Cops and Writers Podcast

Send a text Welcome everyone to part one of my interview with Professor and El Paso County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Jennifer Bucholtz. The conclusion of this interview will air next Sunday! Jennifer Bucholtz is a former U.S. Army Counterintelligence Agent and a decorated veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Northern Arizona University, a master’s degree in criminal justice from the City University of New York’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and a master’s degree in forensic science from National University. Ms. Bucholtz has an extensive background in U.S. military and Department of Defense counterintelligence operations. Ms. Bucholtz is currently an adjunct faculty member at AMU, teaching courses in criminal justice and forensic sciences. Additionally, she is a cold-case investigator for her local sheriff’s office, host of AMU’s investigative podcast “Break The Case,” and founder of the 501(c) (3) nonprofit, Break The Case. Please enjoy this eye opening, and fascinating interview with someone who has done so many incredible things and continues to serve her community. In today’s episode, we discuss: · Jen’s Childhood and influences. · Working as a corrections officer in a maximum-security prison. · Her internship with the New York Medical Examiners' Office. · Her first death case and autopsy. · Joining the army and being a counterintelligence agent. · What it was like interrogating enemies of the United States. · Using science and intuition in her interrogations. · Body language, micro-expressions, and other clues in interrogations. · Her book, There is no GOAT. · People in Afghanistan not knowing about 9/11 or Osama Bin Laden · Post-military life and working as a contractor overseas. · Working for the State Department, teaching Indonesian police. · Being a college professor. · Her interest in cold cases. All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. My first week as a rookie cop, I had to decide whether to pull the trigger on a man running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog. That was my introduction to policing in Milwaukee. From Wall Street Journal-featured author Patrick O'Donnell comes a memoir of rookie years on Milwaukee's streets. Support the show

Send a text In this episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast bonus series, retired Milwaukee Police Sergeant Patrick O'Donnell reads Chapter 32, "Wojo," from his upcoming book: Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos, & Life as a Big City Cop There were characters on the job who should have been stand-up comedians. Wojo was one of those guys. But one morning at 7:00 AM, Wojo got serious. A man barricaded himself in an apartment with a rifle pointed at his five-year-old son's head. SWAT was on the way. Hours of negotiation loomed. The way Wojo negotiated with the suspect was unorthodox but effective. All stories are real. Names and locations have been changed where necessary. 🎧 This episode includes: 📘 About the Book: Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos, & Life as a Big City Cop is a true crime memoir chronicling Patrick O'Donnell's early career as a big city cop during Milwaukee's crack wars in the 1990s. Book Release: Mid-March 2026 Book Update: Pre-orders are LIVE on Amazon. The book is currently a #1 New Release in Biographies of Law Enforcement. 🔗 Pre-order now for $3.99 (price goes up after launch): Search "Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell" on Amazon or check the link below. 📧 Contact Patrick: Email: sarge@copsandwriters.com Website: copsandwriters.com Facebook Group: Cops and Writers 👍 If this story stuck with you: Subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who can handle the truth about what cops see behind the badge. 🎙️ Next week: We're back to regular programming with a guest interview. New chapters every Wednesday night. Visit the Cops & Writers website! Support the show

Send a text Welcome everyone as we travel to the city of brotherly love and Rocky, Philadelphia. Today on the show, we have former Philadelphia warrant squad member Tristin Kilgallon. Tristin grew up in Philadelphia and started his career in law enforcement with the city’s Warrant Unit, tracking fugitives and working the tough streets of Philly. Tristin later moved to Ohio to attend law school, earning a JD and LLM. Tristin went on to teach pre-law and criminal justice for more than a decade before joining LexisNexis, where he now works in the legal tech industry, helping law firms adopt AI-driven tools. He’s also the co-author of Philly Warrant Unit, a true-crime memoir about his time working fugitive apprehension in Philadelphia. Please enjoy this fun interview about a unique and small crime-fighting unit that had a large impact on crime, which no longer exists. In today’s episode, we discuss: · Growing up in the rough part of Philly. · Where and how Tristin got interested in law enforcement. · What led him to the Philly Warrant Unit, and why he didn’t pursue a career with the Philly Police. · Did his investigations ever conflict with the local PD, state, or feds? · How they picked which warrants to execute. · Knock vs. No-Knock Warrants. · The difference between a search/arrest warrant. · The prostitute calling the police on herself. · Meeting Sylvester Stallone. · Why he went into a teaching career. All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Check out the Philly Warrant Unit Facebook page. Visit the Cops & Writers Website! Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop! Support the show

