3 Cops Talk - Rebuilding Community Trust

40 Episodes
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By: Chris Sherwin, Scott Thorsen & Shaun Ferguson

Welcome to 3 Cops Talk. Join three veteran police officers as they take you behind the badge where nothing is off limits. From wild patrol stories to insightful discussions about the challenges of modern policing and everything in between.You'll witness the unique camaraderie the job can bring with moments that will have you laughing out loud. With a blend of heart, humor, and honest conversations 3 Cops Talk gives you a front row seat to life in uniform like you've never heard before. The views and opinions expressed  in this podcast belong solely to the hosts and do not represent any pro...

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Flip or Felony
#314
Today at 8:00 AM

Some cops flip houses. This one allegedly threw in the homeowner’s identity.

The guys discuss a Florida officer accused of turning a welfare check on an elderly man into a four-year investment opportunity—using the deceased man’s identity and home for potential profit. When the scheme finally unraveled, remorse apparently didn’t make the punch list. Think of it as a Cops and Weekend at Bernie’s crossover.  

Then, the they turn to a tragic school shooting in Bend, Oregon, where a brave, lawfully armed father and a selfless teacher took heroic action to protect...


More Stories from the Road
#313
10/23/2026

Chris and Scott recap their recent trip to visit Shaun in South Carolina, where Southern hospitality survived their arrival.

Scott provides an update on his elevator-related trauma payout and the fallout that followed. Apparently, even compensation has its ups and downs.

Then, the guys discuss declining traffic stops across the United States and whether fewer roadside encounters could have lasting consequences for public safety and society.

From elevator settlements to traffic enforcement—there’s a price for letting things slide.

Let us know what you think of this episode with a text...


Treasure and Trash
#312
10/16/2026

Scott’s affection for the unique, gently used items he finds on Facebook Marketplace inspires an idea for a statewide public safety equipment treasure chest.

Meanwhile, a veteran Chicago dispatcher becomes the victim of a hit-and-run. Trapped and injured in her vehicle, she’s robbed by an opportunistic criminal couple—and the Illinois’ SAFE-T Act has this trash recycled and back to littering the streets.

When politics get involved, one man’s trash becomes another man’s policy.

Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!

Email: 3copstalk@gma...


Right Case, Wrong Time
#311
10/09/2026

A federal judge in Oklahoma rules that what the guys see as a reasonable use of Flock cameras by law enforcement violates the Fourth Amendment.

They discuss the line between effective police work and government overreach—and whether hysteria surrounding the use and abuse of Flock cameras could leave legitimate investigations caught in the crossfire.

Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.3copstalk.com
Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFWKMerhChCE6_s5yFqc4aw
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In...


Next Time, Use the Stairs
#310
10/02/2026

While visiting Wisconsin, Scott gets trapped in a hotel elevator and is rescued by a crew of female firefighters. Even the loyalty points and continental breakfast may not be enough to assuage the trauma.

Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.3copstalk.com
Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFWKMerhChCE6_s5yFqc4aw
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It's a Family Affair
#309
09/25/2026

Scott goes in for a flu shot and learns he can earn “vaccine reward points” at his local mega-store—because nothing says preventive medicine like a loyalty program.

Then, a former New York police wellness commissioner is arrested with her husband and son for allegedly plotting a murder outside a courthouse.

From flu shots to murder plots, this episode is full of pricks.

Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.3copstalk.com
Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFWKM...


Chris and Scott: Take Two
#308
09/18/2026

Despite their technical difficulties, Chris and Scott manage to deliver a great show. They discuss the ACLU’s changing position on body cameras and a Cook County, Illinois, judge who seems more outraged that courtroom deputies prevented a convicted killer from hugging his family after sentencing than at the killer himself.


Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.3copstalk.com
Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFWKMerhChCE6_s5yFqc4aw
Facebook: 3 Cops Talk | Facebook
Instagram: https://instagram.co...


