Two Ordinary Cops

Damo and Schultzy discuss some of the jobs in the police where they not only felt rewarded for their efforts but made a difference to people in difficult times. In and around this they discuss some of the feedback they have received and some of the topics that they will discuss in the future. This is mixed in with a bit of humour and laughs keeping up with their normal standard of conversation.

In this episode Damo and Schultzy decided to talk about the Wieambilla Shooting that occurred in December 2022. Due to the current inquest the topic has been on their minds, leading them to discuss it in a manner that humanises the police and offers a different perspective on the incident.

The Two Ordinary Cops engage in a conversation about the challenges Damo faced residing in Alice Springs and carrying out policing duties in the area. Amidst generational tensions and societal dysfunction, the news is consistently filled with troubling headlines, yet viable resolutions remain elusive. This is a behind the scenes view of what Alice Springs is real like.

Schultzy and Damo explore the realm of undercover policing with insights from Jason Somerville, a former undercover operative in the Queensland Police. The anecdotes shared are captivating, ranging from moments of perceived imminent danger or exposure to more lighthearted and comical situations that Jason encountered during his undercover assignments.

Damo and Schutzy reflect on the various demanding scenarios they have faced in their careers while serving in remote regions of Australia. They emphasize the crucial role of mentorship provided by senior officers in their early days, guiding them in managing situations with minimal use of force. They highlight the necessity for police officers to adjust their policing approaches when operating in such rural settings to effectively navigate the challenges inherent in bush policing.

Damo and Schultzy discuss the guidelines set forth in policy, procedure, and legislation that dictate when law enforcement officers are permitted to employ lethal force. They recount personal anecdotes of near encounters that could have warranted such action, shedding light on the complexities while navigating these high-stress scenarios.

Damo and Schultzy share amusing anecdotes during nights out, involving intoxicated individuals, such as men disrobing in front of female officers and women concealing items from police.

Retired Superintendent Robert Rennie AMP emphasised that he moved into the commissioned role in the police to maintain high morale among officers and addressing systemic challenges within the police force to enhance trust, effectiveness of law enforcement to serve the community well. The discussion revolves around both positive and negative experiences and the importance in recognising and resolving systemic obstacles like training deficiencies, resource limitations, leadership issues, and organisational culture to improve the overall functioning of the law enforcement system. 

Retired Superintendent Robert Rennie APM shares insights on the Jabiluka Mine protests in 1998. At that time, Bob supervised up to 52 police officers and coordinated the police actions during the protests. In this discussion, he addresses different types of protesters, ranging from sincere environmentalists to radical extremists.

Accompany the Two Ordinary Cops as they engage in a conversation with Retired Superintendent Robert Rennie APM, reminiscing about his experiences at the police academy during the early 1980s and reflecting on the unique challenges of law enforcement during that period. The dialogue delves into the strong sense of camaraderie within the police force, portraying it as a cohesive family unit that operated as a unified team. As is customary in our episodes, entertaining anecdotes and thrilling narratives punctuate the discussion, adding levity and excitement to the exchange.