Things Police See: Firsthand Accounts

By Steven Gould: Police Officer, Background Investigator

Massachusetts police officer Steve Gould interviews a variety of law enforcement officers about their most intense moments on the job. Shocking moments, humorous moments and terrifying moments are rec... more

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The podcast currently has 409 episodes available.

Best of Things Police See: Firsthand Accounts

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Number 1: 29 Years in Chicago Policing Chaos: Undercover Stings & Bizarre Calls | Betsy Smith Interview
Dive into the intense, bizarre, and unfiltered world of law enforcement with host Steve Gould on Things Police See. In this episode, Steve sits down with retired Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith, who spent 29 years policing the relentless Chicago metro area. As one of the pioneering female officers of the early 1980s, Betsy shares the raw reality of breaking into a male-dominated field, navigating systemic hazing, and turning her perspective into a tactical advantage. From the psychological adrenaline dump of her very first rookie homicide scene to a mind-boggling, bizarre medical emergency, Betsy tells it all. She also takes us deep undercover into a high-stakes 1980s cocaine sting where quick, life-or-death thinking was the only thing that saved her and her partner. Now a spokesmen for the National Police Association, Betsy discusses the current state of law enforcement staffing shortages, the flaws in modern recruitment initiatives, and why finding a community that backs the blue is crucial for the next generation of officers. Support the National Police Association https://nationalpolice.org/ Contact Steve - [email protected] Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheSergeantSteve
June 17, 20261h 3min
Number 2: LAPD Gang Unit Veteran Secrets: Trauma, Resilience, And The Truth About South LA Streets
In this powerful episode, hosts Steve and Ken Roybal sit down with Andrew Gonzalez, a 20-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) who spent the majority of his career working the intense 77th Street Division and specialized gang units. Andrew pulls back the curtain on the evolution of modern street gangs, revealing how social media and encrypted applications have shifted criminal enterprises into highly sophisticated, clandestine corporate-style structures. He drops hard-hitting truths about the daily realities of policing in South Central, what it feels like to face a loaded gun in a split-second shootout, and the harrowing side of responding to violent crime scenes. Beyond the tactical talk, this interview explores the heavy mental health toll of law enforcement. Andrew opens up about his personal battles with PTSD, depression, and human suffering, sparking an important conversation with Ken (himself a retired LAPD veteran) on the critical importance of modern police resiliency programs, mental health resources, and catching trauma before it overflows. Tune in to hear an authentic, raw perspective on the human being behind the badge, the undeniable power of a strong family unit, and how Andrew is now giving back through his first-responder business, Battle Cry Gear. Check out Andrew's high-quality first responder EDC gear: https://battlecrygear.com Contact Steve - [email protected] Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheSergeantSteve
May 27, 20261h 25min
Number 3: NYPD Detective's Wildest Cases: Infant Crimes, Russian Mob, Bronx Chaos And Hostage Negotiations
A retired NYPD Detective, hostage negotiator, and intelligence specialist joins the show to break down his most intense cases from more than two decades in New York City. From the Bronx during its "burning" era to chasing Russian organized crime, handling nearly 100 homicides a year, investigating infant crimes, and navigating high‑risk hostage situations — Sal Lifrieri career is a masterclass in street survival, crisis response, and investigative grit. We also dive into his transition to the NYC Office of Emergency Management, where he helped build the city's chemical and biological terrorism plans, and later became Director of Security & Intelligence Operations. Sal shares bizarre calls, emotionally disturbed person encounters, inter‑agency battles, and the tactical mindset that kept his team alive in the most dangerous square mile in America. Sal's Website - https://pccsecure.com/author/slifrieripccsecure-com/ Contact Steve - [email protected] Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@TheSergeantSteve⁩
September 04, 202656min
Number 4: I Trained Keanu Reeves for John Wick... But My NYPD Special Ops Stories Are Wilder | George Sichler
In this episode of Things Police See, host Steve Gould sits down with retired NYPD veteran George Sichler for an unforgettable look into the world of elite law enforcement special operations. Serving 20 years with the nation's largest police force, George transitioned from the intense "meat grinder" patrol blocks of NYC to the high-stakes NYPD Harbor and Scuba teams. George shares incredible firsthand accounts of what it's like to drop from helicopters into pitch-black waters, executive life-or-death maritime rescues miles offshore, and navigate zero-visibility "black water" recovery missions. He also reveals a fascinating look at his post-career opportunities, including his time in Hollywood training Keanu Reeves for John Wick (and the true story behind the famous "Wick flick"). From surviving the chaos of New York City patrol to his current role in emergency preparedness with Mira Safety, George's insights offer masterclass advice on career longevity, the power of professional networking, and never-ending training. Mira Safety - www.mirasafety.com DISCOUNT CODE "TPS10" George's Book - www.georgesichler.com Contact Steve - [email protected] Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055
June 03, 20261h 3min
Number 5: Homicide & Heartbreak: Detective Kevin Grogan on the Toll of Policing
In this episode of Things Police See, host Steve Gould sits down with former detective and author Kevin Grogan. From his early days at Westfield State to his high-stakes career with the Savannah-Chatham Metro PD, Kevin shares firsthand accounts of the "greatest show on earth." Kevin discusses his time on the ATF Task Force, Narcotics, and his deeply personal journey through Homicide investigations. He opens up about the adrenaline of solving murders and the heavy emotional weight that led him to write his trilogy, including his latest book: No Greater Honor, No Bigger Failure. Kevin's Latest Book - https://a.co/d/06I8SFZV Contact Steve - [email protected] Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheSergeantSteve
May 13, 20261h 1min