Pocket Sergeant Podcast

Paul Cooper
  • 0.0 (0)
  • TRUE CRIME

Hosted by former police officer and award-winning app creator Paul Cooper, this podcast explores the untold realities of frontline policing in the UK.Each episode features honest conversations with current and former officers, legal professionals, experts, and those with lived experience – covering everything from policing culture and mental health to groundbreaking innovation and criminal justice reform.Whether you’re a serving officer, aspiring recruit, or simply curious about life in uniform, the Pocket Sergeant Podcast pulls no punches and gives you the insight the headlines miss.Inspired by the app that’s helped tens of thousands of officers in policing, this podcast continues the mission: supporting those who serve.🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. 📲 Download the Pocket Sergeant app: www.pocketsergeant.co.uk 📕 Buy Sh*t Magnet: https://amzn.eu/d/cg6DWFH 📕 Buy From Trauma To Triumph: https://amzn.eu/d/4NqE8jq 📧 Get in touch / suggest a guest: support@pocketsergeant.co.uk

  1. APR 27

    When Your Own People Turn Against You | Colin Dixon

    In this powerful episode, Paul speaks with retired police officer Colin Dixon, who shares the reality of nearly 30 years on the frontline—both the highs of the job and the devastating personal toll it can take. From joining the police in 1990 with no qualifications, to working major investigations, drug operations, and proactive policing roles, Colin built a career defined by determination, instinct, and experience. But behind the commendations and successes was a very different story. Colin opens up about: The realities of frontline policing in the 90s vs todayMajor investigations and proactive policing workThe importance of “the devil in the detail” in catching offendersWorkplace conflict, bullying, and feeling targeted within the jobThe impact of stress, depression, and reaching breaking pointHitting rock bottom and the moment that changed everythingRebuilding himself and finishing his career with prideThis is an honest and raw account of policing—showing both the purpose it gives and the pressure it creates. Colin’s story highlights an uncomfortable truth: sometimes the biggest battles officers face aren’t on the streets… but within the job itself. Colin's book, Out of the Storm available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/OUT-STORM-JOURNEY-Veteran-Officers/dp/B09L3R79VB ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of mental health, depression, and suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek support from a trusted person or professional service. 🎧 Listen now to hear a story of resilience, experience, and survival against the odds. Who would you like to see on the podcast? Send us suggestions! Download the Pocket Sergeant app today Purchase Sh*t Magnet: A Frontline Officer's Stories Of Madness And Mayhem Purchase From Trauma To Triumph - The Pocket Sergeant Journey

    1h 15m

  2. APR 20

    What Happened When a Police Officer Reported Abuse… | Vicki Tomkins

    In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Paul speaks with former police officer Vicki, who shares her harrowing experience of abuse, survival, and what happened when she turned to the very system she once served. After meeting a man on a dating app, what began as a relationship quickly spiralled into control, violence, and sexual abuse. Despite gathering the courage to report what had happened, Vicki’s case was never even passed to the CPS. Instead, she found herself facing disbelief, inaction, and a system that left her feeling abandoned. This episode explores: The reality of coercive control and abusive relationshipsThe psychological toll of trauma and isolationFailures in the police response to domestic and sexual abuseWhat happens when a police officer becomes the victimThe fight for accountability and changeVicki speaks openly about the impact on her mental health, her family, and her career—ultimately leading to her leaving the police after 17 years of service. This is not just one woman’s story. It raises serious questions about trust, accountability, and whether the system is equipped to deal with cases like this—especially when it involves one of their own. ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of rape, sexual assault, domestic abuse, and trauma. If you or someone you know is affected by issues raised in this episode, please seek support from a trusted person or a specialist organisation. 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation. Who would you like to see on the podcast? Send us suggestions! Download the Pocket Sergeant app today Purchase Sh*t Magnet: A Frontline Officer's Stories Of Madness And Mayhem Purchase From Trauma To Triumph - The Pocket Sergeant Journey

