Cops and Writers Podcast

Patrick O'Donnell

Cops and Writers is a podcast hosted by retired police sergeant and author, Patrick O'Donnell. The podcast provides valuable insights and humor for crime writers who want to create accurate and believable police stories. O'Donnell conducts in-depth interviews with members of law enforcement and civilian experts, discussing police procedures and culture. He also interviews crime fiction writers and writers from different genres, discussing what works in the ever-changing landscape of book sales and publishing. The podcast offers candid stories told with cop humor and technical details about the world of law enforcement. 

  1. 1D AGO

    Michael Dilks, Undercover Narcotics Cop Being The Target of a FBI and DEA Investigation! (Part Two)

    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

    1h 7m

  2. 4D AGO

    Police Stories: The Rookie Years. Wow! That's Realistic!

    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: Why Rachel didn't want to work with Patrick (Grace told her everything)The silent treatment shift: eight hours, no breaks, zero conversationA running gunfight between two couples that ends in District Five's lobbyThe anti-drunk driving display with a real casket and crime scene tape"Oh, the irony of it all."How dark humor helps cops survive the worst nights📘 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

    10 min

  3. FEB 8

    Michael Dilks: Undercover Narcotics Cop Being The Target of a FBI and DEA Investigation! (Part One)

    Send 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

    1h 5m

  4. FEB 5

    Police Stories: The Rookie Years. Cannibal Dad!

    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: Patrick received his District Five Honor and Valor tie bar after getting off probation.The first shift riding with Tommie—no training officer, just two rookies.A family trouble call that starts with the smell of booze and a blood-stained shirt."My daddy bit my nose off!"The head-through-drywall moment: "Holy shit, O'Donnell! We k*lled him!"A father who swallowed part of his daughter's nose and "smacked his lips as if he'd just finished a steak dinner."The moment two rookie cops realize just how dark the job can get.📘 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

    11 min

  5. FEB 1

    Going Undercover With Las Vegas Metro Police Sergeant Jenn Benjamins! (Part Two)

    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

    1h 11m

  6. JAN 29

    Police Stories: The Rookie Years. Pistol Packing Grandma Moses!

    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

    9 min

  7. JAN 25

    Going Undercover With Las Vegas Metro Police Sergeant Jenn Benjamins! (Part One)

    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

    1h 9m

  8. JAN 22

    Police Stories: The Rookie Years. Introduction and Baptism By Fire!

    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, Baptism By Fire! 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

    16 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Cops and Writers is a podcast hosted by retired police sergeant and author, Patrick O'Donnell. The podcast provides valuable insights and humor for crime writers who want to create accurate and believable police stories. O'Donnell conducts in-depth interviews with members of law enforcement and civilian experts, discussing police procedures and culture. He also interviews crime fiction writers and writers from different genres, discussing what works in the ever-changing landscape of book sales and publishing. The podcast offers candid stories told with cop humor and technical details about the world of law enforcement. 

Information

  • Creator
    Patrick O'Donnell
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    285
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cops and Writers Podcast
  • Show Website
    Cops and Writers Podcast

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