Send a text In this episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast bonus series, retired Milwaukee Police Sergeant Patrick O'Donnell reads Chapter 31, "All-City Assist," from his upcoming book: Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos, & Life as a Big City Cop Rachel and Patrick are processing a routine arrest at District Five when the radio crackles to life: "245B, they're shooting at us! Send us more squads!" It's Grace—Rachel's old partner—getting shot at in a gangway next to the Blues Oasis Tavern. The dispatcher opens the channel citywide: "Any squad, assist the officers. They are taking gunfire." An all-city assist. Every cop drops everything and responds. When Rachel and Patrick arrive, they find three dead bodies, cops returning fire in a gangway, and a suspect shooting at officers with a .357 Magnum. Inside the tavern, they clear a dark basement not knowing if someone is waiting to shoot them. When they come back upstairs, Patrick looks down and sees a sea of bullet casings—more than he'd ever seen in 25 years. Three people are dead. Cops were almost killed. And a short blurb on the evening news. All stories are real. Names and locations have been changed where necessary. ⚠️ CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains graphic descriptions of violence, active shooter scenarios, and multiple deaths. Listener discretion is strongly advised. 🎧 This episode includes: 📘 About the Book: Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos, & Life as a Big City Cop is a true crime memoir chronicling Patrick O'Donnell's early career as a big city cop during Milwaukee's crack wars in the 1990s. Book Release: Mid-March 2026 Book Update: The manuscript is with the editor! Pre-orders are LIVE on Amazon. The book is currently a #1 New Release in the Biographies of Law Enforcement category. 🔗 Pre-order now: Search "Police Stories: The Rookie Years Patrick O'Donnell" on Amazon or check the link below. 📧 Contact Patrick: Email: sarge@copsandwriters.com Website: copsandwriters.com Facebook Group: Cops and Writers 👍 If this story stuck with you: Subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who can handle the truth about what cops see behind the badge. New chapters every Wednesday night. Visit the Cops & Writers Website! Support the show

Send a text Welcome back everyone for the conclusion to my interview with retired Central Florida Sheriff Deputy Michael Dilks. Mike is a retired Deputy Sheriff and Police Officer with 23 years with experience in patrol, investigations, and undercover narcotics. Mike was a member of SWAT, the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, the DEA Narcotics Task Force and supervised a Street Crimes Unit. Prior to his law enforcement career, Mike served three years in the United States Army as an Airborne Infantryman. Michael is the mastermind behind the highly successful and controversial meme page @CopvilleOG and the Lock’d Up with Copville Podcast. Michael is also the co-host and co-owner of The Anti-Hero Broadcast. Mike was involved in and was 100% invested in his career, especially doing undercover narcotics work, and it cost him his marriage and sobriety. Mike’s personal rock bottom, that included being the focus of an FBI investigation and his best friend and Sheriff turning his back on him. He rose above all of it and has turned his energy into a successful podcast and creative content career. Please enjoy this eye opening, and informative interview with someone who has risen from the ashes. In today’s episode, we discuss: · The bitter end to his law enforcement career. · His wife and daughter working for the crocked Sheriff who forced him to retire. · What can be done to retore law enforcement today? · What real community policing looks like. · Cops fall in love with the job and don’t know what to do when the job doesn’t love them back. · Where his entrepreneurial spirit came from. · Copville, The Antihero Podcast, and other businesses. How he balance’s work and family? · The Antihero broadcast. · Mike has been exposed to a lot of good and bad stuff. Has it pushed him away or towards God or a higher power? All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Connect with Michael Dilks: Instagram: @copvilleog Podcast Instagram: @the_antihero_podcast Website: www.copvilleog.com YouTube: / @copvilleog Visit the Cops & Writers Website! Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop! Support the show

Send a text In this episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast bonus series, retired Milwaukee Police Sergeant Patrick O'Donnell reads Chapter 28, "Wow! That's Realistic!" from his upcoming book: Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos, & Life as a Big City Cop It's 2:00 AM at District Five. Patrick and his partner Rachel are processing an arrest when a bloodcurdling scream echoes from the front lobby: "Help! He's been shot!" What they find is a dead body with a gunshot wound to the head, a grieving girlfriend, and—behind the victim—District Five's crime prevention display: a casket surrounded by yellow crime scene tape for Police Week. Hours later, after the body is removed, but the blood remains, the captain walks through and delivers the perfect line: "Damn, that is one realistic crime scene display!" All stories are real. Names and locations have been changed where necessary. 🎧 This episode includes: 📘 About the Book: Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos, & Life as a Big City Cop is a true crime memoir chronicling Patrick O'Donnell's early career as a big city cop during Milwaukee's crack wars in the 1990s. Book Release: Mid-March 2026 Book Update: The manuscript is with the editor! Pre-orders are LIVE on Amazon. The book is currently a #1 New Release in the Biographies of Law Enforcement category. 🔗 Pre-order now: Search "Police Stories: The Rookie Years Patrick O'Donnell" on Amazon or check the link below. 📧 Contact Patrick: Email: sarge@copsandwriters.com Website: copsandwriters.com Facebook Group: Cops and Writers 👍 If this story stuck with you: Subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who can handle the truth about what cops see behind the badge. 🎙️ Next week: Chapter 31, "All-City Assist" - Three dead bodies, cops taking fire, and a sea of bullet casings at the Blues Oasis. The most intense chapter in the book. New chapters every Wednesday night. Visit the Cops & Writers Website! Support the show

