The Blue Way

Keith Banks, a former Australian police officer and tacticaloperative, shares his gripping journey through trauma, PTSD, and recovery. He recounts harrowing experiences from his law enforcement career, including a deadly shootout that profoundly impacted his life.

Keith discusses his struggles with mental health, career transitions, and eventual path to healing. He emphasises the importance of authenticity and open dialogue about mentalhealth issues, particularly among first responders and veterans.

The conversation touches on his participation in reality TV show, The Traitors Australia, and his current work as a public speaker and mental health advocate.Keith's story offers powerful insights into resilience, the long-term effects of trauma, and the transformative power of vulnerability and support.

For more information visit:

https://www.cluarantonn.com/the-blue-way/keithbanks

To find out more about Keith Banks visit:

https://keithbanks.com.au/

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 Intro: Raid on offender's house

11:19 Leaving tactical operations and career impact

17:39 Challenging authority and career transition

22:54 Corporate speaking and helping others

28:27 Experience on reality TV show 'Traitors'

33:50 Upcoming crime documentary and mental health advocacy

CREDITS

Host - Dawn

Guest - Keith Banks - ⁠⁠⁠https://keithbanks.com.au/⁠⁠⁠

SOCIAL LINKS

Website⁠⁠⁠https://www.cluarantonn.com/theblueway⁠⁠⁠

Instagram⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebluewaypodcast⁠⁠⁠

TikTok⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@bluewaypodcast⁠⁠⁠

RESOURCES

For all credits and sources, please visit ⁠⁠⁠https://cluarantonn.com/theblueway⁠

Keith Banks, a former undercover police officer, shares gripping stories from his career in law enforcement. He discusses his journey from a young, idealistic recruit to a seasoned detective, including harrowing experiences in undercover work and tactical operations.

Keith offers candid insights into the psychological toll of policing, the complexities of drug enforcement, and the ethical challenges faced by officers. He reflects on the impact of corruption within the force and how his experiences shaped his views on drug policy and criminal justice reform.

Keith's narrative provides a raw, unfiltered look at the realities of police work, challenging conventional perceptions of law enforcement.

For more information visit:

https://www.cluarantonn.com/the-blue-way/keithbanks

To find out more about Keith Banks visit:

https://keithbanks.com.au/

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 Intro: First assignment as a police officer

5:49 Dangerous encounter with armed suspect

11:16 Undercover work and the heroin trade

18:41 Reflections on impact of undercover operations

25:05 Transition to emergency squad and counterterrorism

32:10 Corrupt offer and transfer to suburban CIB

38:01 Training with SAS for counter-terrorist operations

43:41 Planning high-risk raid without proper equipment

CREDITS

Host - Dawn

Guest - Keith Banks - ⁠⁠https://keithbanks.com.au/⁠⁠

SOCIAL LINKS

Website⁠⁠https://www.cluarantonn.com/theblueway⁠⁠

Instagram⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebluewaypodcast⁠⁠

TikTok⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@bluewaypodcast⁠⁠

RESOURCES

For all credits and sources, please visit ⁠⁠https://cluarantonn.com/theblueway⁠

Former undercover cop Keith Banks reveals his gripping journey from a troubled childhood to the dangerous world of law enforcement. With raw honesty, he exposes the emotional toll of police work, battling undiagnosed PTSD for decades. Keith shares heart-stopping moments, from facing down a shotgun to losing a friend in a gunfight, offering a rare glimpse into the hidden struggles of those who protect us.

Keith's story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of confronting one's demons. From the academy's brutal training to the streets' harsh realities, Keith's tale is a rollercoaster of danger, humour, and ultimately, healing.

For more information visit:

https://www.cluarantonn.com/the-blue-way/keithbanks

To find out more about Keith Banks visit:

https://keithbanks.com.au/

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 Intro: Writing a book to explain past behaviour

5:31 Unexpected journey to becoming a published author

10:41 Breakthrough moment: Diagnosis and attitude shift

15:23 Overcoming guilt and finding affirmation

18:59 Challenging childhood and domestic abuse

24:05 Experiences at the police academy

28:27 Confronting a past bully years later

32:15 Family relationships and personal loss

CREDITS

Host - Dawn

Guest - Keith Banks - ⁠https://keithbanks.com.au/⁠

SOCIAL LINKS

Website⁠https://www.cluarantonn.com/theblueway⁠

Instagram⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebluewaypodcast⁠

TikTok⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@bluewaypodcast⁠

RESOURCES

For all credits and sources, please visit ⁠https://cluarantonn.com/theblueway⁠

Keith Banks, a former undercover cop turned author, shares his journey from a troubled childhood to a career in law enforcement.

He discusses writing his books as a way to process trauma and PTSD, offering raw insights into the emotional toll of police work. Keith reveals the unexpected path to publishing his memoirs and the catharsis it brought.

