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. DEA Agent J. Todd Scott: From Busting International Drug Dealers to Writing and Producing Dutton Ranch (Part One)

    5d ago

    DEA Agent J. Todd Scott: From Busting International Drug Dealers to Writing and Producing Dutton Ranch (Part One)

    Send us Fan Mail The name of this podcast is Cops and Writers. My guest on the show today, J Todd Scott, definitely fits that bill. The conclusion of this interview will air next Sunday! Todd spent 30 years as a special agent for the DEA, being assigned to multiple locations across the United States and the world. During his time as a special agent, he took part in investigations leading to tons of seized illegal drugs and millions of dollars in illegal drug proceeds. He was a part of the first group of agents to be assigned to Haiti for a long-term mission, where he escaped certain death multiple times by the skin of his teeth.  Todd has always had a passion for stories and writing, and pursued this when he retired from federal service.  He’s authored six critically acclaimed crime and thriller novels. He’s also a film/TV producer and screenwriter. His work includes the Lawmen: Bass Reeves series, and he is a producer and writer for the spinoff to the massively popular Yellowstone series, Dutton Ranch. I loved talking with Todd. He has lived and is living a life that books and movies are made of; now he’s telling the stories.    In today’s episode, we discuss: ·      Growing up in rural Kentucky.  ·      Having no relatives or friends in law enforcement, and joining the DEA. ·      Why did he choose the DEA? ·      Thinking his career with the DEA would be like the Miami Vice television series. ·      His first day on the job as a special agent assigned to the Los Angeles field office. ·      The multiple work locations where he worked as a DEA agent.   ·      Training local law enforcement and running active investigations in Haiti. ·      Dealing with corruption within the Hattian Police Department. ·      Being caught in a street mob in Haiti and barely making it out alive. ·      What is the biggest threat to the United States? What is the role of illegal drugs?  All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Head on over to Todd's website to learn more about him and his work. Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop! Head on over to my website!  What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop? My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog. That's chapter 1. There are 33 more. Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon.  Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th Support the show

    1h 4m
  2. Police Officer Mike Martinez: Surviving 3 Life and Death Incidents in His First 18 Months as a Cop (Part Two)

    May 24

    Police Officer Mike Martinez: Surviving 3 Life and Death Incidents in His First 18 Months as a Cop (Part Two)

    Send us Fan Mail “Have you ever shot someone?” Most cops will be asked this throughout their careers, including myself. Most cops go to retirement without having to take a life. Then others have been involved in multiple officer-involved shootings (OIS). Most of the time, there is no rhyme or reason to this. Although your chances of being involved in an OIS are much greater if you are actually doing police work and not hiding behind a desk for 25 years.  Welcome back, everyone, to the conclusion of one of the most dramatic and impactful stories I have ever encountered since I started this podcast with Police Officer Michael Martinez of the San Diego Police Department.  A little about Mike. Michael Martinez has been a police officer with the San Diego Police Department for about 10 years. After phase training, he was assigned to Southern Division, where he worked a variety of assignments, including Patrol, Acting Detective, and Field Training Officer.  Officer Martinez has been involved in four Officer-Involved Shootings, the first three within his first 18 months after field training. He took advantage of a career-and life-changing opportunity that was offered to him by the San Diego Police Department’s Wellness Unit. He was diagnosed with PTSD and now shares his story with fellow law enforcement officers. He is currently a member of the Department’s OIS Peer Support Team and is currently assigned to the Department’s Wellness Unit. Officer Martinez has received numerous awards and commendations, including a Medal for Valor. He truly believes his assignment is his calling to help others who are struggling in silence. His goal is to break the stigma of seeking and receiving help within the first responder profession and to be a resource to officers and their families.    I admire Mike’s honesty and willingness to help other cops who have gone through the trauma of being in an OIS. Mike has been through the wringer and is now helping his fellow cops. Please enjoy this raw and powerful interview with Police Officer Mike Martinez.    In today’s episode, we discuss: ·      The second officer involved shooting. Has he gone back to where it happened? ·      Did he react differently to this one compared to the first? ·      The third officer involved in a shooting. Did any bosses or friends suggest that he take a break from the street? How was his drinking and family life? ·      A breakdown of the third OIS. ·      The wellness unit confronting him while he was drunk. ·      His path towards a first responder-only treatment facility. ·      His experience there: how long and what did that treatment look like?. ·      Life after treatment. ·      Being voluntold to be on the wellness unit. ·      An overview of his fourth officer-involved shooting.  ·      What was different about this one in how he dealt with it? ·      Was there ever a time when he thought perhaps he was in the wrong line of work and should get out while he was still in one piece? ·      His advice to someone who is going through a tough patch in their police career. ·      How can someone prepare for a career in LE?  Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop! Head on over to my website!  What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop? My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog. That's chapter 1. There are 33 more. Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon.  Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th Support the show

