Two Ordinary Cops

Welcome back to Two Ordinary Cops!

In this episode, Damo and Schultzy are joined by former NSW Police forensic officer and author Esther McKay, who takes us back to the beginning of her policing career in 1984.

Esther shares the challenges of being a woman in policing during the 1980s, her determination to break into forensic investigations and the confronting reality of working behind the crime scene tape.

From devastating fatal accidents alongside former colleague and previous guest Roger Mayer APM to horrific murders and the emotional toll of dealing with death, Esther gives...

One minute it's a routine job, the next you're fighting for your life.

In this episode of Two Ordinary Cops, Damo and Schultzy discuss the recent stabbing of a Queensland police officer and reflect on their own experiences where seemingly ordinary jobs turned into life-threatening situations in seconds.

From knife attacks and violent confrontations to the challenges of policing remote Northern Territory communities, the boys explore the importance of staying vigilant, making split-second decisions and managing the adrenaline that comes with frontline policing.

They also discuss something that doesn't always get the attention...

Welcome back to another episode of Two Ordinary Cops!

This week, Damo and Schultzy kick things off with some fantastic listener feedback, shout-outs and a reminder of why talking about mental health and supporting one another is so important.

Then, thanks to a listener's question about buying an ex-police vehicle, the boys take a trip down memory lane and talk about the police cars they drove throughout their careers in the Northern Territory Police.

From the trusty Toyota Hilux and the mighty V8 Land Cruiser to Commodores, Falcons and high-performance Camrys, the boys...

This week we hand the episode over to you, answering questions and sharing a few stories along the way.

We start on the serious side after a listener reaches out following a horrific fatal crash he came across on his way to work. We talk about critical incidents, the things you can’t unsee, the importance of debriefing and why asking for help isn’t weakness.

From there, things get a little more “Territory”. We answer questions about Territory Day, fireworks, explosives, the Finke Desert Race and some of the wild experiences that came with policing...

A listener question gets Damo and Schultzy talking about something every cop should understand — who’s got your back when things go wrong?

In this episode, the boys look at the role of police unions and associations and why they’re about far more than just pay and conditions. From legal representation and disciplinary matters to supporting members through some of the toughest moments of their careers, having someone in your corner can make all the difference.

Drawing on their own experiences with the NT Police Association and their recent visit to the Queensland Police Union...

Welcome back to the Two Ordinary Cops for the fourth and final part of our interview with Roger Mayer APM.

In this episode, things get personal as Roger remembers his former NSW Police Dog Unit colleague Brett Meredith — a great mate and police officer who would later join the Northern Territory Police and work alongside both Damo and Schultzy.

The three reflect on Brett’s character, his ability as a police officer and dog handler, and the devastating impact of his death on his family, friends and the tight-knit Katherine policing community.

Roger then...

Welcome back to the Two Ordinary Cops as we continue our conversation with Roger Mayer APM.

In this episode, Roger takes us from the NT Police to the NSW Police, where the action quickly steps up.

Starting in general duties at busy Campbelltown, Roger recalls confronting fatal accidents and the toll those jobs could take before moving into the Tactical Response Group — including a firsthand account of the infamous Bathurst riots, where police faced bricks, Molotov cocktails and absolute chaos.

From there, Roger moves into plain clothes and detective work, before finding the ro...

Welcome back to Part Two with Roger Mayer APM.

In Episode 139, Roger takes us back to what it was really like joining the Northern Territory Police in the late 1970s and early ’80s — a very different era of policing.

It was a wild show back then. Communications were limited, backup wasn’t always available, and officers often had to think on their feet. When you were out there on your own, the power of speech could be your most important tool.

Roger shares stories from his time working in Gove, dealing with everything from c...

This episode is an absolute blast. Roger Mayer not only tells you of his upbringing and how it turned him into the police officer and man he became. But it explains dedication and driving you to exceed expectations of what of what former experts thought you would reach. This is coming from a man who was not the best at school but showed his abilities in policing and how you are the person that defines you, not what people think. During this episode you will see the camaraderie between Roger, Damo and Schultzy having lived similar experiences between them...

What does a major murder investigation really look like from the inside?

This week, Damo takes us back to Operation Nina, the investigation into the 2011 murder of Ray Niceforo in Katherine — the Northern Territory’s first known contract killing.

Damo was one of the investigators at the front end of the case and personally arrested Zach Greve, one of three young men initially convicted of the murder. Greve would later be released after the court found there was no evidence establishing that he was present at the scene — ultimately becoming the subject of Dan Box...

This week on Two Ordinary Cops, Schultzy and Damo take listeners behind the police cordon following the recent tragic murder-suicide in Charleville.