He touches on the challenges of mental health in policing, the impact of domestic violence, and his experiences in the police academy. Keith's

story is one of resilience, self-reflection, and the power of sharing difficult truths, offering a candid look at the human side of law enforcement and the long-term effects of trauma.Watch on YouTube

TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Intro: Writing a book to explain past behaviour5:31 Unexpected journey to becoming a published author10:41 Breakthrough moment: Diagnosis and attitude shift15:23 Overcoming guilt and finding affirmation18:59 Challenging childhood and domestic abuse24:05 Experiences at the police academy28:27 Confronting a past bully years later32:15 Family relationships and personal lossCREDITSHost - DawnGuest - Keith Banks - https://keithbanks.com.au/SOCIAL LINKSWebsitehttps://www.cluarantonn.com/thebluewayInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thebluewaypodcastTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@bluewaypodcastRESOURCESFor all credits and sources, please visit https://cluarantonn.com/theblueway

In this episode, Katherine Schweit, a retired FBI agent, shares her journey from journalism to law enforcement, highlighting her 20-year career with the FBI. She discusses her transition from a prosecutor in Chicago to an FBI agent, detailing the rigorous training and diverse cases she handled, including national security and terrorism. Katherine reflects on the impact of the September 11 attacks on her career and her subsequent role in Washington, DC. She explores her work post-retirement, focusing on reducing gun violence and mass shootings, and her involvement in creating the "Stop the Killing" podcast. Katherine emphasises the importance of ethics in law enforcement and the need for public awareness and reporting of suspicious behaviours to prevent violence. Her dedication to advocacy and education continues as she writes books and consults on security issues, aiming to make a significant impact on public safety.

00:03:04 Joining the FBI and Training Process

00:05:15 Importance of Ethics in FBI Training

00:08:47 Variability in Law Enforcement Training Across the US

00:11:05 Working with Different Law Enforcement Agencies

00:13:21 Transition from Prosecutor to FBI Agent

00:17:32 Initial FBI Assignments and Responsibilities

00:20:10 Impact of September 11 on Career

00:22:58 Balancing Family Life with FBI Duties

00:27:47 Equipment and Safety Measures as an FBI Agent

00:32:32 Response to Sandy Hook and Federal Initiatives

00:39:18 Dissemination of Safety Protocols to Schools and Businesses

00:43:26 Transition to Post-FBI Career and Writing

00:49:04 Launching the "Stop the Killing" Podcast

00:53:04 Importance of Public Awareness and Reporting

00:56:39 Future Plans and Continuing Advocacy

1:00:09 Impact of the Podcast on Preventing School Shootings

In this episode, two retired police officers from the US and the UK, Anthony McNeil and Steven Keogh, share their experiences and perspectives on the evolution of policing over the past few decades. They discuss the impact of technology, social media, and politics on the profession, contrasting their early days on the force with the current environment. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by modern officers, the importance of communication skills, and the differences in policing practices between the two countries. They also share personal anecdotes, including their children's involvement in law enforcement and the changing societal attitudes towards police work.

In this episode, we welcome Steven and Anthony, two former police officers with extensive careers in law enforcement. Steven recounts his early days handling robbery and rape cases, sharing the challenges and experiences that came with those roles, and how he found his true calling in murder investigations. Anthony provides a detailed account of his career, discussing his transition to a desk job due for the last five years of his career due to a severe health scare, a role that Anthony found frustrating and unfulfilling. Although, Anthony recounts a poignant moment where he realised the impact he could still make in this role, where he was able to help a troubled young boy turn his life around.

The conversation then turns to Anthony and Steven’s eventual retirements and how they channelled their passion for law enforcement into new ventures, including writing, television and podcasting.

This episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives oftwo dedicated police officers, highlighting their unwavering commitment to justice and education, and offering listeners an in-depth look at the realities of careers in law enforcement and the enduring impact it has had on their lives.

For more information visit:https://www.cluarantonn.com/the-blue-way/anthonyandstevenparttwo/If you'd like to find out more about Anthony and Steven visit;⁠⁠Anthony McNeil⁠⁠ - The Off Duty Podcast - Law Enforcement - Humanizing the Badge⁠⁠Steven Keogh⁠ - Free Course — stevenkeogh.com (stevekeogh.com)TIMESTAMPS:

0:20 Steven discusses his journey to the murderinvestigation team and investigating and solving murder cases, including how a calm and respectful approach when making arrests has always served him well.

13.07 Anthony shares how medical issues led to a careerchange from active duty to a desk job. He recounts a dangerous incident during his desk job involving a man attempting suicide by cop, and Anthony shares astory about positively influencing a troubled young boy.