    1h 26m
  3. Police Officer Mike Martinez: Surviving 3 Life and Death Incidents in His First 18 Months as a Cop (Part One)

    May 17

    Police Officer Mike Martinez: Surviving 3 Life and Death Incidents in His First 18 Months as a Cop (Part One)

    Send us Fan Mail “Have you ever shot someone?” Most cops will be asked this throughout their careers, including myself. Most cops go to retirement without having to take a life. Then others have been involved in multiple officer-involved shootings (OIS). Most of the time, there is no rhyme or reason to this. Although your chances of being involved in an OIS are much greater if you are actually doing police work and not hiding behind a desk for 25 years.  Welcome everyone to part one of one of the most dramatic and impactful stories I have ever encountered since I started this podcast with Police Officer Michael Martinez of the San Diego Police Department. The conclusion of this interview will air next Sunday! A little about Mike. Michael Martinez has been a police officer with the San Diego Police Department for about 10 years. After phase training, he was assigned to the Southern Division, where he had the opportunity to work a variety of assignments, including Patrol, Acting Detective, and Field Training Officer.  Officer Martinez has been involved in four Officer-Involved Shootings, the first three within his first 18 months after field training. He took advantage of a career-and life-changing opportunity that was offered to him by the San Diego Police Department’s Wellness Unit. He was diagnosed with PTSD and now shares his story with fellow law enforcement officers. He is currently a member of the Department’s OIS Peer Support Team and is currently assigned to the Department’s Wellness Unit. Officer Martinez has received numerous awards and commendations, including a Medal for Valor. He truly believes his assignment is his calling to help others who are struggling in silence. His goal is to break the stigma of seeking and receiving help within the first responder profession and to be a resource to officers and their families.    Mike is as genuine as they get. I admire his honesty and willingness to help other cops who have gone through the trauma of being in an OIS. Please enjoy this frank and powerful interview with Police Officer Mike Martinez.    In today’s episode, we discuss: ·      Thank you, Mike, for your openness and honesty with this subject matter.  ·      Growing up in San Diego and being a troubled youth. ·      Getting sucked into the gangster lifestyle as a kid.  ·      Leaving San Diego and going to college in Hawaii. ·      Working as a security officer in Hawaii, especially dealing with violent / emotionally disturbed people. How that prepare him to become a cop. ·      Non-cops being first responders to calls dealing with violent, emotionally ill people. ·      Working in corrections. ·      Moving back to San Diego and working as animal control as a road to becoming a San Diego Police officer. Interesting or funny assignments regarding that and evacuating animals during wildfires. ·      Getting on the SDPD at age 30. Pros and cons. ·      His first OIS. What were the physiological and psychological effects?  ·      Deteriorating home life after the shooting. ·      Abusing alcohol to ease the physiological and psychological effects of being in the shooting. ·      Backlash from the media and possibly friends and family. All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop! Head on over to my website!  What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop? My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog. That's chapter 1. There are 33 more. Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon.  Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th Support the show

    1h 25m
  4. What the Dead Know With New York City Death Investigator Barbara Butcher.

    May 10

    What the Dead Know With New York City Death Investigator Barbara Butcher.

    Send us Fan Mail One pleasure of hosting this podcast is having some of your favorite people come back on the show. Today’s episode is one of those occurrences. Today on the show, I welcome back retired New York City Death Investigator, author, and television star, Barbara Butcher. I had Barbara on the podcast back in 2023 on episodes 127 and 128.  Barbara Butcher spent 23 years at the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner as a death investigator, director of the Forensic Sciences Training Program, and chief of staff. There, she investigated over 5500 deaths, 680 of them homicides. She worked mass disasters, including 9/11, the 2004 tsunami in Thailand, the London Underground bombing, and the crash of Flight 587. During this interview, Barbara gives us a peek into the life of a big city death investigator, and we talk about her book, What the Dead Know: Learning About Life as a New York City Death Investigator and her new TV special The Death Investigator with Barbara Butcher, and the television pilot that is being filmed based on her life at the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office.  I hope you all enjoy this interview as much as I did.  In today’s episode, we discuss: ·      Growing up in New York, being the oldest of nine kids, and her dad being on the New York Police Department, rising to the rank of Deputy Inspector. ·      How her father’s position in the NYPD affected her career with the M.E.’s office? ·      The snowball fight against the cops that got out of hand. ·      The cops are for us. ·      How she got the job with the New York Medical Examiner’s Office as a death investigator, and the training involved in the job.  ·      The job of the death investigator. ·      Time of death. How that is determined, and how different it is on TV and in movies ·      Besides the time of death, what are some of the biggest misconceptions or inaccuracies on TV or movies regarding death investigations? ·      Her book, What the Dead Know: Learning About Life as a New York City Death Investigator. ·      Her new show, The Death Investigator with Barbara Butcher. ·      The relationship she had with the cops and how they worked together to solve the crime. You can see the bond she had with the cops in her new series, The Death Investigator, with Barbara Butcher.  All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Check out Barbara's website to learn more about her and her amazing career! Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop! Head on over to my website!  What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop? My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog. That's chapter 1. There are 33 more. Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon.  Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th Support the show