We break down what actually happens during a major critical incident — from inner and outer cordons and specialist police to negotiation and the difficult decisions being made behind the scenes. Schultzy also reflects on attending a murder-suicide as a young probationary constable in Katherine and the confronting jobs police carry with them long after the shift ends.

We recognise the Charleville constable who ran towards danger to rescue an 18-month-old child, awarding them ou...

Former Queensland Police detective and undercover operative Todd Maguire shares the story behind the badge.

What starts as a conversation about policing quickly becomes something much more powerful. Todd opens up about personal tragedy, PTSD, grief, healing and finding purpose again after life changed forever.

For us, this episode felt like the best kind of police debrief. You start by talking through the toughest moments, but somehow finish with laughter, hope and a lighter load than when you arrived. That's something first responders have always understood—real conversations don't leave you feeling worse, they remind yo...

A routine welfare check can become a life-or-death situation in an instant—and this week we discuss the tragic shooting of Queensland Police Constable Jordan May and the extraordinary courage shown by Senior Constable Ash Drummond in bringing his injured colleague to safety.

Drawing on our own frontline policing experience, we explore why no police job is ever truly "routine", the importance of realistic firearms training, and the split-second decisions officers are forced to make under extreme pressure. We also discuss why the public should always follow police directions during critical incidents, and how limited information can qu...

What happens when police officers from opposite sides of the world sit down and compare notes? As it turns out, far more is shared than separates them.

This week, Schultzy and Damo welcome Inspector Ben Dimmock from Bedfordshire Police in the United Kingdom for the Two Ordinary Cops' first international guest interview. With more than 24 years of policing experience, Ben shares his remarkable career journey, from frontline response and detective work to counter-terrorism, offender management and now leading one of the UK's largest police wellbeing teams.

The conversation explores the universal realities of modern policing...

When Queensland Police Dog Squad Officer in Charge Joel Davidson first joined the police at just 19 years old, he never imagined the journey ahead. From proactively hunting offenders on the streets of Toowoomba to leading the Mount Isa Dog Squad, Joel shares what it really takes to become a police dog handler, how these remarkable dogs save lives, and why they're one of policing's most valuable resources.

But this episode goes far beyond tracking offenders.

Joel opens up about the devastating losses that have shaped his life, including the death of his brother, the impact o...

In Episode 131, Schultzy and Damo tackle one of the biggest questions facing modern policing: at what point does doing your job become a crime?

Using the recent conviction of NSW Police Sergeant Ben Bryant as the catalyst, they explore personal responsibility, accountability, police pursuits, youth offending, sentencing, and whether the justice system is shifting responsibility away from offenders and onto the very people tasked with protecting the community.

The conversation also revisits a Northern Territory tradition with a look back at Cracker Night, discussing freedom, risk, and where personal responsibility should begin and end. Along...

Before Two Ordinary Cops ever had a name, one of the titles we seriously considered was The Real Northern Territory. It only seems fitting that 130 episodes later, we finally tell that story.

The Northern Territory is unlike anywhere else in Australia. It's a place of breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable characters, incredible mateship, and communities that leave a lasting mark on everyone who spends time there. But it's also a place that has faced its share of challenges, many of which rarely make the headlines with the full story behind them.

In this episode, Schultzy and Damo...

The conversation around Australia's Special Forces has never been more relevant.

After watching the powerful documentary Bravery and Betrayal, Schultzy and Damo take an honest look at the extraordinary courage of the men who served in Afghanistan, the sacrifices made by their families, and the toll that service takes long after the fighting ends.

From daily combat operations and impossible decisions to the loyalty between mates, military working dogs, and the support of families back home, this episode explores what it truly means to serve at the highest level.

The boys also discuss...

In this powerful episode, the boys sit down with Queensland policing legend Keith Banks. From working deep undercover and helping build Queensland’s early tactical policing capability, to facing some of the most confronting moments of his career, Keith shares the lessons that shaped his life both in and out of uniform.

Drawing on experiences from his books and years on the frontline, Keith reflects on the loss of fellow officer Peter Kidd, the impact of PTSD, alcohol abuse, organisational trauma, and the remarkable MLC siege negotiation that remains one of the proudest moments of his career.

In this special episode, Schultzy's partner, Miriam Leask, joins the podcast to share her firsthand account of living through the devastating Christchurch earthquakes. From the terrifying moments when the earth shook beneath her feet to the long road of recovery that followed, Miriam provides a powerful and emotional insight into one of New Zealand's darkest chapters.

Miriam reflects on the incredible support provided by police, emergency services, military personnel, and disaster response teams from across Australia and New Zealand, offering a heartfelt thank you to those who helped Christchurch when it needed it most.

