In the first episode of The Detectives Podcast mini-series K9 Roll Call, Dave and Steve are joined by Alex, a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney who also serves as the handler for Roger, a highly trained electronic device detection K9. Roger’s job is unlike any other, he searches for hidden electronic devices such as cell phones, SD cards, USB drives, hard drives, computers, and more often uncovering evidence that even detectives can miss.

Alex shares how Roger is trained, what he’s actually smelling for, and how his alerts help investigators find critical digital evidence. He also discusses his unique dual role as both a DPA and K9 handler, how he was chosen for the position, and the close bond he and Roger share.

Listeners will hear how Roger’s nose has helped locate lost students, recover devices after fatal crashes, and even crack criminal cases. To wrap things up, Dave and Steve put Roger’s skills to the test with a live training exercise in the studio.

Tippecanoe County Elected Prosecutor: Patrick Harrington

https://tcprosecutor.com

Roger’s Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/esd_k9_roger/

Owner & Trainer Jordan Detection K9: Todd Jordan

https://www.jordandetectionk9.com

K9 Sponsor: OUR Rescue

https://ourrescue.org/esd-k9-program

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In this episode, Dave and Steve sit down with Dr. Kelly Dardeen, a clinical psychologist specializing in first responders. Together, they take a deep dive into the mental health challenges and trauma detectives and officers face throughout their careers.

Dr. Dardeen shares how she began her work in trauma therapy, from her early days with the VA to her current role supporting 30 first responder agencies. She explains what makes trauma in law enforcement unique, why officers can’t simply “leave work at work,” and what civilians often misunderstand about the psychological toll of the job.

The conversation explores the warning signs of trauma, how repeated exposure to humanity’s darkest moments impacts ethical decision-making, and the role dark humor plays in coping. They also confront the persistent stigma surrounding mental health therapy in policing and discuss how breaking that stigma can save lives and careers.

Resources & Support:

https://www.mofirstresponders.org/firstresponder-resources

RESPONDERSTRONG - ResponderStrong

National Helpline for Mental Health, Drug, Alcohol Issues | SAMHSA

Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcast

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In part III of The War We Owe Them, Dave and Steve interview Lori Cohen, CEO of PACT (Protect All Children from Trafficking), a nonprofit working to end child trafficking and sexual exploitation in the United States and around the world. Lori explains what trafficking is, what it is not, and why every child has the fundamental right to grow up free from sexual exploitation.

Lori shares real cases from her career, outlines new tactics used to target kids online, and details how gaming platforms and social media are being weaponized by predators. She provides concrete steps for parents and everyday citizens, early warning signs to watch for, guidance on how to support victims, and a reminder that protecting children must be a national priority.

Lori also explains the policy landscape, including PACT’s role in advancing legislation, the need to enforce existing laws, closing tech immunity loopholes, and the funding shortfalls that hinder prevention and response.

PACT Website: https://www.wearepact.org

PACT Online Safety Guides: https://www.wearepact.org/guides

PACT Donation Page: https://www.wearepact.org/donate

Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcast

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We hit a huge milestone this month! The Detectives Podcast broke into the Top 100 True Crime podcasts on Apple!

In this Squad Meeting, we celebrate this achievement and thank all of you, our listeners, because we couldn’t have done it without your support. To show our appreciation, we’re launching a giveaway to give back to our amazing community.

We also listened to your feedback about Patreon and rolled out a full tier restructure, so every listener has options that fit what they want most from the show. Then, we chat about our recent guest appearance on The Prosecutors Podcast and how much fun we had joining them.

Finally, we share updates on our ongoing Bunker in Bibb case coverage and our series The War We Owe Them.

Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcast

Join us on Patreon for early access, ad-free episodes and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/thedetectives

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re kicking off Cross Examined by putting ourselves in the hot seat. Tom joined The Detectives Podcast to ask us questions.

We start with our paths into detective work, then dig into interviews and interrogations. We talk about how we maintain control without losing humanity, how we relate to people who’ve done terrible things, and what we do when we think the person across the table might not be the one who did it. We also get into what happens when detectives lose their cool, and we break down the classic good cop/bad cop approach (and when it turns into bad cop/bad cop).

Huge thank you to Tom for jumping in and asking thoughtful questions! If you’d like a chance to appear on the podcast and cross examine us in a future episode, head to https://www.patreon.com/thedetectives and sign up as a Lead Detective or an Investigative Commander.

Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcast

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Dave and Steve open up about the cumulative trauma detectives face while working difficult cases. They unpack the struggle of switching back into family roles as fathers, husbands, sons, friends, and functioning members of society.

They discuss how trauma shows up in subtle ways and how families or supervisors can normalize the behavior. They also examine the coping mechanisms detectives turn to, both good and bad, including dark humor, alcohol use, and isolation, as well as healthier outlets like exercise, good sleep routines, therapy, and hobbies.

Dave and Steve share their personal rituals that help them leave the job at the door and reset after a scene. They talk about what their families experience, and the weight that loved ones carry when they are in a relationship with a detective. They explore how to communicate openly without sharing horrors that could traumatize others, and how to maintain trust when working high-profile cases that can’t legally be discussed.

The conversation ends with practical advice for detectives, officers, and their families on how to better navigate the transition from crime scenes to barbecues.

Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcast

Join us on Patreon for early access, ad-free episodes and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/thedetectives

Shop official merch: https://www.tritonpublishing.net/thedetectivespodcast

Directly support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/thedetectives

Resources & Support:

https://www.mofirstresponders.org/firstresponder-resources

RESPONDERSTRONG - ResponderStrong

National Helpline for Mental Health, Drug, Alcohol Issues | SAMHSA

Citations:

https://adcare.com/addiction-demographics/law-enforcement/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3592498/

https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/substance-use-disorder-law-enforcement/

First Responders: Behavioral Health Concerns, Emergency Response, and Trauma

NOSIIssue_Brief_FINAL.pdf

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lieutenant Jerry Holeman of the Indiana State Police joins The Detectives Podcast with his wife, Nikki, after receiving the 2025 Crimefighter of the Year award at CrimeCon Denver. Dave and Steve trace Lt. Holeman’s path from the Marine Corps into law enforcement and explore the leadership, pressure, and resilience required to lead a major investigation that drew worldwide attention. Lt. Holeman explains why he views the recognition as shared with victims’ families and with all the investigators who worked on the case. He also discusses the demands of long-running investigations and the human cost that comes with the job. Nikki offers an honest look at being both a military and police wife, the missed moments, and the strength it takes to keep a family steady when duty calls. Together they reflect on what the honor means in their home and community. Lt. Holeman looks ahead to retirement with a simple goal: to be fully present for the family that stood with him through it all.

Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcast

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special episode, Dave and Steve bring you along to CrimeCon 2025 in Denver. They share highlights from all three days of the convention—who they met, what they learned, and how it felt to be part of the true crime community.

From connecting with other creators, victims’ families, and advocacy groups, to meeting listeners and Patreon supporters, this episode captures the inspiring work being done across the true crime space. Dave and Steve also talk about attending panels, being surprised with their very own booth, and experiencing the CrimeCon Clue Awards.

Along the way, they reflect on the meaningful, constructive conversations they had with attendees about the criminal justice system and detective work. These conversations made their first CrimeCon experience unforgettable.

Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcast

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At the request of a listener, Dave and Steve break down how jurisdiction works across law enforcement agencies in the United States. They explore the roles of university police, city police, county sheriffs, state police, and federal agencies, highlighting the types of calls they respond to and the responsibilities that define their authority.

The episode also sheds light on how these agencies cooperate, the behind-the-scenes conversations that determine who takes the lead on a case, and the process of establishing jurisdiction.

Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcast

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In our very first Squad Meeting, we talk about heading to CrimeCon 2025 in Denver, our first CrimeCon experience! We don’t have a booth this year, but we’re excited to be there to connect with the true crime community, meet listeners in person, hang out with other podcasters, and see what the event is all about. And yes…we’ll have coffee mugs, t-shirts, and stickers to hand out!

We also take a moment to thank all of you for your incredible support and share how much it truly means to us. We’ll tell you how you can stay connected with us and announce our brand-new interactive series, Cross Examined, where you’ll get the chance to interview us directly on the podcast.

Finally, we give an update on our current series, The War We Owe Them, talk about why it was our first deep dive, and reveal two new upcoming series: Justice for Sale and Justice Abroad.

Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcast

Shop official merch: https://www.tritonpublishing.net/thedetectivespodcast

Join us on Patreon for early access and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/thedetectives

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Citations:

https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/fbi-releases-2023-crime-in-the-nation-statistics

https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/fbi-releases-2024-reported-crimes-in-the-nation-statistics

https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hvus23.pdf

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.