Send us a text Welcome, everyone to part one of my interview with retired Central Florida Sheriff's Deputy Michael Dilks. The conclusion of this interview will air next Sunday! Mike is a retired Deputy Sheriff and Police Officer with 23 years of experience in patrol, investigations, and undercover narcotics. Mike was a member of SWAT, the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, the DEA Narcotics Task Force and supervised a Street Crimes Unit. Prior to his law enforcement career, Mike served three years in the United States Army as an Airborne Infantryman. Michael is the mastermind behind the highly successful and controversial meme page @CopvilleOG and the Lock’d Up with Copville Podcast. Michael is also the co-host and co-owner of The Anti-Hero Broadcast. Mike was involved in and was 100% invested in his career, especially doing undercover narcotics work, and it cost him his marriage and sobriety. Mike’s personal rock bottom, which included being the focus of an FBI investigation and his best friend and the sheriff turning his back on him. He rose above all of it and has turned his energy into a successful podcast and creative content career. Please enjoy this eye-opening and informative interview with someone who has risen from the ashes. In today’s episode, we discuss: · Where and how he got interested in law enforcement. · His time in the United States Army. · Being on the SWAT team. · Being assigned to a DEA task force. · Going undercover as a narcotics officer. · Having a dirty cop as a boss. · Being married to the job, not his wife. · Hitting rock bottom, abusing alcohol, and a negative lifestyle. · Being accused of working with drug dealers! · Being the focus of an FBI investigation and having his phone tapped. · The sheriff, also his best friend, turned his back on him. All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Connect with Michael Dilks: Instagram: @copvilleog Podcast Instagram: @the_antihero_podcast Website: www.copvilleog.com YouTube: / @copvilleog Visit the Cops & Writers Website! Support the show

Send us a text In this episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast, retired Milwaukee Police Sergeant Patrick O'Donnell reads Chapter 18, Cannibal Dad, from his upcoming book: Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos, & Life as a Big City Cop Fresh off probation and officially a "real cop," Patrick rides for the first time without a senior officer alongside his academy classmate, Tommie. What starts as an exciting milestone—two rookies on top of the world—turns into one of the most disturbing calls of Patrick's twenty-five-year career when they respond to a family trouble call at 7:00 AM. All stories are real. Names and locations have been changed where necessary. ⚠️ CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains graphic descriptions of violence involving a father and daughter. Listener discretion is strongly advised. 🎧 This episode includes: 📘 About the Book: Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos, & Life as a Big City Cop is a true crime memoir chronicling Patrick O'Donnell's early career as a big city cop during Milwaukee's crack wars in the 1990s. Book release: March 2026 Book Update: The introduction and book description are complete! We're on track for the March 2026 launch. Subscribe to be notified when pre-orders go live. 📧 Contact Patrick: Email: sarge@copsandwriters.com Website: copsandwriters.com Facebook Group: Cops and Writers 👍 If this story stuck with you: Subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who can handle the truth about what cops see behind the badge. 🎙️ New chapters every Wednesday night. Visit the Cops & Writers Website! Support the show

Send us a text What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas? Not today. Welcome back, everyone, to the conclusion of my interview with retired Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sergeant Jenn Benjamins. Jenn Benjamins is a retired sergeant from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department with nearly 22 years of real-world experience in patrol, case investigations, and covert/undercover operations. Her interest in undercover work led her to the Vice Section, where she refused to be limited by traditional expectations. While excelling in female undercover roles, Jenn was determined - and succeeded - in working undercover alongside her male counterparts. She developed a specialized training program within the Vice Section, implemented policy, and conducted department-wide training on vice crimes and related laws. Throughout her career, Jenn worked a wide variety of undercover assignments throughout Las Vegas, collaborating not only with specialized units such as narcotics but also with federal partners, including the ATF, DEA, and FBI. Recognizing a critical need, Jenn founded Covert Blue, where she makes it her mission to provide specialized training for women in undercover roles - programs that build technical expertise while also addressing the unique dynamics and challenges women face in the field. Please enjoy this very real and informative interview with someone who has lived a life that is found more often in movies and books. Vegas baby! In today’s episode, we discuss: · How long did she work in Vice as a cop and sergeant doing UC work? · Where did these prostitutes come from? · What’s a trick roll? · What’s the difference between a carpet ho and a renegade ho? · The most memorable arrests or situations she had during her career? · Your company Covert Blue LLC, why start this and who is it for? · The personal toll that working vice takes on a cop. · Best advice for someone who wants to work as an undercover cop. All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Check out Jenn's website! Visit the Cops & Writers Website! Support the show

