Cops, Criminals, and Christ

Dale Sutherland
  • 3.7 (6)
  • True Crime

"Cops, Criminals & Christ" is a podcast delving into the intertwining worlds of law enforcement, crime, and faith. With Dale Sutherland, a former narcotics Sergeant turned pastor, it features gripping narratives and candid interviews exploring behind-the-scenes work of life undercover, as well as the transformative power of faith in the lives of both cops and criminals. Tune in for compelling insights and real-life stories that challenge, inspire, and reveal God’s grace available through it all, at the hands of its host and Dale’s daughter, Kristen Crew.

  1. Aug 22

    A Former Inmate’s Story of Crime & A Cop’s Message of Hope (Part 1)

    We talk with a former inmate about how prison forces you to face conflict head-on and why respect and staying out of other people’s drama can keep you alive. We trace his path from a tough DC-area upbringing to decades behind bars, then close with fatherhood advice, practical skill-building, and a clear picture of grace and commitment to Christ.  • why avoiding problems works outside but fails in prison  • how unresolved issues fester under lockdown conditions  • the role of scarcity jealousy and survival mentality in jail  • growing up on the DC Maryland line and earning respect  • first incarceration for second degree murder and doing time in Maryland  • why there are no secrets in prison and reputation travels  • mind your business and respect as non-negotiable rules  • getting out building a family then returning to drug trafficking  • how conspiracy cases form and what a 210-month federal sentence costs  • federal prison classification transfers and the strain on family visits  • staying connected to kids through communication and perspective  • learning skills education and the reality of prison pastimes  • the gospel as a courtroom story and the call to repent  Let's connect! Instagram: @theundercoverpastor Facebook: @theundercoverpastor Tik Tok: @theundercoverpastor Youtube: @dalesutherlandundercoverpastor Website: theundercoverpastor.com

  2. Aug 4

    Homelessness to Hope: Inside LA’s Dream Center with Matthew Barnett

    In this episode, Dale Sutherland, The Undercover Pastor, sits down at the Los Angeles Dream Center with founder Matthew Barnett to explore how a 400,000-square-foot former hospital became a home for 600 residents, a kitchen feeding over a thousand people a day, and a launchpad for second chances. From Skid Row to courtrooms, the Dream Center operates like a grand central station for mercy: yearlong recovery programs, GED classes, Scripture memorization, and daily rhythms that move people from survival mode to sustainable growth. Matthew shares the unlikely origin story—purchased from the Catholic Church to preserve a legacy of compassion—and the leadership shift that shaped everything: die to success, live to bless. You’ll hear the bridge story of an 18-year resident of the streets who finally said yes, graduated the program, and went on to Bible school. You’ll meet Daniel, a former gang member shedding both a face tattoo and an old identity. Together, we unpack partnerships with judges and local police who sentence people to the program instead of jail, and we wrestle honestly with relapse, return, and why a 70% graduation rate still leaves room for radical grace. Shame is often the first barrier—vision is the first medicine. We also dig into micro-compassion: the quick, practical help that restores power after a fire or fills a fridge for a family crushed by rising rent. Along the way, Dale and Matthew reflect on how the work changes the worker—trading five-year plans for a lifetime calling, swapping platform for presence, and discovering freedom in responding to the next need at the door. If you’re hungry for proof that redemption scales, this conversation delivers grit, Scripture, and a blueprint for patient, city-wide change. If this episode moved you, tap follow, share it with a friend, and leave a review telling us which story sparked hope for you. Your words help more people find their way to a second chance. Let's connect! Instagram: @theundercoverpastor Facebook: @theundercoverpastor Tik Tok: @theundercoverpastor Youtube: @dalesutherlandundercoverpastor Website: theundercoverpastor.com

  3. Jan 27

    From Border Roots to Prison Ministry

    From border politics to prison ministry: Dale Sutherland (The Undercover Pastor) interviews Saul Ramirez, who grew up on the U.S.–Mexico border in Laredo, Texas. Power, pressure, and integrity: Saul shares his rise from city council to mayor at 32, navigating corruption, faith awakening, and leadership under scrutiny. A faith redefined: A Gideon Bible and a missionary’s prayer shifted his understanding of success—from good works to grace-filled calling. National influence, lasting impact: Saul reflects on serving at HUD, advancing affordable housing and community planning beyond political cycles. When doors close, purpose opens: After politics, Saul rebuilt in the private sector—then stepped into jail ministry, leading Spanish worship and Bible study for incarcerated men. Hope behind locked doors: A raw conversation about surrender, repentance, forgiveness, and following Jesus when life doesn’t go as planned. If this moved you, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review so others can find the show. Let's connect! Instagram: @theundercoverpastor Facebook: @theundercoverpastor Tik Tok: @theundercoverpastor Youtube: @dalesutherlandundercoverpastor Website: theundercoverpastor.com