    1h 28m

  3. APR 13

    From Custody Sergeant to Criminal Accused | Lee Jones

    In this episode of the Pocket Sergeant Podcast, former custody sergeant Lee Jones shares his experience of being criminally charged following a use of force incident in custody. Lee describes the events of that day, the split-second decision he made while dealing with a highly volatile detainee, and how the situation escalated into a full criminal investigation. Despite no injury being caused and no formal complaint being made, Lee was charged with common assault. What followed was months on bail, repeated appeals, and a misconduct process that had a profound impact on his mental health and family life. The criminal case was ultimately dropped, and he was later found to have no case to answer at gross misconduct. This conversation explores: Use of force in custodyProfessional Standards investigationsThe impact of prolonged investigations on officersOpposing charges and CPS decisionsThe psychological toll of being accusedLife after policing Lee also discusses writing his book The Other Side of Police Corruption, where he documents the full experience and reflects on what he believes needs to change within the system. This episode offers a candid insight into what it feels like to be on the other side of an investigation — and the long-term consequences that can follow. Link to Lee's book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Other-Side-Police-Corruption/dp/B0DHK3S5KX Who would you like to see on the podcast? Send us suggestions! Download the Pocket Sergeant app today Purchase Sh*t Magnet: A Frontline Officer's Stories Of Madness And Mayhem Purchase From Trauma To Triumph - The Pocket Sergeant Journey

    1h 8m

  4. APR 6

    What Happens When a Cop Becomes a Barrister? With Jeanette Ashmole

    Jeanette was nine years old when her mum died of cancer. Her father struggled with alcoholism. Police cars regularly stopped outside her home. As a child, she would dial 999 when things spiralled. Years later… she became the officer responding to calls like her own. In this powerful episode of the Pocket Sergeant Podcast, Jeanette takes us on a journey that is as raw as it is inspiring. We talk about: ▪ Growing up in a household affected by domestic abuse and addiction ▪ Being split from her siblings after her mum’s death ▪ Leaving home at 16 to survive on her own ▪ Joining the police as a Special — and choosing to serve at the very station that once protected her ▪ The brutal reality of response policing ▪ The night a suspect stopped mid-chase, turned around, and pushed her down a railway embankment ▪ Working organised immigration crime, sham marriages, and trafficking networks ▪ Why she left policing to study law ▪ Winning £5,000 on an ITV game show to fund her Bar course ▪ Juggling childcare while studying full-time ▪ Moving to London and missing her child’s birthday to complete pupillage ▪ The truth about criminal barrister pay (the numbers will shock you) ▪ The backlog crisis in the courts ▪ Why jury trials are under threat ▪ Judicial bullying and elitism at the Bar ▪ Whether AI could ever replace judges This episode pulls back the curtain on both sides of the criminal justice system — from police uniform to wig and gown. If you work in policing, law, or care about the justice system — this conversation is essential. Who would you like to see on the podcast? Send us suggestions! Download the Pocket Sergeant app today Purchase Sh*t Magnet: A Frontline Officer's Stories Of Madness And Mayhem Purchase From Trauma To Triumph - The Pocket Sergeant Journey

    1h 33m

  5. MAR 30

    A Family Left Behind: The Reality of Professional Standards Investigations | Michelle Websdale

    In this episode of the Pocket Sergeant Podcast, I speak with Michelle Websdale about the life and death of her former partner, Ben — a police custody sergeant who served for 24 years. Michelle shares who Ben was as a man, a father and a colleague, before discussing the events that followed his arrest by Professional Standards and the impact the investigation had on his mental health. She speaks openly about the inquest, the support (and lack of support) provided, and the wider questions this raises about police welfare and internal investigations. This is an honest and emotional conversation about policing, accountability, mental health and the human cost when systems fail. If you work in policing or have experienced similar challenges, this episode may resonate with you. If you are struggling, please seek support. You are not alone. Who would you like to see on the podcast? Send us suggestions! Download the Pocket Sergeant app today Purchase Sh*t Magnet: A Frontline Officer's Stories Of Madness And Mayhem Purchase From Trauma To Triumph - The Pocket Sergeant Journey

    1h 10m

  6. MAR 23

    The Side of Policing No One Talks About | Ryan MacDonald

    In this episode of the Pocket Sergeant Podcast, I’m joined by Ryan MacDonald — former police officer, military veteran, author of Blue Lights, Dark Mind, and a powerful voice on trauma and recovery after service. Ryan served for nearly 30 years across policing and the military, including counter-terrorism, intelligence, custody, leadership roles, and operational tours overseas. But this conversation isn’t about rank or war stories. It’s about what happens when the uniform comes off. 🎙️ In this episode, we talk openly about: The cumulative trauma of policing PTSD and intrusive thoughts Why officers struggle to ask for help The moment everything nearly collapsed How policing culture deals with mental health Life after service, recovery, and rebuilding This is an honest, raw, and important conversation about the realities of policing that are rarely spoken about publicly. If you’re serving, have served, or support someone who does — this episode will resonate. Ryan's Book: Blue Lights Dark Mind Who would you like to see on the podcast? Send us suggestions! Download the Pocket Sergeant app today Purchase Sh*t Magnet: A Frontline Officer's Stories Of Madness And Mayhem Purchase From Trauma To Triumph - The Pocket Sergeant Journey

