Cops and Writers Podcast

Patrick O'Donnell
  • 4.9 (58)
  • TRUE CRIME
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

    18H AGO

    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

  2. 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
  3. 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

  4. APR 9

    Bonus Episode! A Novel Crime With Bestselling Author Deborah Levison!

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome everyone to a bonus episode of the Cops and Writers podcast, author spotlight with bestselling author and publicist, Deborah Levison. Her first book, THE CRATE, won seven literary awards, and Lee Child, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the JACK REACHER series, said, “THE CRATE is an impressive piece of work." Since then, she wrote A Nest of Snakes and recently released A Novel Crime, which has been described as “Uproariously funny, exquisitely unputdownable, and ingeniously plotted... the perfect, delicious escape."  Please enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with one of my favorite authors.  In today’s episode, we discuss: ·      Her award-winning and bestselling book, The Crate. ·      Growing up as a child of immigrants who were Holocaust survivors. ·      The growing antisemitic rhetoric in this country. ·      Lee Child giving her a glowing review for The Crate. ·      Her book launch for her newest book, A Novel Crime! Let’s just say sometimes things don’t always go as planned. All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Please visit Deborah Levison's website to learn more about her and her books. 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

    48 min
  5. Sgt. Betsy "Tactical Grandma" Brantner Smith; Undercover Cop, Sergeant, & Television Reality Star. (Part Two)

    APR 5

    Sgt. Betsy "Tactical Grandma" Brantner Smith; Undercover Cop, Sergeant, & Television Reality Star. (Part Two)

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome everyone to the conclusion of my interview with Naperville Police Department Retired Police Sergeant and now Spokesperson for the National Police Association, Betsy Brantner Smith.  Last week, we learned about Betsy’s journey from growing up in a small town on a farm to making it to a big-city police department and all the unthinkable harassment and bullying she endured from within her own agency.  This week, we learn about her work as an undercover cop involved in high-stakes takedowns in and around the Chicagoland area. When she walked away from that work, she went back to her agency and was promoted to sergeant, and the rest of her incredible 29 years in law enforcement. We even talk about a certain serial killer cop with whom she was forced to be partners and briefly interacted socially.   Please enjoy this sometimes shocking, fascinating, and genuine interview.   In today’s episode, we discuss: ·      Being an undercover cop with almost no backup or training.  · High-stakes narcotics investigations and almost getting her cover blown.  ·      Betsy’s ability to think on her feet and improvise during super-dangerous undercover situations. ·      Leaving a Chicagoland area drug Taskforce.  ·      Being a sergeant in charge of the K9 unit. ·      Turning down a promotion to lieutenant. ·      From 1999 to 2003, Betsy hosted various training programs and was a content expert for the Law Enforcement Television Network (LETN), is currently an on-air commentator and advisor for the Police One Academy.  ·      Being the focus of a police television reality show. Female Forces.  ·      Working with and socializing with wife-killer cop Drew Peterson. ·      What she sees cops doing right and wrong today. ·      What is the National Police Association, and your role with them?  All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Head on over to the National Police Association 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

    1 hr

  6. MAR 29

    Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith, Resilience Under Fire: The Early Years of a Female Cop Who Refused to Quit. (Part One)

    Send us Fan Mail Can you imagine being the only female in your police academy class? How about the instructor telling you that you shouldn’t be in the classroom and instead should be giving him a b*****b? Or being a rookie cop and being formally disciplined for egregious violations like failure to take a hint or having your feet too far apart for a female? Resilience and grit. Those are the words that come to mind when I interviewed today’s guest, retired Police Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith of the Naperville Police Department.  These are just some things she had to endure at the beginning of her over 29-year police career. The conclusion of this interview will air next Sunday! A little about Betsy: Betsy Brantner Smith started her career in law enforcement as a dispatcher when she was 17. Four years later, she began a 29-year career in a suburban Chicago department.  During her time as a cop and sergeant, she worked undercover in multi-jurisdictional agencies in Chicago and other areas around the city. She was also in charge of the K9 unit, FTO, and various other jobs, including investigations. She wrote the book, The Ten Code: 10 Law Enforcement Principles for Victory in Life: Police Techniques for Personal Achievement. Betsy has also been a dedicated trainer in law enforcement for years. Today, Betsy is the spokesperson for the National Police Association, a non-profit organization focused on supporting law enforcement through education, advocacy, and legal action. Please enjoy this sometimes shocking, fascinating, and genuine interview with someone who endured and overcame, making the lives of future female cops much better.   In today’s episode, we discuss: ·      Will the Bears win the Super Bowl?  ·      Growing up on a farm in Illinois.  ·      Learning her amazing work ethic as a young teen from her parents. ·      The influence of her father being an auxiliary sheriff's deputy.  ·      She and her dad working together on the local sheriff’s mounted posse. ·      Why she chose the Naperville PD and not the Chicago PD. ·      Her senior year in high school becoming a full-time police dispatcher.  ·      Facing shocking discrimination in the police academy and how she dealt with it.  ·      Almost getting fired for trumped-up charges like standing with her feet too far apart for a woman, and failure to take a hint.  ·      Her first day on the job and her first time going out solo on patrol. Head on over to the National Police Association 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