Send us a text In this episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast, retired Milwaukee Police Sergeant Patrick O’Donnell reads Chapter 12, Pistol Packing Grandma Moses, from his upcoming book: Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos, & My Life as a Big City Cop While still a rookie cop "warhorsing" (filling in for other officers), Patrick partners with DJ, a 6'5", 300-pound gentle giant and former Chicago Bears. What starts as a routine 911 hang-up call and a tree branch banging on a roof turns into one of the most terrifying moments of Patrick's early career. All stories are real. Names and locations have been changed where necessary. 🎧 This episode includes: -A drunk college kid learning why you don't refuse entry to cops on a welfare check. -An elderly woman is convinced someone is breaking into her attic. -A cocked .38 revolver aimed at a rookie cop's back. -The moment Patrick realizes Grandma Moses almost "put a cap in his ass." -Dark humor, near-death by a sweet old lady, and another day on Milwaukee's streets. 📘 About the Book: Police Stories: The Rookie Years, True Crime, Chaos, & Life as a Big City Cop is a true crime memoir chronicling Patrick O'Donnell's early career as a big city cop during the 1990s. Book release: March 2026. 📧 Contact Patrick: Email: sarge@copsandwriters.com Social Media: [your handles] 👍 If this story stuck with you: Subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who appreciates real stories from behind the badge. 🎙️ New chapters every Wednesday night. Visit the Cops & Writers Website! Support the show

Send us a text What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas? Not today. Welcome, everyone, to part one of my interview with retired Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sergeant Jenn Benjamins. The conclusion of this interview will be next Sunday! Jenn Benjamins is a retired sergeant from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department with nearly 22 years of real-world experience in patrol, case investigations, and covert/undercover operations. She began her career in patrol before moving into Community Oriented Policing, serving in one of the newest area commands in the oldest, most historic parts of Las Vegas. Her interest in undercover work led her to the Vice Section, where she refused to be limited by traditional expectations. While excelling in female undercover roles, Jenn was determined - and succeeded - in working undercover alongside her male counterparts. She went on to develop a specialized training program within the Vice Section, implement policy, and conduct department-wide training on vice crimes and related laws. Throughout her career, Jenn worked a wide variety of undercover assignments throughout Las Vegas, collaborating not only with specialized units such as narcotics but also with federal partners, including the ATF, DEA, and FBI. Recognizing a critical need, Jenn founded Covert Blue, where she makes it her mission to provide specialized training for women in undercover roles - programs that build technical expertise while also addressing the unique dynamics and challenges women face in the field. Please enjoy this eye-opening, entertaining, and informative interview with someone who has lived a life that is found more often in movies and books. In today’s episode, we discuss: · Where and how she got interested in law enforcement. · Why be a cop in Vegas? · Jenn’s experience in the police academy being one of the few females in her class. · Her first day of field training. · An armed suspect firing at an airship on her first assignment. · Her first day going out solo when she finished field training. · First time riding the lightning (Taser) during training. · Jenn’s crazy pepper spray story. · How soon she started doing undercover work. Was she ready? · Her first time being an undercover prostitute and an interesting question she didn’t know how to answer. · Arresting pimps and other prostitutes for pandering. All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Check out Jenn's website! Visit the Cops & Writers Website! Support the show

Send us a text In this episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast, retired Milwaukee Police Sergeant Patrick O’Donnell reads the Introduction and Chapter 1 from his upcoming book: Police Stories: The Rookie Years — True Crime, Chaos, & My Life as a Big City Cop These are true stories from Patrick’s first years working the streets of Milwaukee during the height of the crack wars—stories of chaos, dark humor, tragedy, and survival that don’t make it onto TV shows. All stories are real. Names and locations have been changed where necessary. 🎧 This episode includes: – O'Donnell facing a life-or-death situation in his first week of field training – Being in a trauma room watching a doctor perform open-heart massage – True crime, gallows humor, and raw street-level reality 📘 About the Book: Police Stories: The Rookie Years is a true crime memoir chronicling Patrick O’Donnell’s early career as a big city cop. 👍 Like, comment, and share if this story resonated with you. Visit the Cops & Writers Website! Support the show