    1h 12m
  5. Undercover Trooper & ATF Special Agent Jennifer Eskew. Becoming Fire! (Part Two)

    May 3

    Undercover Trooper & ATF Special Agent Jennifer Eskew. Becoming Fire! (Part Two)

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back, everyone, for the conclusion of my interview with retired ATF Special Agent Jennifer Eskew.  A little about Jennifer. Jennifer (CLARKE) Eskew is a former Virginia State Trooper, a retired ATF Senior Special Agent, an Author, and a subject matter expert in undercover operations, fire and explosion origin and cause determinations, and criminal investigations involving the violent crimes of arson and bombings, armed career criminals, and financial fraud. Jennifer graduated from the Virginia State Police Academy in 1986, beginning her career as a uniform trooper, then as an undercover trooper. This period of her law enforcement career is the focus of her newly released debut true crime memoir: BECOMING FIRE: Chasing the Passion to Protect, Serve, and Love.   Jennifer became a Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in 1990.  She worked undercover and investigated criminal cases, eventually joining the ATF National Response Team in 1994, becoming a Certified Explosives Specialist and a Certified Fire Investigator. She was involved in many large-scale arson/bombing investigations, including Centennial Park, Sandy Springs double bombings, The Otherside Lounge bombing, and the 9/11 Pentagon terror attack.  She’s currently writing her second true-crime memoir, highlighting her undercover casework with ATF. Please enjoy this fascinating conversation as we focus on her career with the ATF and the dangerous, undercover, and high-profile cases she investigated.   In today’s episode, we discuss: ·      Why Jennifer chose a career with the ATF? ·      The differences in switching over from state law enforcement to a federal agency.  ·      Her first undercover role with the ATF. ·      Her most memorable assignment was with the ATF.  ·      Responding to the Pentagon on 9/11 and doing the arduous task of collecting evidence from the plane crash. ·      Jennifer’s advice she would give to someone who wants to be a trooper or ATF agent. ·      The physical and mental aftermath of agents working at the crash site at the Pentagon. ·      Her new book, Becoming Fire: Chasing the Passion to Protect, Serve, and Love: A True Crime Memoir. ·      Having the legendary Lt. Joe Kenda blurb her book.  All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Please visit Jennifer's website to learn more about her and her book. Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop! Head on over to my website!  What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop? My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog. That's chapter 1. There are 33 more. Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon.  Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th Support the show

    1h 2m
  6. Undercover Trooper & ATF Special Agent Jennifer Eskew. Becoming Fire! (Part One)

    Apr 26

    Undercover Trooper & ATF Special Agent Jennifer Eskew. Becoming Fire! (Part One)

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome everyone, to part one of my interview with retired ATF Special Agent Jennifer Eskew. The conclusion of this interview will air next Sunday! A little about Jennifer: Jennifer (CLARKE) Eskew is a former Virginia State Trooper, a retired ATF Senior Special Agent, an Author, and subject matter expert in undercover operations, fire and explosion origin and cause determinations, and criminal investigations involving the violent crimes of arson and bombings, armed career criminals, and financial fraud. Jennifer graduated from the Virginia State Police Academy in 1986, beginning her career as a uniform trooper, then as an undercover trooper. This period of her law enforcement career is the focus of her newly released debut true-crime memoir, BECOMING FIRE: Chasing the Passion to Protect, Serve, and Love.  Jennifer became a Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in 1990. She worked undercover and investigated criminal cases, eventually joining the ATF National Response Team in 1994, becoming a Certified Explosives Specialist and a Certified Fire Investigator. She was involved in numerous large-scale arson/bombing investigations, including Centennial Park, Sandy Springs double bombings, The Otherside Lounge bombing, and the 9/11 Pentagon terror attack.  She’s currently writing her second true-crime memoir, highlighting her undercover casework with the ATF. Please enjoy this fascinating conversation as we track Jennifer’s early law enforcement career as she transitioned from trooper to ATF agent. Next week, we focus on her career with the ATF and the dangerous, undercover, and high-profile cases she investigated.   In today’s episode, we discuss: ·      The violent incident that happened to her mother and sister that shook her small town and lit the fuse to her wanting to be in law enforcement.  ·      From wanting to save Free Willy to becoming a cop. How did that happen? ·      How a trip to Japan at a young age molded her future.  ·      Going into the Virginia State Police academy and the medical scare that almost prevented her from becoming a trooper. ·      Having a boss tell her class that women and wine will torpedo your career. ·      An unusual first day of field training. ·      The pitfalls of unprofessional FTO / Recruit relationships. ·      Jennifer’s first day of going out solo as a trooper. ·      Becoming an undercover trooper. How she got picked and what cases she worked on. ·      Going undercover to catch a bomber on a college campus. ·      Being bait for a serial killer. All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Please visit Jennifer's website to learn more about her and her book. Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop! Head on over to my website!  What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop? My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog. That's chapter 1. There are 33 more. Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon.  Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th Support the show