Remembering 9/11: Twenty-Five Years Later
#307
09/11/2026

The guys reflect on what it meant to serve in law enforcement before, during, and after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001—and how that day forever changed policing, public safety, and the officers who lived and worked through it.


Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.3copstalk.com
Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFWKMerhChCE6_s5yFqc4aw
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Hair of the Dog
#306
09/04/2026

Scott scores another vintage vehicle on Facebook Marketplace—this time from a seller who has a lot more in common with him than he’s accustomed to.

A Connecticut police officer finds himself the suspect in a workers’ compensation fraud investigation after taking a physical fitness test for another agency while out on injury leave.

And in Florida, retired police K-9s finally get some well-earned recognition, as a new program provides their handlers with a stipend to help cover the costs of caring for these four-legged veterans after their service ends.

Let us kno...


The Hand That Shocks the Cradle
#305
08/28/2026

Scott attends another police retirement party and wonders why so many officers resist recognition for decades of service—and why so many police managers accept that reluctance without examining their own role in possibly creating it. 

Then, the guys discuss the brief introduction—and subsequent removal—of a new Conducted Energy Weapon: the G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter), which was deployed for school resource officers in an Omaha, Nebraska, school district.

Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!

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Full Podcast Experience
Full Podcast Experience episode artwork
#304
08/21/2026

Chris returns with positive press for his security company, but a mention of a client leads the team into a nostalgic discussion of the now-defunct Backpage.com and the coded language once used in the sex trade.

A Michigan police chief advises residents to avoid protesting political activists he views as inflammatory, sparking debate over First Amendment rights, the role of public safety, and the limits of police leadership.

While vacationing in Nashville, an off-duty Florida police officer becomes involved in a critical incident and steps in to take life-saving action. 

Let us k...


Settle the Flock Down
Settle the Flock Down episode artwork
#303
08/14/2026

After some back-to-school talk, the guys turn their attention to the growing bipartisan paranoia, misinformation, and even criminal activity surrounding the nationwide expansion of Flock cameras.

Are they effective crime-fighting tools or an unnecessary surveillance network ripe for government abuse and overreach?

And with Americans already willingly surrounded by cameras, smartphones, apps, and other tracking technology, the guys ask another question: Why the selective outrage over being watched?


Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!

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Don’t Stand So Close to Me
#302
08/07/2026

Scott and Shaun recap their summer adventures, with Scott returning from a trip to Norway and Shaun sharing highlights from seeing Rush in concert.

The conversation then shifts to Ohio, where a newly enacted law makes it a crime to come within 15 feet of a police officer who is lawfully performing official duties after being ordered to stay back. The guys discuss the intent behind the law, the practical challenges of enforcing it, and whether measures like this can better protect officers while balancing the public’s right to observe police activity.


Le...


A Two-Way Street
#301
07/31/2026

Chris and Shaun examine the rise in vehicle-related assaults on law enforcement and the often tragic collateral damage that follows. They discuss the general lack of accountability for offenders, whether officers are adequately trained to respond to these evolving attacks, and how attorneys and the media can shift attention away from the assault itself.

The discussion is framed by the recent death of an innocent child during one such incident, highlighting the need for improved training, stronger accountability, and a more honest public conversation.

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Tennessee Temptations
Tennessee Temptations episode artwork
#300
07/24/2026

What starts as a routine family road trip through Tennessee quickly takes a turn when Shaun’s journey intersects with Chris’s role as a School Resource Officer, setting the stage for a story that’s anything but ordinary. A stop in the Volunteer State sparks a candid—and cautionary—conversation about temptation, accountability, and what happens when no one’s watching.

As the guys make clear, exercising good judgment is only half the battle—the other half is having the sense not to record your worst decisions on your personal phone, especially if you’re a married School R...


In the Weeds
#299
07/17/2026

Hate to say we told you so…

Scott’s many trips to now–weed-legal Michigan set the stage for a discussion on the unintended consequences and mismanagement of legalized cannabis in several states across America.

