Two Ordinary Cops

benschultz

The two ordinary cops are former Northern Territory Police Officers Remote Sergeant Ben Schultz and Detective Sergeant Damien Barbe. With over 25 years experience Ben and Damo share stories from their time in the job. Follow along through the laughter, anger and tears that come with the rigours of Policing Australia’s last frontier.

  1. 6 days ago

    Episode 137 - The Man Who Wasn't There.

    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’s book, The Man Who Wasn’t There. But Damo was there. He takes us behind the headlines and into the investigation as it unfolded: the discovery of the body, the first crime scene, the breakthrough admission that suddenly changed everything, simultaneous arrests and the enormous investigative effort that followed. We also break down what television rarely shows — 12 to 18-hour days, search warrants, endless CCTV, exhibits, running sheets, intelligence coming in from dozens of directions, daily briefings and investigators following separate lines of inquiry before bringing everything back together. And Damo gives his own perspective on Greve and the investigation, while making clear where his personal opinion differs from the findings ultimately made by the court. It's an inside look at major crime from two former cops who have actually worked these investigations — where the breakthrough might happen in seconds, but getting there can take thousands of hours.

  2. 14 Aug

    Episode 136 – Behind the Cordon/ When Police Face the Unthinkable.

    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 our Big Camo Sauce – Extra Sauce on the Burger for going above and beyond. Then, because policing isn't always doom and gloom, we finish with a Carton of the Week involving NSW Police, a suspected body in a suitcase… and a very unexpected sex doll. Schultzy also gives a strong recommendation for David Raymond’s Vader: A Police Dog Story — the true story of Sergeant Raymond and Police Dog Vader, who spent five years tracking offenders, finding missing people and saving lives across North Queensland. An outstanding insight into what police dogs and their handlers do on the frontline. Get Vader: A Police Dog Story Available in paperback and eBook from Big Sky Publishing and through major Australian booksellers. Vader – Big Sky Publishing

  3. 7 Aug

    Episode 135 – Undercover, Unbroken: Todd Maguire

    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 you that you're never carrying it alone. If this episode encourages just one first responder to start a conversation, or reminds one person they're not alone, then it's been worth having. Todd Maguire's book – Death Wish 🇦🇺 Australia: toddmaguire.com.au 🌏 International / Amazon: Death Wish – International links

  4. 31 July

    Episode 134 – Courage Under Fire: When a Routine Call Turns Critical

    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 quickly turn an ordinary call into a fight for survival. As always, we recognise those who go above and beyond, with our Sauce of the Week awarded to two officers who demonstrated exceptional courage and commitment in the face of danger. This episode is a tribute to the bravery of our frontline police and a reminder that behind every emergency call is an unpredictable reality few people ever see.

  5. 24 July

    Episode 133 – Different Countries, Same Badge: Policing with Inspector Ben Dimmock

    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, including leadership, mentoring young officers, public scrutiny, social media, officer wellbeing and the psychological toll of the job. Together, they compare policing in the UK and Australia, discussing the challenges of recruiting the next generation, supporting officers through trauma, building psychologically safe workplaces and why good leadership is essential to keeping experienced police on the frontline. Despite the different uniforms, accents and countries, one thing becomes clear—policing is policing. This is an honest, insightful and thought-provoking conversation about the people behind the badge and why looking after those who protect our communities has never been more important.

  6. 17 July

    Episode 132 – More Than a Dog Handler: Purpose Through Tragedy with Joel Davidson

    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 of Brett Forte's murder, and the unimaginable heartbreak of losing his young son, Ollie. With remarkable honesty, he explains how tragedy changed his outlook on policing, leadership, fatherhood and life itself. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, mateship, purpose and the importance of looking after those around us. It's an episode that will leave you with a greater appreciation for the people behind the badge, the extraordinary bond between a handler and their police dog, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward when life delivers its toughest blows. If you've ever wondered what it takes to become a police dog handler—or how someone can turn unimaginable grief into a mission to help others—this is an episode you won't want to miss.

  7. 10 July

    Episode 131 – Personal Responsibility, Policing, and the Cost of Doing Your Job

    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 the way, the boys share stories from their own policing careers, debate the role of the courts, and ask whether current policies are giving frontline officers the confidence to do the job the public expects of them. To finish on a positive note, the inaugural Extra Sauce on the Burger Award is presented to a deserving police officer who has gone above and beyond for both his community and his colleagues. As always, this episode is built on the boys' own experiences and opinions, with the aim of encouraging respectful discussion around policing, justice, leadership and community safety.

  8. 3 July

    Episode 130 – The Real Northern Territory: Beyond the Headlines

    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 take you on a journey from Darwin to Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs and some of the Territory's most remote communities. They share the places they loved, the people they'll never forget, the humour that got them through the toughest days, and the realities of living and policing in Australia's last frontier. This isn't a policing episode—it's a conversation about a place that shaped who they are. Whether you've lived in the Territory, visited once, or have always wondered what life is really like beyond the headlines, this episode offers an honest, heartfelt and often hilarious look at one of Australia's most unique places. If you've ever wanted to know what the real Northern Territory is all about, this is the episode for you.

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4.7
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

The two ordinary cops are former Northern Territory Police Officers Remote Sergeant Ben Schultz and Detective Sergeant Damien Barbe. With over 25 years experience Ben and Damo share stories from their time in the job. Follow along through the laughter, anger and tears that come with the rigours of Policing Australia’s last frontier.

Information

  • Creator
    benschultz
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    143
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Two Ordinary Cops

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