Send us a text Hey everyone! Today, we are going north, way north, to the last frontier, Anchorage, Alaska, with Author and retired Anchorage Police Officer Doug Fifer. And we are getting kinky. Doug Fifer is a retired Alaskan police officer who specialized in crime scene analysis, deviant sexual crimes, hostage negotiations, and various special assignments throughout his twenty-five-year career. As a highly decorated investigator, Doug has negotiated with serial killers, solved homicides, and worked real-life cases that will shock you to the core. Doug is also the author of the bestselling book, Fifty Shades of True Crime: Sex, Drugs, and Killer Kink. I thought I had been there and seen it all after 25 years as a big city cop. After this interview, I realized I haven’t. Please enjoy my conversation with Doug Fifer. In today’s episode, we discuss: · When and where Doug got interested in law enforcement. · Growing up in the last frontier, Alaska. · Alaska has the highest percentage of serial killers per capita of anywhere else? Why? · Heroin and crack usage in Alaska. · A shocking tattoo on a man who turned tricks for dope in prison. · The Serial Killer Joshua Wait investigation. · Hostage negotiations, best practices for a desirable outcome. Not like on TV. · The story of high trauma to a penis. · Fifty Shades of True Crime: Sex, Drugs, and Killer Kink. Did his mom read this book? · David Carradine and Auto Erotic Asphyxiation. How many cases like that did he investigate? · Bestiality, necrophilia, and other disturbing behavior. How prevalent was that in Anchorage? The answer will surprise you. All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Visit Doug's Website! Visit the Cops & Writers Website! Support the show

Welcome, everyone, to a special Cops and Writers Podcast. Due to the nature and timing of our topic today, I released this episode early. Back in late October, retired DEA Agents (legends) Steve Murphy, Wes Tabor, and Chris Feistl predicted on the Cops and Writers Podcast episodes 250 and 251, that the U.S. would take the fight to Maduro and attack on land. On January 3, 2026, the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a military operation in Caracas, Venezuela. I have heard so many opinions on this from ‘experts’, I'm using air quotes, living in social media-fueled echo chambers, and I wanted to get the true story. So I brought back my experts in narco-terrorism, drug cartels, and international drug smuggling, Steve, Wes, and Chris. Here’s an intro to my experts for today’s show. Retired DEA Special Agent Wes Tabor (episodes 235,236, & 237). Wes was embedded in Venezuela, battling the drug cartel and gangs for three years. He had a front-row seat to the prospering drug trade and threat to the United States and wrote the book, Infiltrate America: Blood Routes and the Rise of Latin American Gangs. So, of course, I asked him to be on the show again, and he graciously agreed. Of course, I would be remiss if I were going to be talking about drug cartels and smuggling, not to have two experts who took down some of the most notorious drug cartels and their leaders in modern times. Steve Murphy and Chris Feistl. Retired DEA Special Agent Steve Murphy and his partner Javier Pena are best known for taking down the Medellin Cartel and its leader, Pablo Escobar. Steve is an expert in drug smuggling and cartels and is considered an expert in the world of narcoterrorism. Steve and Javier’s work was featured in many television documentaries and was featured in the Netflix special, DEA Narcos. Retired DEA Special Agent Chris Feistl and his partner Dave Mitchell are best known for taking down the Cali Cartel and its leaders Gilberto and Miguel Rodríguez Orejuela. Chris’s work was featured in many television documentaries and was also featured in season three of the Netflix special DEA Narcos. After listening to these three experts explain recent operations in Venezuela, I have gained valuable insights into why we arrested Maduro and his wife. I hope this clears things up for you as well. Please enjoy my conversation with these DEA legends and experts. In today’s episode, we discuss: · Back in October, the big talk was about the United States Navy taking out 36 drug boats. · Why and what gave us the authority to conduct these operations? · Article 2, section 2, of the United States Constitution gives the current administration the authority to carry out operations in Venezuela. · The United States military, most likely Seal Team Six and Delta operators, performed a surgical strike, taking Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, without hurting them. Six of our servicemen were injured, and an aircraft was damaged. All U.S. personnel and equipment made it back to the sea vessels. · Is Mexico next? · Going back in time and giving us a brief background on what brought us to this point. How did Maduro gain power, and what led to his indictment in 2020? · The parallels with Operation Just Cause and the capture and arrest of Manuel Antonio Noriega. · What do you predict for the outcome of this arrest? Time in prison, etc.? · What’s next for the country of Venezuela? · There are many who say this has nothing to do with drugs and is motivated by President Trump going after oil. What do you all say? · Our views on socialism. Visit Steve Murphy's website! Visit Wes Tabor's Website! Visit Chris Feistl's Website! Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel! Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website.