    1h 28m

  7. MAR 16

    Colin Sutton: How Britain’s Most Dangerous Serial Killers Were Caught

    In this episode of the Pocket Sergeant Podcast, Paul Cooper is joined by Colin Sutton — one of the UK’s most respected former Senior Investigating Officers. Colin led some of Britain’s most complex and high-profile murder investigations, including the case that finally brought Levi Bellfield to justice — without relying on forensic evidence. This is a deep, intelligent conversation about how real murder investigations are solved, the mistakes people make when relying on checklists, and why good policing depends on thinking, judgement, and leadership — not box-ticking. 🎙️ In this episode, we discuss: How Colin rose rapidly through the Met Police Leading murder investigations under intense pressure The Levi Bellfield case and building a conviction through circumstantial evidence Why “thinking outside the box” matters more than procedure What great detectives do differently Policing leadership, officer welfare, and cultural change Life after policing: books, TV, and theatre tours This episode is essential viewing for: Police officers and detectives True crime fans who want depth, not drama Anyone interested in leadership, decision-making, and justice If you’re tired of sensationalism and want to understand how serious investigations actually work, this conversation delivers. Who would you like to see on the podcast? Send us suggestions! Download the Pocket Sergeant app today Purchase Sh*t Magnet: A Frontline Officer's Stories Of Madness And Mayhem Purchase From Trauma To Triumph - The Pocket Sergeant Journey

    1h 24m

  8. MAR 9

    The Job That DESTROYED Me | Former Detective Darren Ryan

    Former Detective Darren Ryan joins the Pocket Sergeant Podcast to reveal the psychological cost of investigating some of the most serious crimes in policing. For years, Darren worked high-risk safeguarding and exploitation cases. He protected vulnerable victims and carried the responsibility that comes with child protection investigations. But repeated exposure to trauma doesn’t just disappear when the shift ends. In this episode, Darren speaks openly about: • The cumulative impact of investigating child abuse • How trauma can surface years later • Hypervigilance, sleep disruption and intrusive memories • The warning signs many officers ignore • Alcohol as a coping mechanism • Ill-health retirement and the battle that followed • Rebuilding identity after losing the uniform • Why mental health support in policing must change This isn’t about weakness. It’s about being human. Email Darren: darren.ryan@lifelinecoachingandmentoring.com Instagram: @lifelinecoachingandmentoring Darren now runs Lifeline Coaching & Mentoring, helping others navigate trauma, career transition and recovery. He is also the author of LIFELINE: HOW A FORMER DETECTIVE SURVIVED PTSD AND HOW YOU CAN TOO  If you work in policing, emergency services, safeguarding, military — or support someone who does — this conversation matters. Who would you like to see on the podcast? Send us suggestions! Download the Pocket Sergeant app today Purchase Sh*t Magnet: A Frontline Officer's Stories Of Madness And Mayhem Purchase From Trauma To Triumph - The Pocket Sergeant Journey

    1h 49m
See All (35)

About

Hosted by former police officer and award-winning app creator Paul Cooper, this podcast explores the untold realities of frontline policing in the UK.Each episode features honest conversations with current and former officers, legal professionals, experts, and those with lived experience – covering everything from policing culture and mental health to groundbreaking innovation and criminal justice reform.Whether you’re a serving officer, aspiring recruit, or simply curious about life in uniform, the Pocket Sergeant Podcast pulls no punches and gives you the insight the headlines miss.Inspired by the app that’s helped tens of thousands of officers in policing, this podcast continues the mission: supporting those who serve.🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. 📲 Download the Pocket Sergeant app: www.pocketsergeant.co.uk 📕 Buy Sh*t Magnet: https://amzn.eu/d/cg6DWFH 📕 Buy From Trauma To Triumph: https://amzn.eu/d/4NqE8jq 📧 Get in touch / suggest a guest: support@pocketsergeant.co.uk

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Cooper
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Pocket Sergeant
  • Show Website
    Pocket Sergeant Podcast

You Might Also Like