  7. MAR 22

    Civilians Replacing Cops? C.S.I.s Frank Carson & Bill Greene & The Future of Law Enforcement

    Send us Fan Mail With historical shortages in law enforcement, today's departments have to find ways of augmenting positions that were traditionally filled by sworn law enforcement officers. One option is to have civilians working these jobs. On today’s show, we will be highlighting the trend in crime scene investigations being civilianized. Some departments have embraced this a long time ago, having 100% civilians in this role, have a blend of civilian and sworn, or have dug in their heels and refuse to have civilian Crime Scene Investigators.   On the show today, I have two Crime Scene Investigators from the Prince George’s County Police Department.  William “Bill” Greene, who was hired as one of the first civilian C.S.I.s 42 years ago, and Frank Carson, who served as a sworn law enforcement officer with distinction for 35 years, and after retirement, went back to his department as a civilian C.S.I.  Bill and Frank both have incredible pedigrees that would take up most of the hour we have for the show. Frank has worked as a detective, a fatal crash investigator, a C.S.I., and other valuable roles with his department.  Bill has a very long list of impressive credentials and 42 years of investigating just about every type of crime imaginable.  Please enjoy this conversation with two pros as we map out the future of law enforcement. In today’s episode, we discuss: ·      Frank rejoins the ranks of the police department as a civilian C.S.I. after a long and distinguished career as a sworn officer.  Bill being one of the first civilian C.S.I.’s for the department.·      35mm cameras were used in police work before digital cameras. ·      The role of C.S.I. at a major crime scene in different departments. ·      Bill working on the case of the nurse who was suspected of killing at least ten of her patients before being arrested for murder. ·      Bill working the Len Bias death case. ·      The book, Never Suck a Dead Man's Hand by Dana Kollmann. ·      The future of civilians working in law enforcement.   All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. 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

    1h 5m

  8. MAR 19

    Police Stories: The Rookie Years. The Howells vs. Pam From The Office.

    Send us Fan Mail In this Last episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast bonus series, retired Milwaukee Police Sergeant Patrick O'Donnell reads Chapter 26, "The Howells vs. Pam From The Office," from his book: Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos, & Life as a Big City Cop BIG NEWS: The book launched yesterday and is LIVE NOW on Amazon (Kindle + Paperback). After weeks of heavy stories - triple homicides, kidnappings, dying declarations - tonight's different. It's a snowy Milwaukee night. A head-on collision in the middle of an intersection. A rookie cop who barely knows what he's doing. And three very different people. The Howells - a wealthy couple in a Jaguar XJ12 who looked like they stepped off Gilligan's Island. Thurston, in his expensive suit, Lovey in her full-length fur coat, demanding arrests. Pam - a young woman in a little black dress with piercing green eyes and blood-red lipstick. Fresh from an office Christmas party, now with a four-inch gash on her forehead. And a busybody nurse with a scowl for a facial covering who wanted to be a cop more than Patrick did, armed with a syringe and ready to draw blood. Sometimes being a rookie means pretending you know what you're doing. Even when you're making the sign of the cross with a red pen and calling it a sobriety test. All stories are real. Names and locations have been changed where necessary. 🎧 This episode includes: Two-car head-on collision at Lafayette and Lake DriveNissan Sentra vs. Jaguar XJ12 - both totaledThe couple who looked like Thurston and Lovey Howell from Gilligan's IslandThe young woman who looked like Pam from The OfficeLovey: "I demand that you arrest that young girl! Obviously, she's been drinking!"Mrs. Howell: "Look at her! Her little party dress, her hair, and makeup. She was definitely partying tonight!""If I'm going to investigate it as alcohol-related, I'll have to have your husband perform field sobriety tests.""My wife has had a bit too much to drink and isn't thinking clearly."The nurse: "I sure hope you're taking her in for drunk driving! I'll draw the blood for you!""Aren't you a little helper?" Patrick thoughtThe last time Patrick did an HGN test was at the police academy a year ago - he forgot how to do it properlyPatrick winked at Pam: "Just go along with it."The nurse stomped her feet: "I can't believe this! I'm calling your sergeant!"📘 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 Launch: LAUNCHED YESTERDAY - LIVE NOW! Book Status: Available on Amazon NOW (Kindle + Paperback). Already climbing the charts. 🔗 Get your copy NOW: 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 grab your copy of the book on Amazon. If you read it, please leave an honest review - launch week reviews make a huge difference. 🎙️ This is the FINAL bonus chapter. Next week, we're back to regular programming with guest interviews. Thank you for riding along these past weeks. Visit the Cops & Writers Website! Support the show

    13 min
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4.9
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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
    301
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cops and Writers Podcast
  • Show Website
    Cops and Writers Podcast

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