Oh, and somewhere along the way, Taylor Swift got married.

Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.3copstalk.com
Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFWKMerhChCE6_s5yFqc4aw
Facebook: 3 Cops Talk | Facebook
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Camping, Country and Corn
#298
07/10/2026

Scott checks in from Michigan from his “glamper,” which looks less like a campsite and more like a corporate boardroom.

The guys reflect on the nation’s 250th anniversary, what it means to have spent nearly every Fourth of July working over the past 25 years, how far America has come, and how much work remains to preserve the greatness that made the country worth celebrating in the first place.

Meanwhile, Shaun expresses his ongoing resentment over corn’s remarkable ability to emerge from the digestive process seemingly unchanged. 

From patriotism and police work to campin...


The Deliverer: Living in the Shadows of Flint with Ret. Sergeant Bill Meyer
The Deliverer: Living in the Shadows of Flint with Ret. Sergeant Bill Meyer episode artwork
#297
07/03/2026

Retired Flint, Michigan Police Sergeant William Meyer returns to the show to discuss his new novel, The Deliverer: Living in the Shadows of Flint.

Bill shares the path that led him into law enforcement and explains how becoming an author has provided a therapeutic outlet for processing the trauma, tragedy, and unforgettable experiences he witnessed during decades of living and policing in Flint.

It’s an honest conversation about resilience, storytelling, and the healing power of creative expression, while also offering listeners a candid look at the grit, humanity, and occasional ab...


Dad Gifts, Hollywood Schtick & De-Escalation Grift
#296
06/26/2026

The guys compare Father’s Day gifts ranging from plastic surgery and a pack of new socks to an unexpected fascination with the biopic of the King of Pop.

They also take a look at an upcoming film directed by Sean Penn that depicts the experiences of a United States Capitol Police officer during the events of January 6.

Finally, they discuss a recent article by Travis Yates examining the growing belief that de-escalation training is the solution to many police use-of-force issues. Like the D.A.R.E. program before it, de-escalation has been heavily pr...


Hoosier Daddy
#295
06/19/2026

Chris is tied up with other obligations but still manages to make his presence felt on this episode. Scott ventures into Indiana, where he walks among some of his Children of the Corn. Meanwhile, Shaun casually reminds everyone that he’s apparently friends with an astronaut.

From a midwest zeitgeist and unexpected connections to the usual off-topic detours, this episode delivers the stories, observations, and questionable insights you’ve come to expect from the guys.

Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!

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All Creatures Great and Smelly
#294
06/12/2026

Chris checks in from memory lane in Chicago as the Bears may migrate east due to political climate change. Scott weighs in on Spam’s ambitious attempt to break into the hot dog market.

Then it’s down to the Palmetto State, where a workplace dispute involving odorous microwaved fish nearly turns into a friendly-fire incident, and a newly signed law provides greater protections for the four-legged canine and equine partners who serve and protect South Carolinians.

From nostalgia and culinary treachery to legislation providing greater protections for police K-9s and horses, this episode cove...


Show Us Your Hands
#293
06/05/2026

A traffic stop for a hands-free device violation turns into a lesson in irony, an Indiana police chief gets caught with his hand in the evidence room cookie jar after allegedly selling seized firearms to pawn shops, and the Minneapolis police chief resigns amid allegations of “getting handy” with multiple city employees.

It’s another episode filled with questionable decisions, professional self-destruction, and a reminder that sometimes the biggest threats to a career come from your own hands.


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Foul Language and F*cked-Up Finances
#292
05/29/2026

Summer officially kicks off—and only in law enforcement can dropping a well-timed expletive both save a life and trigger an Internal Affairs complaint.

Meanwhile, finances in major cities are spiraling in every direction. Mounting deficits, political dysfunction, and battles involving both public and private sector unions are leaving budgets stretched thin and bills unpaid. And as the money dries up, patience—and polite language—goes right along with it.


Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!

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Website: https://www.3copsta...


Artificial Additives and Real Problems
#291
05/22/2026

Some artificial intelligence, artificial additives, and artificial breasts make for a surprisingly entertaining episode.

Chris is back from business—and things go downhill fast.

Shaun discovers that AI may understand him better than most humans. Scott returns from a family wedding in Wisconsin convinced he’s witnessed his own culinary Valhalla.

Meanwhile, in the world of public safety: roughly 200 offenders on electronic monitoring are reportedly unaccounted for in Chicago, while California inmates are being issued taxpayer-funded tablets—with reports of unrestricted access raising serious questions about oversight.


Let...


Southern Discomfort
#290
05/15/2026

A humorous yet insightful conversation covering Mother's Day gift ideas, the bizarre story of a small Georgia town's police department firing spree, and the importance of social media policies for law enforcement.

Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.3copstalk.com
Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFWKMerhChCE6_s5yFqc4aw
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The Not-So-Great Escape
#289
05/08/2026

DEI was sold as a cure for institutional dysfunction—but reality keeps delivering different results.

This episode looks at the collapse of Spirit Airlines, fueled in part by government intervention, and the stunning indictment of the Orleans Parish sheriff in Louisiana—hit with 30 felony charges tied to her alleged role in the massive 2025 prison escape that unfolded under her watch.

When ideology replaces competence, the consequences eventually become impossible to ignore.

Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.3cops...


Mayday, Mayday, Mayday
#288
05/01/2026

“Mayday” has long been the universal call for help—so it’s fitting this episode drops on May 1st.

Law enforcement remains under fire—despite what most Americans actually want.

In major urban centers, activist mobs, emboldened criminals, media narratives, and political leadership continue to complicate efforts to restore order, creating an environment where chaos isn’t just tolerated—it’s amplified. And the consequences are no longer abstract.

From unprecedented threats against the President and his Cabinet to targeted violence against police and everyday citizens, the line is being crossed more often—and more openly.<...


What a Long Strange Trip to Recovery
#287
04/24/2026

This episode gets a little… trippy.

A courageous high school principal in Oklahoma inspires the guys to take a trip back to their own high school days—where expectations were low, guidance was questionable, and Top Gun was still in the closet. 

Meanwhile, President Trump signs an executive order fast-tracking the review of psychedelics for mental health treatment, particularly PTS—opening the door to promising new options for those who’ve carried the weight of trauma.

A mix of nostalgia, perspective, and a look at where things might finally be heading.

Let us kn...


Internal Affairs Unfiltered with Marlon Marrache
#286
04/17/2026

Internal Affairs—misunderstood inside and outside the ranks—gets a straight answer in this episode.

Our guest, Marlon Marrache, is a retired LAPD sergeant and former lieutenant with 25+ years of experience (including a decade in IA), who breaks down the myths and realities of the Internal Affairs process. Having both prosecuted and defended officers, he delivers an unfiltered, all-sides perspective.

Now the founder of BLU Consulting and host of The Marlon Marrache Show, Marlon explains how trust is built—or lost—inside the system.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marlon-marrache-show/id1762245385

https...


Hang Up, Don’t Shoot
#285
04/10/2026

Vallejo PD’s latest anti-gun violence strategy? A phone call and a heartfelt “please don’t.”

Teaming up with the Center for Urban Excellence, they’ll identify likely offenders and politely ask them to make better choices—backed by millions in grant money and a refreshing lack of measurable goals.

Don’t worry, though- criminal accountability is in there somewhere. Just not up front.


Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.3copstalk.com
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Pesticides and Protests
#284
04/03/2026

Shaun’s dealing with a head cold, so naturally Scott prescribes an imagined magic elixir courtesy of his in-house “renaissance pest exterminator”—a guy who moonlights as a rock star with a homemade cocktail that allegedly kills bugs, germs, and possibly the drinker.