Welcome back, everyone, for the conclusion of my interview with Author and retired FBI Special Agent Seamus McElearney. Séamus McElearney began his distinguished career with the FBI in 1998, joining Squad C-10 of the New York Organized Crime Branch. Tasked with investigating the Bonanno and DeCavalcante crime families—infamously known as “the real Sopranos.” In December 1999, he was assigned to arrest Anthony Capo, a violent soldier in the DeCavalcante family, as part of a sweeping indictment. Not only did he safely execute the arrest, but he also achieved a historic breakthrough: persuading Capo to become the first made member in the family’s century-long history to cooperate with law enforcement. This unprecedented move triggered a domino effect of cooperation that ultimately led to the dismantling of the DeCavalcante family. In all, 71 defendants were convicted, and 11 murders were solved. Following this six-year investigation, Séamus was promoted to lead Squad C-38, overseeing the Colombo crime family. Under his leadership, the squad dismantled the Colombos through a series of operations—including spearheading the largest Mafia takedown in FBI history. As Supervisor, Séamus oversaw investigations that led to the conviction of more than 200 defendants and the resolution of 20 murders. Throughout his career as an Agent and Supervisor, Séamus helped convict ten Mafia bosses, recover five bodies, and solve the murder of an NYPD officer. He was part of historic FBI teams that dismantled three organized crime families—an achievement no one else can claim. Seamus is also the author of the popular book, Flipping Capo: How the FBI Dismantled the Real Sopranos. I’m a fan of the TV show The Sopranos, so it was amazing listening to Seamus explain how the “Real Sopranos” operated and how they were dismantled and brought to justice by Seamus and his team. Please enjoy my conversation with Seamus! In today’s episode, we discuss: · How he got Capo to flip. · Capo was a soldier in the mob. What is the rank system of the mob? · What is involved in a ‘made man’ ceremony? (Kissing rings, burning saints, etc...) · Why are we so fascinated with mobsters? · What is the FBI’s role in WITSEC? · How do you keep a rat safe if they are in jail or out on bail? · 9/11, how the FBI changed after that day. · How long did it take to put together the case against the DeCavalcante crime family? · How did the DeCavalcante crime family coexist with the five New York crime families? · Is it true that old-school mobsters didn’t mess with women or children? When did this change? · The Sopranos. What did Hollywood get right and wrong about mob life regarding The Sopranos? · The advice he would give to someone who wants to be an FBI agent. · Sylvester Stallone’s series, The Tulsa King. All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Visit Seamus's website to learn more about him and his book. Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel! Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website.

Welcome, everyone, to part one of my interview with Author and retired FBI Special Agent Seamus McElearney. Come back next Sunday for the conclusion of my interview with Seamus. Séamus McElearney began his distinguished career with the FBI in 1998, joining Squad C-10 of the New York Organized Crime Branch. Tasked with investigating the Bonanno and DeCavalcante crime families—infamously known as “the real Sopranos.” In December 1999, he was assigned to arrest Anthony Capo, a violent soldier in the DeCavalcante family, as part of a sweeping indictment. Not only did he safely execute the arrest, but he also achieved a historic breakthrough: persuading Capo to become the first made member in the family’s century-long history to cooperate with law enforcement. This unprecedented move triggered a domino effect of cooperation that ultimately led to the dismantling of the DeCavalcante family. In all, 71 defendants were convicted; 11 murders were solved. As a result, Séamus and the team received the U.S. Attorney’s Office Director’s Award. Following this six-year investigation, Séamus was promoted to lead Squad C-38, overseeing the Colombo crime family. Under his leadership, the squad dismantled the Colombos through a series of operations—including spearheading the largest Mafia takedown in FBI history. The Bonanno squad was later merged into C-38 under his command. As Supervisor, Séamus oversaw investigations that led to the conviction of more than 200 defendants and the resolution of 20 murders. Throughout his career as an Agent and Supervisor, Séamus helped convict ten Mafia bosses, recover five bodies, and solve the murder of an NYPD officer. He was part of historic FBI teams that dismantled three organized crime families—an achievement no one else can claim. Seamus is also the author of the popular book, Flipping Capo: How the FBI Dismantled the Real Sopranos. I’m a fan of the TV show The Sopranos, so it was amazing listening to Seamus explain how the “Real Sopranos” operated and how they were dismantled and brought to justice by Seamus and his team. Please enjoy my conversation with Seamus! In today’s episode we discuss: · Growing up in the Bronx as a first-generation Irish-American. · The amazing work ethic that was instilled in him by his parents. · Lessons learned working at his dad’s gas station as a kid. · Why he chose the FBI and even a dislocated knee couldn’t stop him! · How he proved himself as a new FBI agent. · His interest in organized crime and his first organized crime case. · The benefits of consensual witness phone recordings. · Omerta and how RICO changed the code of not being a rat. · How to get confessions from mobsters. · Anthony Capo and his first impression of the man Tony Soprano was molded from. All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Visit Seamus's website to learn more about him and his book. Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel! Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website.