  4. Jan 16

    12 Things the Bible Doesn’t Say (But Many Christians Assume It Does)

    We talk through 12 common things Christians assume the Bible says, but it actually doesn’t. Not because those ideas are always “bad,” but because confusing Christian culture with Scripture can create unnecessary guilt, fear, and pressure. Former police officer and pastor Dale Sutherland is joined by Pastor Nate for a grounded conversation covering: 1. The Bible does not say every Christian will feel a “calling” for every decision. 2. The Bible does not say you will have total peace in all circumstances. 3. The Bible does not say your words or thoughts mystically create reality. 4. The Bible does not say every Christian’s destiny is big or public. 5. The Bible does not say you will always enjoy reading the Bible more than everything else. 6. The Bible does not say everything in the world is evil. 7. The Bible does not say all Christians will experience God the same way. 8. The Bible does not say Scripture verses alone cure all anxiety or mental-health struggles. 9. The Bible does not say godly people with faith never get sick. 10. The Bible does not say suffering automatically means God is displeased with you. 11. The Bible does not say faithful believers won’t experience emotional distress. 12. The Bible does not say it’s selfish to pray for your own needs. If you’ve ever felt like you were “failing” at Christianity because your experience didn’t match what you heard from others — this one is for you. Let's connect! Instagram: @theundercoverpastor Facebook: @theundercoverpastor Tik Tok: @theundercoverpastor Youtube: @dalesutherlandundercoverpastor Website: theundercoverpastor.com

  5. 12/19/2025

    A Navy SEAL and Undercover Cop on TBI, PTSD, Healing, and Faith

    Navy SEAL, Todd Peters, and The Undercover Pastor, Dale Sutherland  talk candidly about TBI, PTS, suicide risk, HBOT, and the plan to launch Rally Points  to help others heal. This episode covers: • choosing spiritual impact over tactical careers • Stronghold Alliance mission and model • chronic migraines and HBOT breakthrough • treating TBI and PTS without stigma • the invisible wound and family fallout • Rally Points as weekly brotherhood • training facilitators and partnering churches • credible access to military and law enforcement • funding treatment packages and scaling goals • stories of lives changed and sustained hope Let's connect! Instagram: @theundercoverpastor Facebook: @theundercoverpastor Tik Tok: @theundercoverpastor Youtube: @dalesutherlandundercoverpastor Website: theundercoverpastor.com

  6. 12/09/2025

    Deadly Force in the Bible and in Law Enforcement

    We wrestle with deadly force from the street to Scripture, weighing policy shifts, gritty case stories, and the tension between justice and mercy. We look at how a holy God judges sin, why any of us still live, and what true accountability should require. • defining deadly force beyond firearms • shift from fleeing felon doctrine to imminent threat • why “unarmed” does not always mean safe • two DC cases and missing context in headlines • human reactions after shootings and moral weight • sin, holiness, and divine judgment in Scripture • Korah’s rebellion and Acts 5 as warnings • the cross as perfect justice and perfect mercy • reframing the question toward grace and accountability Let's connect! Instagram: @theundercoverpastor Facebook: @theundercoverpastor Tik Tok: @theundercoverpastor Youtube: @dalesutherlandundercoverpastor Website: theundercoverpastor.com

  7. 11/24/2025

    A Navy SEAL Shares His Battle Stories and Beliefs with an Undercover Cop

    A Navy SEAL turned pastor talks to the Undercover Pastor about how combat, cold-water survival, and hard training shape character and faith. Stories from Panama to Alaska reveal why gentleness is strength under control and why real salvation begins when self-rescue ends. Let's connect! Instagram: @theundercoverpastor Facebook: @theundercoverpastor Tik Tok: @theundercoverpastor Youtube: @dalesutherlandundercoverpastor Website: theundercoverpastor.com

  8. 11/06/2025

    Investigating Grace: A Detective’s Case Study on the Thief on the Cross

    We trace the thief beside Jesus from likely crimes and arrest to trial, prison, and crucifixion, then turn to the shocking promise of paradise and what it says about grace. Law, guilt, and mercy collide as we ask who deserves a gift no one can repay. • bandit tactics in Judea and the meaning of lēstēs • how Romans used informants and undercover work • swift Roman trials and brutal prison conditions • the mechanics and purpose of crucifixion as deterrent • the thief’s confession, Jesus’ innocence, and the promise • how ancient reciprocity clashes with New Testament grace • why trying to repay God distorts the gift • a new community where merit does not rank people • standing in grace for cops, criminals, and everyone Like, comment, subscribe, and let us know what you think after you listen on this episode of Undercover Grace with the Undercover Pastor. Let's connect! Instagram: @theundercoverpastor Facebook: @theundercoverpastor Tik Tok: @theundercoverpastor Youtube: @dalesutherlandundercoverpastor Website: theundercoverpastor.com

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Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

"Cops, Criminals & Christ" is a podcast delving into the intertwining worlds of law enforcement, crime, and faith. With Dale Sutherland, a former narcotics Sergeant turned pastor, it features gripping narratives and candid interviews exploring behind-the-scenes work of life undercover, as well as the transformative power of faith in the lives of both cops and criminals. Tune in for compelling insights and real-life stories that challenge, inspire, and reveal God’s grace available through it all, at the hands of its host and Dale’s daughter, Kristen Crew.

Information

  • Creator
    Dale Sutherland
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cops, Criminals, and Christ
  • Show Website
    Cops, Criminals, and Christ

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