Meanwhile, a “No Kings” protest takes Scott back to the old department, unlocking a flood of emotions and memories… including a few that can’t be unseen.

The Flyover:

https://jointheflyover.com/

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2 Cops (and a Firefighter) Talk
#283
03/27/2026

Scott and Shaun sit down with retired firefighter John Sullivan to break down the unique mix of camaraderie and rivalry within the public safety family—one that’s grown tighter than ever as expanding responsibilities and shrinking staffing levels force those on the job to rely on each other like never before.

John Sullivan’s Bio:

John, a dedicated family man alongside his wife Terese, is a career fire service professional and communications expert. He began as a volunteer firefighter in 1995, became a paramedic in 1998, and joined the Addison Fire Protection District in 2000, rising...


De-Escalation vs. Reality
#282
03/20/2026

Since the era of deinstitutionalization, police officers have increasingly been tasked with managing the most volatile and unpredictable individuals—often with limited support and few good options.

While de-escalation training has become standard, its application has at times been distorted—prioritizing the appearance of restraint over the reality of officer safety.

Now, a recent court decision may signal a shift back toward reason—offering clarity, balance, and a measure of protection for officers navigating these high-risk encounters.

Booth v. Lazzara, No. 24-3894 (6th Cir. 2026)

https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca6/24...


An Irishman, a Norwegian and a Pole walk into a Police Station…
#281
03/13/2026

March gives Chirs and Shaun an excuse to take pride in a couple of legendary ethnic icons—Casimir Pulaski and Saint Patrick. They swap stories about their Polish and Irish roots, the odd traditions that come with them, and the Americanized versions they grew up with. Meanwhile, Scott realizes Norway didn’t exactly produce many holiday mascots, so he solved the problem the practical way: he married into an Irish family. 🍀


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Website: https://www.3copstalk.com


High Altitude, Low Reasoning
#280
03/06/2026

A veteran Los Angeles cop takes the concept of “light duty” to new heights—literally—after getting busted for felony workers’ comp fraud when proof surfaces of him skydiving while supposedly too injured to work. Meanwhile, the guys revisit a strange 2024 fraternity "hazing" incident at the University of Iowa, proving once again that higher education doesn’t always produce higher reasoning.


Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.3copstalk.com
Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFWKMerhChCE6_s5yFqc4aw
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Motown Madness
#279
02/27/2026

The guys discuss how a 27-year police veteran in Detroit, Michigan finds herself fighting City Hall after being disciplined for a lawful police contact—one where she relied on federal authorities. We break down the incident, the lawsuit that followed, and what it says about command discipline, politics, and the narrowing room for cops who follow the letter of the law.


Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.3copstalk.com
Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFWKMerhChCE6_s5yFqc4aw...


Lent Intentions, Purgatory Extensions
#278
02/20/2026

The guys do absolutely nothing to shorten their stay in purgatory, despite their half-baked plans for Lenten sacrifice and redemption.


Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!

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Standing Up to Blue State Hate
#277
02/13/2026

A promising trend is emerging as local law enforcement leaders publicly push back against the anti-law enforcement legislation, tactics, and ideologies championed by many blue-state politicians and activists. 

Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!

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Good News, With an Asterisk
#276
02/06/2026

Scott’s algorithms deliver hard truths to some Big Easy cops, alongside a cautiously optimistic—and heavily conditional—report on 2025 law enforcement deaths.

Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!

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Some Questionable Attempts to Clear the Air
#275
01/30/2026

Scott self-medicates his cough with a treatment that would absolutely not pass the FDA, while we discuss two ex-cops involved in high-profile incidents who take a crack at clearing the air around their reputations—producing more smoke than answers.


Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.3copstalk.com
Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFWKMerhChCE6_s5yFqc4aw
Facebook: 3 Cops Talk | Facebook
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