Welcome everyone to a very special Cops and Writers with my friend Ian Bick. Back in November, I visited Ian at his studio in Connecticut, where Ian interviewed me (That episode went live on 12-16-25 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-in-with-ian-bick/id1662286355?i=1000741596571, https://open.spotify.com/episode/7EWrquIqAYL4z0FbW3xDE0?si=39oDYHc3SEGiwBT8udhxhw, https://youtu.be/aU5xLdhR_5s?si=Tdarr4_9xdd3p0mK) and he was gracious enough to let me interview him. First off, I have to thank the most awesome and legend in the law enforcement community, retired DEA Special Agent, Author, Podcast Host, Public Speaker, and all-around good guy, Steve Murphy, for the introduction. You may know Steve from the Netflix story, DEA Narcos, and his popular Game of Crimes Podcast. Ian Bick is an entrepreneur, storyteller, and host of the hit podcast Locked In with Ian Bick, where he explores real stories of incarceration, redemption, and the human capacity for change. His content has reached hundreds of millions of viewers across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Spotify. At 18, Ian became one of the youngest nightclub owners in the country. But the rapid success came with high pressure, debt, and a gambling addiction that led him to make destructive choices. At 21, he was convicted of federal wire fraud and served three years in federal prison. In January 2023, he launched Locked In with Ian Bick, a podcast that gives a platform to former inmates, law enforcement, attorneys, survivors, and others whose lives intersect with the criminal justice system. Today, the show has become one of the fastest-growing justice-focused podcasts in the country, known for its raw honesty, emotional depth, and willingness to go where most media won’t. Ian now speaks in prisons, schools, recovery programs, and reentry organizations across the United States, connecting with people who feel stuck or defined by their mistakes. His message is real and rooted in lived experience. It was such a pleasure getting to know Ian and his producer, Matt (Matty Ice). They rolled out the red carpet for me and made this an incredible experience. As of today’s recording, one of the TikTok reels Ian made from my interview is getting close to half a million views! https://www.tiktok.com/@ianbick/video/7584901104773729566?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7145094841457509930 In today’s episode, we discuss: · What was it like growing up for you? What did your folks do for a living? · He wanted to be an FBI agent. · When he got bitten by the entrepreneur bug? · Ian’s gambling addiction. When did that start, and what did it look like? · Being convicted of wire fraud and spending 3 years in federal prison. · The shocking way Ian was taken into custody! · Prison life. What surprised him the most and least? · Drugs, cellphones, and other contraband in prison. · Was the population voluntarily segregated by race, like in most state prisons? Were there any prison gangs? · How he was mistaken for a pedophile. · Was he ever physically assaulted? · His time in solitary confinement. · Halfway house life. · The Mister Beast Challenge. What was the most difficult part of this and the easiest? · The guest or moment when things really clicked for Ian’s podcast that pushed him to the next level. · What is the best way to grow a podcast? All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Visit Ian's website to learn more about him and his podcast, Locked In With Ian Bick! Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel! Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website.

Hey cops and writers, thanks for being here with us today for another episode of the Cops and Writers podcast! I’m Patrick O’Donnell, and I will be your host for today’s show. Before I start, can I ask you all a favor? If you are enjoying this podcast, could you please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It is so important, thank you. This show is listener supported, so thanks to all of you who keep this show going! I would especially like to thank those of you who are patrons of the show. Most notably, Frances Sheldrick, Kathleen Donnelly, Fran Cross, Katherine Kovacic, Richard Towles, Ryan Ta, Carl Vonderau, Melinda Colt, Jodi Burnett, and Richard Rybicki. Your generosity helps pay for the software, equipment, and my time producing this show. Yes, you too can become a patron for less than a cup of coffee or a pint of Guinness. Just go to patreon.com/copsandwriters. Welcome everyone, for my interview with my friend, podcaster, author, and retired NYPD Detective, Vic Ferrari. Vic worked a distinguished twenty-year career with the NYPD as a patrol officer and later moved up to the organized crime unit, working in the auto theft squad as a detective. Vic is now an author with nine books published, the most recent NYPD: Behind The Blue Wall Of Silence, and host of his very popular podcast, NYPD Through The Looking Glass. It’s always fun chatting with Vic and hearing his stories from the NYPD. Please enjoy my conversation with the one and only, Vic Ferrari! In today’s episode, we discuss: · Vic explains the title and intro to his newest book, NYPD: Behind The Blue Wall Of Silence. · A nude sunbathing cop on the roof of a precinct. · The herpes triangle. · What’s a rip? · Cops vs Firefighters football/hockey games. Why the bad blood? · Off-duty shenanigans. · Principal Fran Dresser and the power of the press. · Citizen complaints. · Working plainclothes in the anti-crime unit. · Wendy the whiner. · Hats and bats. · What happens to someone who assaults a horse used for crowd control? · His brother’s solution to the homeless problem. · Vic’s podcast, NYPD Thorough The Looking Glass. · Vic’s livestream with Det. Marique Bartoldus on 12-17-25 at 7:00 pm Eastern. All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Check out Vic's Amazon Author Page! Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel! Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website.

Hey cops and writers, thanks for being here with us today for another episode of the Cops and Writers podcast! I’m Patrick O’Donnell, and I will be your host for today’s show. Before I start, can I ask you all a favor? If you are enjoying this podcast, could you please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It is so important, thank you. This show is listener-supported, so thanks to all of you who keep this show going! I would especially like to thank those of you who are patrons of the show. Most notably, Frances Sheldrick, Kathleen Donnelly, Frank Cross, Katherine Kovacic, Richard Towles, Ryan Ta, Carl Vonderau, Melinda Colt, Jodi Burnett, and Richard Rybicki. Your generosity helps pay for the software, equipment, and my time producing this show. Yes, you too can become a patron for less than a cup of coffee or a pint of Guinness. Just go to patreon.com/copsandwriters. Welcome everyone, for my interview with attorney, author, former California State Assemblyman, and son of a murdered father, Mike Gatto. Mike Gatto served four terms in the California Legislature, representing Los Angeles. He chaired the Appropriations Committee, served as Assistant Speaker, and authored several pieces of landmark legislation. On November 13, 2013, his father, Joseph Gatto, was brutally murdered in a home-invasion robbery, which remains unsolved. Mike wrote the book, Noir by Necessity: How My Father's Unsolved Murder Took Me to Dark Places, which documents his father’s brutal murder and the investigation that took place. Mike takes the reader along with him, witnessing Mike’s frustration, anger, and grief. It was indeed an honor to talk with Mike. He was honest and sincere, taking me to places during the interview I didn’t expect. I hope and pray that someday soon the killer in this case is brought to justice and the Gatto family can get some much-deserved answers. In today’s episode, we discuss: · Why Mike went into politics and what his wife thought. · The governors Mike worked for? · What and who were his biggest influences? · His father working 3 jobs and the impact he had on others, discipline, including white glove inspections. · On November 12, 2013, Joseph Gatto was murdered in an apparent home-invasion robbery. This case is still unsolved to this day! · How did you explain what happened to your father to your kids? · His first contact with the police regarding his father’s murder. · LAPD’s Robbery/Homicide taking the lead in this investigation. · Mike hiring a private detective. Was it worth his time and money and the pushback from the LAPD? Would you entertain a psychic or other non-traditional avenues? · The pressure he received from his own party to become the face of gun control. · The idea of closure is a fairy tale. Most families of murder victims never achieve this. · His book Noir by Necessity: How My Father's Unsolved Murder Took Me to Dark Places. All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Please visit Mike's website to learn more about him and his book. Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel! Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website.

Welcome back, everyone, to the conclusion of my interview with former Assistant District Attorney, Police Superintendent, Professor, Podcaster, and Author Patrick Welsh. Pat Welsh was an ADA turned cop. During his distinguished career, he rose through the ranks to become superintendent of the Dayton Police Department. He worked and supervised in patrol, investigations, including narcotics and homicide. He received numerous commendations, department citations, and awards of merit. He also taught the DPD Academy to recruits and in-service. Pat is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy, the Ohio Police Executive Leadership College, and the Secret Service Executive Protection for Command Officers. Retired in 2012 and joined the Southern Police Institute, the University of Louisville, as an adjunct instructor/professor, teaching: Legal Issues in Prosecuting Homicides; Leadership; Command Officer Development. From an orphanage in Dublin, Ireland, to the West Wing of the White House and everything in between. I had a blast talking Irish and police stuff with Pat. I think you’re going to like it, too. Please enjoy the conclusion of my interview with Pat Welsh! In today’s episode, we discuss: · What was the academy like, being a former ADA? · Was being a police officer what you thought it would be? Did you ever regret switching over to the PD? · Stories of protecting presidents and their wives, pros, and cons. · You climbed the ladder at Dayton PD. Why did he want to promote? · What was Pat’s favorite rank in law enforcement? · What is law enforcement doing right and wrong today? · Pat’s advice for someone who wants to be a cop? · Officer involved shootings policy and procedure. · Why he wrote Warrior, Servant, Leader. · The Warrior, Servant, Leader Podcast. · What makes a good leader? · “We’re all born unique, but sadly we die as photocopies.” All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Follow Pat on his LinkedIn page. Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel! Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website.