    1h 4m

  7. Apr 19

    30 Years. 50 Banks. How FBI Agent Ray Carr Caught the Most Prolific Bank Robber in History. (Part 2)

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back, everyone, for the conclusion of my interview with Retired FBI Special Agent, Author, and Professor Raymond Carr.  When we think of bank robberies, it conjures up visions of iconic movies like Dog Day Afternoon, Heat, and, of course, Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze battling it out in Point Break. My guest on the show today, retired FBI Special Agent Raymond Carr, hunted down hundreds of real bank robbers.  Today’s episode, we will break down that one defining case of a career for Ray, the most prolific bank robber of all time, who was known as the Friday Night Bank Robber, Carl Gugasian. Carl evaded capture for thirty years before Ray was on the case. Carl is believed to have been involved in over 50 robberies before Ray ultimately arrested him.  We will also dive into Ray’s life after leaving the bureau, being a college professor, and writing the book, 30 Years On The Run: The Hunt For The Most Prolific Bank Robber In History. Please enjoy this fascinating conversation with the FBI agent who caught the bank robber who was on the run for over 30 years and brought him to justice.    In today’s episode, we discuss: ·      The Friday Night Bank Robber, Carl Gugasian. When and how he first become aware of him and started working on the case? ·      A breakdown of the case.  ·      Carl’s background. ·      Over 30 years of robbing banks! ·      Army Ranger and 3rd degree black belt in karate. ·      Troubled youth. ·      His bunkers. ·      His sometimes violent robberies ·      How he was arrested. ·      How Ray got a confession.  ·      Statute of limitations on bank robberies and how this played out in this case. ·      Ray’s relationship with Carl.  ·      When is Carl eligible to get out of prison? ·      Life after retirement. What Ray misses the most about being in the FBI, or least? ·      Ray’s book, 30 Years On The Run: The Hunt For The Most Prolific Bank Robber In History. Why write it? All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Check out Ray's website!  Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop! What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop? My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog. That's chapter 1. There are 33 more. Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon.  Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th Support the show

    1 hr
  8. FBI Agent Ray Carr Caught the Most Prolific Bank Robber in History… But First, How It All Started. (Part One)

    Apr 12

    FBI Agent Ray Carr Caught the Most Prolific Bank Robber in History… But First, How It All Started. (Part One)

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome, everyone, to part one of my interview with Retired FBI Special Agent, Author, and Professor Raymond Carr. The conclusion of this interview will air next Sunday! When we think of bank robberies, it conjures up visions of iconic movies like Dog Day Afternoon, Heat, and, of course, Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze battling it out in Point Break. My guest on the show today, retired FBI Special Agent Raymond Carr, hunted down hundreds of real bank robbers, including the most prolific bank robber of all time, who was known as the Friday Night Bank Robber, Carl Gugasian. Carl evaded capture for thirty years before Ray was on the case. Carl is believed to have been involved in over 50 robberies before Ray ultimately arrested him.  A little about Ray. Dr Raymond J Carr is a retired 26-year veteran of the FBI, and during his career was responsible for investigations into a wide array of criminal behavior, including, but not limited to, drugs, Terrorism, violent, and white-collar crimes.  Dr Carr is currently an associate professor at Wilmington University and the Director of the Wilmington University Criminal Justice Institute.  Please enjoy this fascinating conversation with the FBI agent who caught the bank robber who was on the run for over 30 years and brought him to justice.    In today’s episode, we discuss: ·      Growing up an Army brat.  ·      Having a dad who was a Korean and Vietnam War hero. ·      Being of service. ·      What influenced him to go into the FBI? ·      Relatives who were in law enforcement. ·      Ray’s FBI academy experience. ·      When he first got interested in criminal behavior or profiling. ·      What do TV and movies get wrong about profiling? ·      The science of criminal behavior/profiling. ·      What drives someone to become an active shooter in a school? ·      The most common bank robberies. ·      Funny bank robbery stories. All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Check out Ray's website!  Head on over to my website to learn more about me and my books! Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop! What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop? My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog. That's chapter 1. There are 33 more. Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon.  Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th Support the show

    57 min
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4.9
out of 5
58 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
    306
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cops and Writers Podcast
  • Show Website
    Cops and Writers Podcast

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