28.14 Steven talks about retiring from the police and transitioning to writing a book, TV shows and online courses.

39.17 Anthony talks about his retirement and how he began a podcast where he speaks with former or current police officers from around the world, discussing their motivations and experiences around being policeofficers and digging deeper into their lives now.

51:07 Coming Up Teaser

In this episode, detectives Anthony and Steven share their unique perspectives on policing and detective work. Steven discusses the challenges of policing in ethnically diverse areas in London. He emphasises the importance of a police force that mirrors the community it serves and reflects on the complexities of stop and search practices. Anthony, on the other hand, provides insights into his experiences in the United States, detailing the evolution of police equipment and the importance of building rapport with suspects. Anthony recounts a memorable case involving a meticulous burglar, and Steven highlights the psychological tactics used in interviews. Both detectives offer a candid look at the intricacies of their roles, from everyday patrols to high-stakes anti-terrorism investigations, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and nuances of modern policing.

For more information visit:

Season 1 Episode 2 From Familiar Streets to New Beats: Lessons from the Frontline – CluarantonnIf you'd like to find out more about Anthony and Steven visit;

⁠Anthony McNeil⁠

⁠Steven Keogh

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 Policing in Ethnically Diverse Areas

00:06:05 Patrol Team Dynamics

00:10:07 Experience with Police Equipment Police Violence

00:22:18 Commercial Property Crimes and Detective's Cat and Mouse Game

00:32:50 Interview Techniques in High-Stakes Situations

00:45:11 Negotiation Techniques

00:48:20 Episode Three Teaser

In this episode we hear from Steven Keogh, a retired Metropolitan detective, and Anthony McNeil, a retired Michigan police officer, who share their journeys into law enforcement. Steven reflects on his early days in South London, policing the area he grew up in, and the challenges of transitioning from an accounting career to the police force. Anthony recounts his unexpected path to becoming a police officer, the rigorous training at the academy, and the demanding field training programme. Both discuss the importance of knowing the community they serve and the real-world experiences that shaped their careers. This episode offers a candid look at the personal and professional lives of two seasoned officers.

Anthony McNeil who was a Police Officer with City of Southfield Police Department in Michigan, over a 20 year period from 1992 until 2013. During this time, Anthony worked in a variety of roles, including; patrol, Field Training officer, hostage negotiator and detective. Throughout Anthony’s career he was awarded many department citations and merits, and was named “Everyday Hero” by a local TV station.

Anthony sadly had health issues which forced him off the road in 2008, and into a front desk job, where he worked for five years, but he didn’t enjoy this and so he retired.

Steven Keogh was a Metropolitan Police Officer in London, with his first posting being in 1991 in South London when he was 20 years old. Steven spent half of his 30 year career as a Scotland Yard Detective, ending his career in 2021 as a Detective Inspector in the Murder Investigation Team, where he had been a murder investigator for 12 years. Over his career, Steven helped to hunt down terrorists, when in 2002 he joined Scotland Yard’s Elite Anti-terrorist Branch, where he spent three years, and he also investigated some of London’s worst murder cases.
Steven received a commendation in 2005 from the work he carried out on the London 7/7 bombings.

If you'd like to find out more about Anthony and Steven visit;

Anthony McNeil

Steven Keogh

00:00:00: Introduction and Recent Collaborations

00:00:55: Anthony McNeil's Background and Career

00:06:04: Early Career and Desire to Start a Business

00:08:46: Steven Keogh's Background and Career

00:09:58: Steven's Early Career and Decision to Join thePolice

00:12:01: Arresting School Friends and Community Policing

00:13:07: Police Training and Application Process

00:14:51: Medical Examination and Interview Process

00:17:44: Starting at Hendon and Initial Impressions

00:18:52: Life at the Police Academy

00:18:58: Anthony's Academy Experience and Physical Training

00:21:32: Challenges and Mind Games at the Academy

00:23:48: Proposal to Wife and Balancing Personal Life

00:25:33: Cadet Programme and Entry into the Police Academy

00:28:37: Academic and Practical Training at the Academy

00:31:50: Graduation and Field Training Officer (FTO)Programme

00:34:57: First Traffic Stop and Learning to HandleSituations

00:37:05: Stress and Challenges in the FTO Programme

00:41:27: Balancing Work, Court, and Personal Life

00:42:48: Street Duties and Early Policing Experience

00:45:22: Probation Period and Career Progression

00:49:22: Transition to Detective and Starting a Business

00:51:08: Conclusion and Sneak Peek of Episode Two

Coming in 2024

Have you ever wondered what police do on a day to day basis, what differences there are between police throughout the world, how family members cope with having a police officer in their family, about the good and sometimes bad experiences people have had with the police, about officers who have killed or been killed in the line of duty, or about police that have committed crimes themselves?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes,