Two Cops One Donut

Two Cops One Donut

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Two Cops One Donut episodes

  • Alex Rosen: What Cops Get Wrong About Predator Stings

    Why does a predator sting sometimes end with the suspect walking away?

    Alex Rosen of Predator Poachers joins Erik Lavigne, Banning Sweatland, and Zoel “Red Dog” Murphy on Two Cops One Donut to discuss what happens between a confrontation on camera and a criminal prosecution.

    Alex explains how he started at 19, the mistakes that changed his approach, and the work behind the videos. He shares his accounts of repeat offenders, investigations spanning multiple states, and cases that reached lengthy prison sentences.

    We get into:

    • Why some police departments embrace civilian evidence while others push back.
    • The disputes over confessions, Miranda, evidence collection, and state laws.
    • What Alex changed after two cases of mistaken identity.
    • The officers and prosecutors he credits with getting results.
    • How ego, training, and communication affect the relationship between police and the public.

    The conversation keeps coming back to one question: What needs to change so these cases are handled better?

    Follow Two Cops One Donut on your podcast app for more conversations about policing, accountability, and the people affected by both.

    Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@TwoCopsOneDonut

    Know someone who follows predator-catching videos or works in law enforcement? Share this episode with them. Then tell us on YouTube: What should police and civilian groups do differently?

    Explicit language and detailed discussion of child sexual abuse.

    send us a message! [email protected]

    Support the show

    Please see our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoCopsOneDonut 

    Join our Discord!! https://discord.gg/BdjeTEAc 
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    🔗 Visit us at  TwoCopsOneDonut.com & https://www.thedonut.tv/
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    2 hr 37 min
  • Can Cops Take Your Gun During a Traffic Stop? | Just Because They Can Doesn’t Mean They Should

    Can police temporarily disarm a lawfully armed citizen during a traffic stop?

    Under the right circumstances, yes. But lawful authority is not a blank check, and “officer safety” cannot become a universal answer every time a firearm is present.

    In this episode, Erik responds to a Texas police officer who argues that officers may frisk a driver, temporarily take a firearm, check whether it is stolen, and return it when the traffic stop is over. Erik agrees that police sometimes have the legal authority to temporarily secure a weapon, but challenges the idea that lawful possession alone makes a cooperative citizen dangerous.

    The discussion breaks down the difference between:

    • Being armed and being armed and dangerous
    • Officer safety and officer convenience
    • A legitimate protective measure and a fishing expedition
    • Legal authority and professional judgment
    • Temporarily securing a weapon and launching an unrelated firearm investigation

    The episode examines Terry v. Ohio, Pennsylvania v. Mimms, Arizona v. Johnson, Michigan v. Long, Rodriguez v. United States, Texas Government Code § 411.207, and recent Fifth Circuit firearm decisions.

    Erik also reviews a Jacksonville traffic stop in which officers attempted to remove a compliant driver’s holstered pistol and accidentally shot him. The incident raises a difficult question: can a safety measure create the very danger it was supposed to prevent?  CAN-CO~1  CAN-CO~1

    Matt joins the livestream unexpectedly and adds his perspective as a former officer. Together, they argue that police should act decisively when specific facts show danger, but should not punish lawful honesty, treat gun ownership as automatic suspicion, or turn a routine traffic stop into an unrelated investigation.

    The conclusion is simple: when the facts show danger, act. When those facts are absent, use judgment, give clear instructions, watch behavior, manage access, and do not turn a constitutional right into automatic suspicion.

    This episode is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not legal advice.

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    Insight LPR license plate recognition technology provides 24/7 real-time insight for homes, businesses and neighborhoods. Protect what matters most! Visit https://insightlpr.com/ 

    Retro Rifle: Official Clothing of Two Cops One Donut. Hawaiian Shirts, Guns, and Pop-Culture! head to Retro-Rifle.com tell them we sent ya! 

    1 hr 46 min
  • Handcuffs And Hammer Fists

    A viral Milwaukee police video shows officers taking a handcuffed man to the ground and striking him during a traffic stop. At first glance, the footage looks bad. Then more context emerges: police say the man was armed, the firearm was in the front pocket of his sweatshirt, and officers believed he could still access it.

    So does that change the use-of-force analysis?

    In this solo episode, Erik breaks the incident down piece by piece instead of giving the entire encounter one label. He examines the initial stop, the takedown, the reported firearm, the officers’ control of the handcuffed subject, the strikes that followed, and the information the public video still does not show. The discussion also covers objective reasonableness, Graham v. Connor, officer safety, de-escalation, police training, lawful gun possession, accountability, and why a justified action can still be followed by an unjustified one.  MILWAU~1

    The central question is simple: does the presence of a firearm change the threat assessment without automatically excusing the force that followed? Erik explains why he believes the takedown was reasonable based on the footage, while the punches raise much harder questions.  MILWAU~1

    This episode is not about blindly defending police or automatically condemning them. It is about separating what the video proves, what has been reported, what remains unknown, and what evidence would actually change the conclusion.

    send us a message! [email protected]

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    Please see our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoCopsOneDonut 

    Join our Discord!! https://discord.gg/BdjeTEAc 
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    🔗 Visit us at  TwoCopsOneDonut.com & https://www.thedonut.tv/
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    Insight LPR license plate recognition technology provides 24/7 real-time insight for homes, businesses and neighborhoods. Protect what matters most! Visit https://insightlpr.com/ 

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    1 hr 28 min
  • Mena Police Use of Force, Qualified Immunity & Bodycam Breakdowns | TCOD Crew Live

    What happens when a father searching for his missing child ends up on the receiving end of police use of force?

    In this episode of Two Cops One Donut, Sgt. Erik Lavigne is joined by Justin Yarborough of The Donut Shop Podcast and Tom Gandy of The War Locker Show for an unfiltered conversation about policing, accountability, constitutional rights, and real-world bodycam footage.

    We start in Mena, Arkansas, examining the controversial encounter involving Sgt. Eddie Price and a father involved in a missing-child custody dispute. The panel reviews the footage, questions the level of force used, and discusses what responsible police leadership and accountability should look like.

    The conversation expands into qualified immunity, whether officers should face harsher consequences for misconduct, and why constitutional education needs to continue long after the police academy.

    We also examine a questionable speeding stop involving a Cadillac driver who presents vehicle-recorded evidence challenging the officer's radar reading.

    Finally, the crew conducts blind bodycam reviews involving a stolen-vehicle arrest at an Ohio gas station and a dangerous shooting in Youngstown, Ohio. We pause the footage as events unfold, discuss officer decision-making, and examine tactics, restraint, and critical mistakes.

    This episode covers:

    • Mena Police Department and Sgt. Eddie Price use-of-force controversy
    • Missing-child custody disputes and police responsibilities
    • Qualified immunity and police accountability
    • Constitutional rights, First Amendment protections, and identification laws
    • Police academy standards and continuing legal education
    • Speed enforcement, officer discretion, and disputed radar readings
    • Stolen-vehicle takedown and officer safety
    • Youngstown police shooting and bodycam analysis
    • The role of civilian oversight in law enforcement

    We don't automatically defend the badge, and we don't automatically condemn it. We examine the facts, challenge bad decisions, recognize good policing, and invite disagreement.

    Warning: This episode contains strong language, adult humor, and discussions of violent incidents.

    The views expressed belong solely to the individual participants and do not represent their respective agencies or employers.

    Follow Two Cops One Donut for more police reactions, bodycam breakdowns, and conversations about law enforcement from multiple perspectives.

    send us a message! [email protected]

    Support the show

    Please see our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoCopsOneDonut 

    Join our Discord!! https://discord.gg/BdjeTEAc 
    *Send us a message! [email protected]
    🔗 Visit us at  TwoCopsOneDonut.com & https://www.thedonut.tv/
    📧 Contact us at [email protected] 
    🎧 Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Music at “2 Cops 1 Donut”
    Donate Here: https://buymeacoffee.com/twocopsonedonut 

    🔔 *Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful discussions on law enforcement and community safety!*  
    💬 *Join the conversation in the comments below!*

    #TwoCopsOneDonut #PublicSafety #ErikLavigne #firtsresponders 

    Our partners: 


    Ghost Patch: tell them Two Cops One Donut sent you and get free shipping on Flex Shield orders!  GhostPatchCustoms.com 

    Insight LPR license plate recognition technology provides 24/7 real-time insight for homes, businesses and neighborhoods. Protect what matters most! Visit https://insightlpr.com/ 

    Retro Rifle: Official Clothing of Two Cops One Donut. Hawaiian Shirts, Guns, and Pop-Culture! head to Retro-Rifle.com tell them we sent ya! 

    2 hr 18 min
  • Benn Jordan & a Cop: Can We Trust Police Surveillance?

    A license plate camera can help police find a stolen car. What happens when that same technology is used to look up an ex, follow someone’s movements, or expose information that was supposed to stay protected?

    Benn Jordan joins Erik Lavigne, Matt Thornton, Banning Sweatland, and Zoel “Red Dog” Murphy on Two Cops One Donut for a candid conversation about Flock Safety, police surveillance, privacy, and accountability.

    We dig into the vulnerabilities Benn says he uncovered, the fixes he says he has verified, and how camera footage, data brokers, and publicly available information can be pieced together to reveal far more than a license plate. We also get into false alerts, the responsibility to verify a hit, and why recovering stolen vehicles and reducing crime are different measures of success.

    Benn makes his case for warrants, independent security testing, and public audit logs. Erik explains the value he sees in these tools and the safeguards he believes departments should require. The conversation also covers community input, police drones, hardware authentication, and Benn’s concerns about how constant observation changes everyday life.

    There’s disagreement, humor, and a willingness to listen. If you’re a cop using this technology or a citizen wondering who has access to your data, this conversation gives you questions worth asking.

    send us a message! [email protected]

    Support the show

    Please see our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoCopsOneDonut 

    Join our Discord!! https://discord.gg/BdjeTEAc 
    *Send us a message! [email protected]
    🔗 Visit us at  TwoCopsOneDonut.com & https://www.thedonut.tv/
    📧 Contact us at [email protected] 
    🎧 Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Music at “2 Cops 1 Donut”
    Donate Here: https://buymeacoffee.com/twocopsonedonut 

    🔔 *Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful discussions on law enforcement and community safety!*  
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    Insight LPR license plate recognition technology provides 24/7 real-time insight for homes, businesses and neighborhoods. Protect what matters most! Visit https://insightlpr.com/ 

    Retro Rifle: Official Clothing of Two Cops One Donut. Hawaiian Shirts, Guns, and Pop-Culture! head to Retro-Rifle.com tell them we sent ya! 

    2 hr 42 min
  • JiDion’s Sting: Why Let Him Go? A Cop Breaks Down the Police Response

    A serious allegation involving someone believed to be a 13-year-old. A confrontation at a Pennsylvania police station. A fist bump, a man allowed to leave, and a response that left people asking: what just happened?

    In this solo episode of Two Cops One Donut, Erik Lavigne examines JiDion’s encounter with Lewistown police and explains why the response shown in the video bothered him as both a cop and a father.

    The man was later arrested, and that development belongs in the story. Erik walks through the reported timeline, the department’s explanation, and the questions that remain about the initial response.

    We discuss probable cause, criminal attempt, concerns about evidence collected during civilian stings, and what officers should do when they need more information or legal guidance. If evidence is missing, who is responsible for getting it? If the law is unclear, who gets called? And what should the public expect when reporting a serious allegation?

    JiDion deserves credit for bringing attention to the encounter and pushing for answers. That credit can coexist with scrutiny of methods, evidence, and police decision-making.

    This is a candid conversation about investigative effort, clear communication, and police accountability. The discussion distinguishes reported allegations from established facts and Erik’s opinions about the footage.

    Credit to JiDion for the encounter footage discussed in this episode.

    Explicit language. Discussion of allegations involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.

    send us a message! [email protected]

    Support the show

    Please see our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoCopsOneDonut 

    Join our Discord!! https://discord.gg/BdjeTEAc 
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    🔗 Visit us at  TwoCopsOneDonut.com & https://www.thedonut.tv/
    📧 Contact us at [email protected] 
    🎧 Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Music at “2 Cops 1 Donut”
    Donate Here: https://buymeacoffee.com/twocopsonedonut 

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    Insight LPR license plate recognition technology provides 24/7 real-time insight for homes, businesses and neighborhoods. Protect what matters most! Visit https://insightlpr.com/ 

    Retro Rifle: Official Clothing of Two Cops One Donut. Hawaiian Shirts, Guns, and Pop-Culture! head to Retro-Rifle.com tell them we sent ya! 

    1 hr 42 min
  • Deputy Fired: Natasha Lopez on Her Arrest and Alleged Retaliation

    The deputy who arrested her has been fired. For Natasha Lopez, the fight is far from over.

    Natasha joins Sgt. Erik Lavigne on Two Cops One Donut following news that Cherokee County, Georgia, deputy Charles Mills was terminated. In this candid conversation, she recounts the home entry, her obstruction arrest, and the alleged online targeting that followed her decision to speak publicly.

    Lopez alleges that an anonymous Facebook page targeted her and her family through personal information, paid advertisements, and fabricated OnlyFans-style imagery. She describes her efforts to report the posts, get them removed, and demand answers—and explains why the firing brings both vindication and continuing concerns about her safety.

    Erik offers a working police officer’s perspective on the encounter, investigative decisions, supervision, and the damage alleged misconduct can do to public trust.

    We discuss:

    • Natasha’s account of the home entry, search warrant, and arrest
    • Flock license plate readers, investigative searches, and oversight
    • Body-camera muting and the handling of misconduct complaints
    • Alleged online retaliation and its impact on her family
    • Mills’s firing and why Natasha wants further accountability
    • The financial and emotional cost of fighting criminal charges
    • Why supporting good policing includes challenging misconduct

    At the time of recording, Natasha said her obstruction case remained pending.

    Follow Natasha on Facebook under Natasha Noble / Noble Socials for her updates. Follow Two Cops One Donut for more conversations about policing, accountability, and the people affected.

    Recorded October 2, 2026. This episode includes guest allegations and host opinions; allegations are not findings of guilt. Views expressed are those of the speakers, not their agencies or employers. For education and discussion, not legal advice. Contains strong language and discussion of alleged harassment and sexualized image misuse.

    send us a message! [email protected]

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    🔗 Visit us at  TwoCopsOneDonut.com & https://www.thedonut.tv/
    📧 Contact us at [email protected] 
    🎧 Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Music at “2 Cops 1 Donut”
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    Ghost Patch: tell them Two Cops One Donut sent you and get free shipping on Flex Shield orders!  GhostPatchCustoms.com 

    Insight LPR license plate recognition technology provides 24/7 real-time insight for homes, businesses and neighborhoods. Protect what matters most! Visit https://insightlpr.com/ 

    Retro Rifle: Official Clothing of Two Cops One Donut. Hawaiian Shirts, Guns, and Pop-Culture! head to Retro-Rifle.com tell them we sent ya! 

    2 hr 20 min
  • Deputy Accused of Pursuing a 17-Year-Old High School Student

    Who is checking the person who can look you up?

    In this solo episode of Two Cops One Donut, Erik Lavigne examines two separate Pinellas County cases involving former deputies accused of misusing law-enforcement databases for personal reasons.

    The discussion begins with allegations against Travis Stanton involving a 17-year-old high school student, repeated personal attention, and searches for information about her and her family. Erik explores how a badge changes an interaction, why being polite is not an invitation, and why officers carry the responsibility for maintaining professional boundaries.

    The episode also examines the separate Karl Gwynne case and the sheriff’s allegations of 381 queries across five databases. Erik discusses what should trigger a review, who should examine suspicious searches, and how departments can protect public privacy while supporting legitimate police work.

    Topics include:

    • Professional boundaries and the power that comes with a badge
    • Personal curiosity versus a legitimate investigative purpose
    • The difference between a policy violation and a criminal offense
    • License plate readers, privacy, and the limits of the technology
    • Database audits, supervisory responsibility, and public trust
    • Accountability after an officer leaves the department

    These are separate cases discussed as allegations, not convictions. The 381 queries concern Gwynne’s case and are not all described as Flock searches. The episode does not establish license-plate-reader use against the teenager or a stalking charge against Stanton.

    What would make you trust that sensitive police information is being used responsibly? Join the conversation, follow Two Cops One Donut, and share this episode with someone who cares about effective policing and accountability.

    send us a message! [email protected]

    Support the show

    Please see our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoCopsOneDonut 

    Join our Discord!! https://discord.gg/BdjeTEAc 
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    🔗 Visit us at  TwoCopsOneDonut.com & https://www.thedonut.tv/
    📧 Contact us at [email protected] 
    🎧 Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Music at “2 Cops 1 Donut”
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    🔔 *Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful discussions on law enforcement and community safety!*  
    💬 *Join the conversation in the comments below!*

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    Ghost Patch: tell them Two Cops One Donut sent you and get free shipping on Flex Shield orders!  GhostPatchCustoms.com 

    Insight LPR license plate recognition technology provides 24/7 real-time insight for homes, businesses and neighborhoods. Protect what matters most! Visit https://insightlpr.com/ 

    Retro Rifle: Official Clothing of Two Cops One Donut. Hawaiian Shirts, Guns, and Pop-Culture! head to Retro-Rifle.com tell them we sent ya! 

    1 hr 38 min
  • He Thought She Was 12? Is 10 Years Enough for a Former Texas Trooper?

    He thought she was 12. He wore a badge. Is ten years enough?

    Former Texas DPS trooper Christian Estrada pleaded guilty after attempting to entice someone he believed was a 12-year-old girl into sexual activity. The supposed child was an undercover decoy. His sentence: ten years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release. Read the DOJ case summary.

    In this solo episode of Two Cops One Donut, Erik Lavigne examines the investigation, the digital evidence and the sentence—and explains why he believes ten years falls short. Should officers who deliberately commit crimes face harsher punishment because of the public trust placed in them?

    The conversation covers:

    • The undercover operation across Reddit, Telegram and Snapchat.
    • Criminal intent, substantial steps and attempt law when the supposed child is fictitious.
    • The ten-year sentence, lifetime supervision and unanswered questions about the sentencing record.
    • The difference between an ethical breach of trust and a specific sentencing enhancement.
    • The FBI investigation, Texas DPS’s response and what meaningful transparency should look like.

    Erik also talks with the live audience about practical police training, report writing, qualified immunity, officer liability insurance and the show’s fundraiser for injured officer Roberto Ortiz.

    What should the punishment accomplish—and should wearing a badge raise the standard? Listen, then share your reasoning in the comments on the Two Cops One Donut YouTube channel. Follow the podcast and share it with someone who sees policing differently.

    Recorded live September 29, 2026. Strong language and discussion of child sexual exploitation. Intended for adult audiences. Commentary is for educational and entertainment purposes, not legal advice.

    send us a message! [email protected]

    Support the show

    Please see our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoCopsOneDonut 

    Join our Discord!! https://discord.gg/BdjeTEAc 
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    🔗 Visit us at  TwoCopsOneDonut.com & https://www.thedonut.tv/
    📧 Contact us at [email protected] 
    🎧 Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Music at “2 Cops 1 Donut”
    Donate Here: https://buymeacoffee.com/twocopsonedonut 

