allowed him to produce a large amount of books in a short amount of time. 

·      David’s podcast, “The Nightmare Engine.”

 All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

Check out David's website to learn more about him, his books, and his podcast!

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

Consider buying me a coffee :-)

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

Four time zones, two counties, and an ocean can't separate these heavy hitters in publishing! This is why I still do the podcast! It is so much fun being with all of you and I want to share the wisdom of this hive.

Today’s show is for the writers out there who want to level up their author careers! My guests, that’s right guests, are none other than Author and Host of the Self Publishing Show, James Blatch, and best-selling authors Cecelia Mecca and Jodi Burnett!

We chat about the new and improved Self-Publishing Formula course formerly known as SPF 101, now SPF Launchpad with James and these two wildly successful authors who have benefited from the course. We also talk about what is selling books for them in this super competitive marketplace. 

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      How James, Cecelia, and Jodi started their author careers. 

·      When and what book in your catalog should be converted into an audiobook.

·      Best use of Facebook and other ads. 

·      Getting the most out of social media, especially TikTok. 

·      The benefits of SPF Launchpad and how to maximize its effectiveness.

·      How Cecelia and Jodi have had their spouses assist them in their author business. 

All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

Come visit James Blatch at his website and Self Publishing Formula.
Head on over to both of Cecelia's author websites.
Visit Jodi Burnett on her 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

Consider buying me a coffee :-)

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

My guest on today’s show is best-selling author and retired Police Captain Frank Zafiro!

During his law enforcement career, Zafiro worked as a patrol officer, corporal, and detective before entering leadership roles and becoming a sergeant in 2002. He was fortunate enough to command patrol officers, investigators, K-9 officers (and their dogs!), and the SWAT team. He also commanded both the patrol division and the investigative division of the police department at different points in his career. 

Frank is an accomplished writer with over forty books published.

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      Frank’s early years in the United States Army and how that prepared him for future leadership roles

·      Why Frank became a police officer. 

·      Frank’s law enforcement career with the City of Spokane.

·      The importance of leadership and Frank teaching Leadership in Police Organizations. 

·      Being a captain in charge of the patrol bureau. 

·      How he consistently produces numerous books.

·      Franks podcast, Wrong Place, Wright Crime. 

·      All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

Head on over to Frank's website to learn more about him and his books!

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

Consider buying me a coffee :-)

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