The...

This week, Schultzy and Damo reflect on their experience at the Queensland Police Union Council Conference and the incredible people they met along the way. From frontline coppers and union representatives to those who continue to serve despite significant personal challenges, this episode is a reminder of the strength, resilience and camaraderie that exists within the policing family.

The boys share stories from behind the scenes of the conference, discuss why police from every corner of Australia instantly connect through shared experience, and give a well-deserved shout-out to the outstanding men and women who dedicate themselves to...

In this special live episode, Schultzy and Damo take the stage at the Queensland Police Union Council Conference to share their experiences from policing in some of the toughest and most remote parts of Australia.

The boys discuss the lasting impact of the Zach Rolfe case on Northern Territory policing, the importance of strong leadership, mateship, and looking after your people, and the challenges many officers face both during and after their careers. They also explore life after the badge, the realities of PTSD, and why finding your tribe is so important once you leave the job.<...

In this episode of Two Ordinary Cops, Schultzy and Damo sit down with exercise physiologist Jack Woods from to discuss the powerful connection between exercise, routine and mental health recovery for first responders.

Jack shares his experience working with police, ambos and other emergency services members suffering from PTSD, depression and burnout, explaining how small achievable goals, accountability and physical activity can genuinely help rewire the brain and rebuild lives.

The boys also talk openly about the struggles many first responders face when asking for help, the importance of camaraderie after the job, and why...

For 23 years, Lyn Kowalski worked behind the scenes in the Queensland Police Service — but as you’ll hear in this episode, the job was anything but “just admin.”

From homicide investigations and child protection cases to supporting detectives through some of the darkest moments of their careers, Lyn shares the side of policing the public rarely sees. The long hours, the emotional toll, the black humour that keeps people going, and the incredible bond formed behind closed station doors.

This episode is raw, funny, emotional and brutally honest at times. Lyn opens up about transcribing murder i...

In this episode, we come to you live from the National Suicide Prevention Conference, where we sit down with Nick White and Krista Hawke to talk about what’s really missing in the mental health space for first responders.

Nick shares how Bellator Fortitudinum has grown from a small support network into a nationwide charity helping current and former first responders find connection, purpose, and support after the job. From lived experience to life-saving impact, this is raw, honest insight into what actually works.

Krista brings nearly three decades of experience as a psychologist working wi...

In this episode, we reflect on the tragic events out of Alice Springs and the loss of Kumunjayi Little Baby.

We break down what actually happens during a major police investigation—from the initial response, search efforts, and escalation, through to arrest and the long road to prosecution.

It’s a confronting conversation, but an important one. We talk about the balance between emotion and evidence, why process matters, and the reality of policing during incidents like this.

We also touch on our time at the National Suicide Prevention Conference, focusing on practical solu...

In this episode, we break down the reality behind the Northern Territory’s liquor laws—why they exist, how they differ from place to place, and what it’s actually like policing them on the ground.

From permit systems and dry communities to the chaos that can unfold when alcohol floods back in, we share firsthand experiences from the job that most people would never see or fully understand. We also tackle the bigger question—where does responsibility really sit when it comes to alcohol-related crime?

We also touch on some exciting news as we head to...

In this episode, the boys take a closer look at the high-profile arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith — and ask the question many in policing are thinking: why was it done that way?

Schultzy and Damo break down the different types of arrests, including “arrest by appointment”, and explain why it’s often the safest and most practical option for cooperative individuals.

They also dive into the realities of policing that the public rarely sees — from discretion and use of force to the difference between legislation and general orders, and why police don’t get to pick and choose w...

This week, the Two Ordinary Cops step into one of the most talked-about and complex stories in Australia — the arrest of Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith.

Drawing on their policing experience, Schultzy and Damo unpack the realities of high-risk environments, the pressures placed on those who serve, and the difficulty of judging decisions made in situations most of us will never truly understand. They discuss due process, justice, and the importance of keeping perspective while emotions run high across the country.

This is not about jumping to conclusions — it’s about asking questions, looking at all si...

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...

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 bond...

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.

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...

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 an...

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. Th...

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...

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 fo...

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...

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...

In this episode, we’re joined by Rebecca Dale, Queensland Police veteran and Games Manager for the Australasian Police & Emergency Services Games, to talk about what the Games are really about — connection, camaraderie, and catching up with the people who just get it.

From cops, ambos and fireies reconnecting years after working side-by-side, to mixed teams, unexpected friendships and plenty of laughs along the way, this isn’t just a sporting event — it’s a frontline reunion. Rebecca shares how the Games bring together thousands of emergency service workers across Australasia, why networking off the job matters just as mu...