Two Ordinary Cops

Leadership in policing — everyone talks about it, but what actually makes a good leader?

In this episode, the Two Ordinary Cops welcome back fan favourite Andy Bedwell for one of the most thought-provoking conversations yet. While the episode starts with some reflections and real-world examples, it quickly builds into a powerful discussion about leadership, decision-making, and what’s really going wrong — and right — in policing today.

From remote communities to major incidents, Andy shares lessons learned from decades on the frontline, breaking down why good leadership matters, how poor leadership impacts policing, and what can actually be done to fix it.

This is more than just a conversation about rank — it’s about influence, trust, communication, and empowering good cops to do what they do best.

If you’ve ever worked in policing, leadership, or any high-pressure environment, this episode will resonate.

And trust us… by the end, this one hits hard.

🎧 Don’t miss Episode 117 — one of the most insightful conversations we’ve had yet.

This week, the boys sit down with one of their closest mates and one of the best leaders they ever worked under — former Detective Sergeant Andy Bedwell.

From the wild days of Catherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, Andy joins Schultzy and Damo to relive the jobs that shaped them — from homicide investigations and remote policing to the camaraderie that helped them survive some of the toughest moments of their careers.

They talk about the reality of policing in the Northern Territory, dealing with tragedy, the importance of humour in dark times, and the unbreakable bonds formed between those who worked shoulder-to-shoulder in some of the most demanding environments in Australia.

There are plenty of laughs, a few emotional moments, and classic old-school policing stories — including golf course chaos, remote deployments, leadership lessons, and the kind of mateship you only find in the job.

This is one of those episodes that captures exactly what policing was — tough, confronting, and unforgettable — but also full of loyalty, laughter, and lifelong friendships.

One of the best yarns yet.

What really happens when substances like kava, cannabis, and alcohol take hold in remote communities?

In this episode, the boys cut through the noise and misinformation to share what they actually saw on the ground. From massive kava seizures and organised crime networks making huge profits, to the devastating impact on families and communities, this is the reality most people never hear about.

They also tackle the backlash from social media critics, the mindset needed to handle it, and why “the standard you walk past is the standard you accept” still rings true in policing.

It’s raw, honest, and at times confronting—mixed in with a bit of the usual banter, a yarn about the old PCYC days, and a well-earned “carton of the week.”

If you want the truth behind the headlines and a real look at life policing the Top End—this one’s for you.

In Episode 114, Schultzy and Damo sit down with retired Queensland police officer and long-time dog handler David Raymond, who spent 26 years in the dog squad after joining the QPS in 1989. From tracking offenders through the streets and scrub of North Queensland to locating missing people and saving lives, David shares what police dogs are really capable of and why they are one of the most effective tools in policing.

This episode dives into the training, selection, and real-world use of police dogs, along with plenty of stories from David’s career in Cairns and beyond. It is a fascinating look at the bond between handler and dog, the pressure of the job, and the role police dogs play not just in catching crooks, but in protecting officers and the public as well.

In Episode 113, Schultzy and Damo kick things off with shout outs to members of the policing community who have reached out to the podcast, including former coppers who have sent in books, patches, and messages from across Australia and New Zealand.

The boys then unpack a busy week in law enforcement across the country, discussing several recent police shootings and explaining why police are often referred to as society’s hard stop. They also break down the reality behind welfare checks, what they actually mean in policing, and why the vast majority of these jobs end without any force being used.

Along the way there’s the usual Two Ordinary Cops banter, including stories about police dogs and life on the job.

Coming up next, the podcast will feature some of the former police officers who have sent in their books, sharing their own experiences from bush policing, dog squads, and frontline service.

What does a detective actually do?

In this episode, we break down the reality behind plainclothes policing — where detectives came from, why they exist, and what it really takes to earn that gold badge. From intense training courses and major crime exercises to extradition warrants, long hours, and cases that don’t stop just because you’re exhausted — this is the work behind the badge.

But it doesn’t stop there.

We also reflect on the extraordinary coppers we served alongside — the ones who ran in sixth gear when everyone else was red-lining in fifth. The hunters. The relentless operators. The ones whose phones never stopped ringing because everyone trusted them.

This isn’t about Hollywood undercover myths.

Two Ordinary Cops talking about extraordinary policing.

In Episode 111, the boys sit down with serving Queensland Police Sergeant Jake Lacy for a genuine yarn about growing up on the Gold Coast, joining the police, and choosing the adventure of heading north before being thrown straight into the realities of bush policing in Mount Isa. From relentless jobs and limited backup to tight-knit teams and lifelong friendships, Jake explains how the bush fast-tracks both your policing experience and personal growth.

The episode blends humour, frontline stories, and honest reflections on camaraderie, police wellbeing, and organisational pressures - highlighting why looking after your mates, switching off from the job, and embracing the adventure out bush can shape not just better cops, but stronger humans.

Every week we get asked the same question: “How do I join the police?”

But the real question isn’t how — it’s why.

In this episode, we break down what becoming a police officer actually demands. Not the recruitment brochure version. Not the TV drama version. The real version.

We talk about:

Why your motivation matters more than your fitness score

The responsibility behind the badge (not the power)

The lifestyle change no one fully prepares you for

What the recruitment process is really looking for

The personality traits that will make or break you in the job

How the job will change you — whether you’re ready or not

We share our own recruitment journeys, the mistakes we made, the lessons we learned, and what we’d tell our younger selves before stepping through those academy gates.

If you’re thinking about joining the police — or you’ve already applied — this episode is your reality check.

Because this isn’t just a job.

It’s a commitment.

And you need to learn what it really takes.

What happens when NT bush coppers and Queensland country police work the same patch of dirt? You get chaos, camaraderie, and some cracking stories.

In this episode we sit down with Queensland Police officer Amit Singh, whose career has taken him from Brisbane to some of the most remote communities in the country. From solo responses on the Barkly Highway to cross-border jobs with NT Police, Amit shares what policing is really like when backup is hours away and the locals are your first support crew.

We talk Camooweal connections, bush problem-solving, interstate teamwork, and a bit of friendly cricket rivalry thrown in for good measure.

But it’s not just war stories. Amit opens up about the mental toll of the job, why recognising good police work matters, and how a simple message can change — or even save — a life. He also shares why he started the Strong Legacypodcast, focused on resilience, wellbeing, and reminding first responders of the difference they make.

Bush policing, cross-border brotherhood, and looking after your mates — this one’s got heart.

We’re back answering your questions — from joining the AFP and life in the dog squad, to why bush policing can shape you into a better cop.

We share stories about working with police dogs, the reality of remote Territory jobs, and how body-worn cameras could save huge time on statements. Then we tackle the big one: does a full moon really send people wild? Let’s just say… there’s a reason cops watch the sky.

We also head into croc country, talking Cahill’s Crossing, remote dangers, and the kind of policing you only see in the Top End — before finishing with a few laughs and cartons owed.

Real stories, real policing, and plenty of Territory chaos.