Two Ordinary Cops

Episode 121 – Kumunjayi Little Baby

In this episode, we reflect on the tragic events out of Alice Springs and the loss of Kumunjayi Little Baby.
We break down what actually happens during a major police investigation—from the initial response, search efforts, and escalation, through to arrest and the long road to prosecution.
It’s a confronting conversation, but an important one. We talk about the balance between emotion and evidence, why process matters, and the reality of policing during incidents like this.
We also touch on our time at the National Suicide Prevention Conference, focusing on practical solutions and the importance of supporting those on the front line.
Our thoughts are with the family, the Alice Springs community, and all those involved.

Episode 120 – The NT Liquor Act - What People Don’t Understand

In this episode, we break down the reality behind the Northern Territory’s liquor laws—why they exist, how they differ from place to place, and what it’s actually like policing them on the ground.
From permit systems and dry communities to the chaos that can unfold when alcohol floods back in, we share firsthand experiences from the job that most people would never see or fully understand. We also tackle the bigger question—where does responsibility really sit when it comes to alcohol-related crime?
We also touch on some exciting news as we head to the Suicide Prevention Conference in Sydney, working alongside Nick White and Bellator Fortitudinum—an important step in continuing the conversation around mental health and supporting first responders.
It’s an honest, no-filter look at a complex issue that’s often misunderstood, with insights only frontline cops can give.

Episode 119 – Arrest by Appointment vs Reality: Why That AFP Decision Raises Questions

In this episode, the boys take a closer look at the high-profile arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith — and ask the question many in policing are thinking: why was it done that way?
Schultzy and Damo break down the different types of arrests, including “arrest by appointment”, and explain why it’s often the safest and most practical option for cooperative individuals.
They also dive into the realities of policing that the public rarely sees — from discretion and use of force to the difference between legislation and general orders, and why police don’t get to pick and choose which laws they enforce.
With real on-the-job examples and honest insight, the boys unpack how decisions are actually made on the ground — and just how complex even simple jobs can be.
If you’ve ever wondered how arrests really work, this one’s worth a listen.

Episode 118 – Ben Roberts-Smith, Our Thoughts

This week, the Two Ordinary Cops step into one of the most talked-about and complex stories in Australia — the arrest of Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith.
Drawing on their policing experience, Schultzy and Damo unpack the realities of high-risk environments, the pressures placed on those who serve, and the difficulty of judging decisions made in situations most of us will never truly understand. They discuss due process, justice, and the importance of keeping perspective while emotions run high across the country.
This is not about jumping to conclusions — it’s about asking questions, looking at all sides, and recognising the sacrifices made by those sent into conflict on behalf of Australia.
It’s a respectful, honest and thought-provoking discussion that tackles a difficult topic, while also reminding us of the importance of standing behind those who serve.

Episode 117 – Leadership, Legends and Letting Good Cops Lead – with Andy Bedwell

Leadership in policing — everyone talks about it, but what actually makes a good leader?
In this episode, the Two Ordinary Cops welcome back fan favourite Andy Bedwell for one of the most thought-provoking conversations yet. While the episode starts with some reflections and real-world examples, it quickly builds into a powerful discussion about leadership, decision-making, and what’s really going wrong — and right — in policing today.
From remote communities to major incidents, Andy shares lessons learned from decades on the frontline, breaking down why good leadership matters, how poor leadership impacts policing, and what can actually be done to fix it.
This is more than just a conversation about rank — it’s about influence, trust, communication, and empowering good cops to do what they do best.
If you’ve ever worked in policing, leadership, or any high-pressure environment, this episode will resonate.
And trust us… by the end, this one hits hard.
🎧 Don’t miss Episode 117 — one of the most insightful conversations we’ve had yet.

Episode 116 – Murders, Mateship and Belly Laughs with Andy Bedwell

This week, the boys sit down with one of their closest mates and one of the best leaders they ever worked under — former Detective Sergeant Andy Bedwell.
From the wild days of Catherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, Andy joins Schultzy and Damo to relive the jobs that shaped them — from homicide investigations and remote policing to the camaraderie that helped them survive some of the toughest moments of their careers.
They talk about the reality of policing in the Northern Territory, dealing with tragedy, the importance of humour in dark times, and the unbreakable bonds formed between those who worked shoulder-to-shoulder in some of the most demanding environments in Australia.
There are plenty of laughs, a few emotional moments, and classic old-school policing stories — including golf course chaos, remote deployments, leadership lessons, and the kind of mateship you only find in the job.
This is one of those episodes that captures exactly what policing was — tough, confronting, and unforgettable — but also full of loyalty, laughter, and lifelong friendships.
One of the best yarns yet.

Episode 115 – Kava, Crime, and the Reality Up North

What really happens when substances like kava, cannabis, and alcohol take hold in remote communities?
In this episode, the boys cut through the noise and misinformation to share what they actually saw on the ground. From massive kava seizures and organised crime networks making huge profits, to the devastating impact on families and communities, this is the reality most people never hear about.
They also tackle the backlash from social media critics, the mindset needed to handle it, and why “the standard you walk past is the standard you accept” still rings true in policing.
It’s raw, honest, and at times confronting—mixed in with a bit of the usual banter, a yarn about the old PCYC days, and a well-earned “carton of the week.”
If you want the truth behind the headlines and a real look at life policing the Top End—this one’s for you.

Episode 114 – Tracking Crooks and Saving Lives – with Police Dog Handler David Raymond

In Episode 114, Schultzy and Damo sit down with retired Queensland police officer and long-time dog handler David Raymond, who spent 26 years in the dog squad after joining the QPS in 1989. From tracking offenders through the streets and scrub of North Queensland to locating missing people and saving lives, David shares what police dogs are really capable of and why they are one of the most effective tools in policing.
This episode dives into the training, selection, and real-world use of police dogs, along with plenty of stories from David’s career in Cairns and beyond. It is a fascinating look at the bond between handler and dog, the pressure of the job, and the role police dogs play not just in catching crooks, but in protecting officers and the public as well.

Episode 113 – Police Are the Hard Stop – Shout Outs, Police Dogs, and Welfare Checks

In Episode 113, Schultzy and Damo kick things off with shout outs to members of the policing community who have reached out to the podcast, including former coppers who have sent in books, patches, and messages from across Australia and New Zealand.
The boys then unpack a busy week in law enforcement across the country, discussing several recent police shootings and explaining why police are often referred to as society’s hard stop. They also break down the reality behind welfare checks, what they actually mean in policing, and why the vast majority of these jobs end without any force being used.
Along the way there’s the usual Two Ordinary Cops banter, including stories about police dogs and life on the job.
Coming up next, the podcast will feature some of the former police officers who have sent in their books, sharing their own experiences from bush policing, dog squads, and frontline service.

Episode 112 – Detectives and the Extraordinary: The Work Behind the Badge

What does a detective actually do?
In this episode, we break down the reality behind plainclothes policing — where detectives came from, why they exist, and what it really takes to earn that gold badge. From intense training courses and major crime exercises to extradition warrants, long hours, and cases that don’t stop just because you’re exhausted — this is the work behind the badge.
But it doesn’t stop there.
We also reflect on the extraordinary coppers we served alongside — the ones who ran in sixth gear when everyone else was red-lining in fifth. The hunters. The relentless operators. The ones whose phones never stopped ringing because everyone trusted them.
This isn’t about Hollywood undercover myths.It’s about commitment, pressure, pride, and the people who went above and beyond.
Two Ordinary Cops talking about extraordinary policing.