    🔔 *Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful discussions on law enforcement and community safety!*  
    💬 *Join the conversation in the comments below!*

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    Our partners: 


    Ghost Patch: tell them Two Cops One Donut sent you and get free shipping on Flex Shield orders!  GhostPatchCustoms.com 

    Insight LPR license plate recognition technology provides 24/7 real-time insight for homes, businesses and neighborhoods. Protect what matters most! Visit https://insightlpr.com/ 

    Retro Rifle: Official Clothing of Two Cops One Donut. Hawaiian Shirts, Guns, and Pop-Culture! head to Retro-Rifle.com tell them we sent ya! 

    1 hr 27 min
  • Qualified Immunity: Protecting Good Cops or Shielding Bad Ones? | Brandon Grable

    Qualified immunity is one of the most misunderstood and controversial doctrines in American policing. Does it actually protect good officers making reasonable decisions, or has it become a barrier that keeps legitimate civil-rights claims from ever reaching a jury?

    In this episode of Two Cops One Donut, Sgt. Erik Lavigne sits down with civil-rights attorney Brandon Grable of Clearly Established for an in-depth discussion on what qualified immunity actually is, what it is not, and whether law enforcement really needs it.

    Joining the conversation are retired law enforcement officers Matt Thornton, Zoel “Red Dog” Murphy, and Banning Sweatland.

    The discussion breaks down qualified immunity without the usual slogans, including the “clearly established law” standard, why a constitutional violation can occur while an official still receives immunity, the difference between qualified immunity and Graham v. Connor’s objective-reasonableness standard, indemnification and who actually pays civil judgments, the difference between civil and criminal accountability, First Amendment cases, police training, the role of the courts, and what could replace qualified immunity if it disappeared.

    Brandon also explains why eliminating qualified immunity would not eliminate the protections officers receive when their actions are objectively reasonable, and Erik openly challenges several assumptions he previously held about why officers need the doctrine.

    By the end of the nearly three-hour conversation, Erik reaches a conclusion he did not expect when the episode began.

    This is not a pro-police versus anti-police debate. It is a long-form attempt to understand how qualified immunity actually works, why critics believe it is fundamentally broken, what legitimate protections police officers still need, and how citizens should be able to seek accountability when government violates constitutional rights.

    If you have ever heard someone say “qualified immunity protects bad cops,” “abolishing qualified immunity will bankrupt police officers,” or “qualified immunity prevents officers from being criminally charged,” this episode is designed to separate the myths from the actual legal questions.

    Educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this episode should be considered legal advice.

    send us a message! [email protected]

    Support the show

    Please see our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoCopsOneDonut 

    Join our Discord!! https://discord.gg/BdjeTEAc 
    *Send us a message! [email protected]
    🔗 Visit us at  TwoCopsOneDonut.com & https://www.thedonut.tv/
    📧 Contact us at [email protected] 
    🎧 Subscribe to us on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Music at “2 Cops 1 Donut”
    Donate Here: https://buymeacoffee.com/twocopsonedonut 

    🔔 *Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful discussions on law enforcement and community safety!*  
    💬 *Join the conversation in the comments below!*

    #TwoCopsOneDonut #PublicSafety #ErikLavigne #firtsresponders 

    Our partners: 


    Ghost Patch: tell them Two Cops One Donut sent you and get free shipping on Flex Shield orders!  GhostPatchCustoms.com 

    Insight LPR license plate recognition technology provides 24/7 real-time insight for homes, businesses and neighborhoods. Protect what matters most! Visit https://insightlpr.com/ 

    Retro Rifle: Official Clothing of Two Cops One Donut. Hawaiian Shirts, Guns, and Pop-Culture! head to Retro-Rifle.com tell them we sent ya! 

    3 hr 4 min

About Two Cops One Donut

From the publisher's feed

Two Cops One Donut is where policing, criminal justice, accountability, and public safety get discussed without the usual echo chamber.

Hosted by Erik Lavigne, a working police sergeant with…

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