Part II of this listener-requested episode picks up where the patrol journey ends and the detective path begins. Dave and Steve explore what happens when an officer decides they’re ready to enter criminal investigations and take the next step in their career.

They break down the two ways officers typically become detectives, direct appointment or a competitive promotional process. They offer practical tips on how officers can set themselves apart from their peers, build a reputation for investigative thinking, and position themselves as the obvious choice for a detective promotion.

From there, the conversation turns to the many types of investigative units officers can pursue and what it means to make the shift from patrol to a detective mindset. Dave and Steve discuss the importance of working with a strong team, learning from experienced detectives, and embracing the specialized trainings, certifications, and continuing education opportunities. They also touch on how college degrees can help aspiring detectives excel and explain why making mistakes is inevitable and essential in this profession.

The episode doesn’t shy away from the hard realities of detective work: late-night callouts, the emotional weight of victim-centered investigations, shift demands, and the mental health toll that comes with the job. Dave and Steve also highlight the rewards of solving cases, helping victims and families, and knowing that your work leaves a real impact on the world.

Despite every challenge, both hosts share why they love the job and why neither can imagine doing anything else. They close the episode by exploring ways civilians can contribute to investigative work without becoming sworn police officers or attending the academy.

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Part I of this listener requested two-part episode explores how someone actually becomes a detective and answers the question of whether someone can bypass patrol and jump straight into investigations. Dave and Steve walk through the journey from the very beginning, starting with the decision to go into law enforcement itself. They talk about why this profession requires calling, purpose, and personal drive rather than money, status, or what people see in movies or television. They also explain why internships and job shadow opportunities with multiple agencies at different times of the year can make a huge difference in understanding if this work is truly for you.

From there, they break down the path toward the academy, including minimum requirements, the application process, oral interviews, written exams, physical testing, polygraphs, psychological evaluations, background investigations, and more. They share stories from their own academy experiences and offer advice for surviving it and succeeding once you get there. The conversation continues into the Field Training Officer phase, where new officers learn to apply everything in the real world on patrol.

Dave and Steve discuss why new officers can’t just jump directly into being detectives right out of the academy, and how the patrol years shape, develop, and prepare officers for investigative work. They share what officers can do on patrol to set themselves apart, earn trust, and begin positioning themselves for detective opportunities.

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In this special Thanksgiving-week episode, Dave and Steve open up about what it’s really like to spend the holiday as a police officer and a detective. From eating Thanksgiving dinner in a patrol car to getting called out to crime scenes instead of gathering with family. They share the challenges, and the unexpected peaceful moments that come with working holidays.

The guys also dive into everything they’re thankful for this year: their families, friends, coworkers, and their incredible listeners and Patreon members who make The Detectives Podcast possible. They explore the unique bond that forms among detectives through shared trauma and the intensity of the work, and they give heartfelt thanks to the lesser-known people behind the scenes who keep the wheels turning on every investigation.

They wrap things up with some fun as they talk about the members of their investigative squad—what each detective brings professionally, and, of course, what they’d bring to the table at a Thanksgiving feast.

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Dave and Steve dive into the wild world of animal encounters on duty. From deer appearing out of nowhere to run-ins with raccoons, opossums, and all kinds of critters, the guys share some of their funniest and strangest stories from the field. They even talk about the legendary tale of Dave’s pigeon case.

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In this Squad Meeting, we break down the launch of our K9 Roll Call series, and talk about how great it was having DPA Alex and K9 Roger join us on the show. We also talk about some of the upcoming types of K9s listeners will get to meet as this series continues forward.

Next, we revisit our very first live stream and how much fun it was. We had a blast hanging out with everyone and the conversation took some wild turns more than once. We also go over our other Patreon exclusive series, Cross Examined, where listeners can come on the podcast and directly interview us. Anyone interested in our live streams or Cross Examined can join us at www.patreon.com/thedetectives

Finally…the moment many have been waiting for…we announce the 10 winners randomly selected from our giveaway! Each winner will receive an email where they can pick a Detectives Podcast t-shirt or mug and we’ll ship it out to them.

We can’t thank everyone enough for listening, supporting the show, and leaving such incredible comments and feedback. It means the world to us and we’re excited for everything ahead.

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Dave and Steve take listeners on a journey through nearly a thousand years of policing history. They begin with the origins of the badge, tracing its symbolism back to medieval heraldry and shields. Then they move into Old English sheriffs under common law, night watchmen, and the creation of the first organized police department in Boston.

From there they explore how the American detective emerged from private investigation, focusing on Allan Pinkerton, the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, and how his methods influenced investigative work still used today. They also dive into the rise of federal investigative power, the creation of the Secret Service, U.S. Marshals, and the FBI, and how the government responded to the rise in interstate crime.

The conversation continues into the television age as public perception shifts with shows like Dragnet. They discuss the impact of the War on Drugs and landmark Supreme Court rulings such as Mapp v. Ohio and Miranda v. Arizona that permanently changed how detectives gather evidence and conduct interviews. They close by examining the technological era with DNA, digital forensics, and modern policing, reflecting on how the mission of detective work has remained the same even as the tools and crimes have evolved dramatically.

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Sources:

https://www.theemblemauthority.com/the-history-and-significance-of-the-police-badge

Encyclopedia Britannica | Britannica

The National Archives

History – Boston Police Department

The Unsuccessful Plot to Kill Abraham Lincoln

History — FBI

https://www.fbi.gov/history/brief-history

History

https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/

exclusionary rule | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute

Miranda v. Arizona | 384 U.S. 436 (1966) | Justia U.S. Supreme Court Center

UCLA Film & Television Archive

https://www.dhs.gov/fusion-centers

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In this episode, Dave and Steve pull back the curtain on the language of law enforcement—10-codes, signals, and the everyday jargon used on job. They kick things off with a mock example of an officer and dispatcher speaking entirely in code before breaking down what those codes actually mean, where they came from, and why they sound like a foreign language to anyone outside policing. They share how different agencies use different codes, and why so many departments are now shifting toward plain English on the radio. Also, they dive into detective jargon and the everyday terminology detectives use. Finally, they discuss how this shared language becomes a form of bonding within the profession.

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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

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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

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