Two Ordinary Cops
The two ordinary cops are former Northern Territory Police Officers Remote Sergeant Ben Schultz and Detective Sergeant Damien Barbe. With over 25 years experience Ben and Damo share stories from their time in the job. Follow along through the laughter, anger and tears that come with the rigours of Policing Australia’s last frontier.
Episodes
Friday Jul 12, 2024
Episode 23 - Sticky Situations
Friday Jul 12, 2024
Friday Jul 12, 2024
Damo and Schutzy reflect on the various demanding scenarios they have faced in their careers while serving in remote regions of Australia. They emphasize the crucial role of mentorship provided by senior officers in their early days, guiding them in managing situations with minimal use of force. They highlight the necessity for police officers to adjust their policing approaches when operating in such rural settings to effectively navigate the challenges inherent in bush policing.
Friday Jul 05, 2024
Episode 22 - Lethal Use Of Force
Friday Jul 05, 2024
Friday Jul 05, 2024
Damo and Schultzy discuss the guidelines set forth in policy, procedure, and legislation that dictate when law enforcement officers are permitted to employ lethal force. They recount personal anecdotes of near encounters that could have warranted such action, shedding light on the complexities while navigating these high-stress scenarios.
Friday Jun 28, 2024
Episode 21 - Funny Stories 3 - Good Ol' Grog
Friday Jun 28, 2024
Friday Jun 28, 2024
Damo and Schultzy share amusing anecdotes during nights out, involving intoxicated individuals, such as men disrobing in front of female officers and women concealing items from police.
Friday Jun 21, 2024
Episode 20 - The Bob Rennie Series - Part 4
Friday Jun 21, 2024
Friday Jun 21, 2024
Retired Superintendent Robert Rennie AMP emphasised that he moved into the commissioned role in the police to maintain high morale among officers and addressing systemic challenges within the police force to enhance trust, effectiveness of law enforcement to serve the community well. The discussion revolves around both positive and negative experiences and the importance in recognising and resolving systemic obstacles like training deficiencies, resource limitations, leadership issues, and organisational culture to improve the overall functioning of the law enforcement system.
Friday Jun 14, 2024
Episode 19 - The Bob Rennie Series - Part 3
Friday Jun 14, 2024
Friday Jun 14, 2024
Retired Superintendent Robert Rennie APM shares insights on the Jabiluka Mine protests in 1998. At that time, Bob supervised up to 52 police officers and coordinated the police actions during the protests. In this discussion, he addresses different types of protesters, ranging from sincere environmentalists to radical extremists.
Friday Jun 07, 2024
Episode 18 - The Bob Rennie Series - Part 2
Friday Jun 07, 2024
Friday Jun 07, 2024
Accompany the Two Ordinary Cops as they engage in a conversation with Retired Superintendent Robert Rennie APM, reminiscing about his experiences at the police academy during the early 1980s and reflecting on the unique challenges of law enforcement during that period. The dialogue delves into the strong sense of camaraderie within the police force, portraying it as a cohesive family unit that operated as a unified team. As is customary in our episodes, entertaining anecdotes and thrilling narratives punctuate the discussion, adding levity and excitement to the exchange.
Friday May 31, 2024
Episode 17 - The Bob Rennie Series - Part 1
Friday May 31, 2024
Friday May 31, 2024
It is time to hear from some of the legends of the Northern Territory police force. In the initial segment Damo and Schultzy engage in a conversation with Retired Superintendent Robert Rennie APM, to gain insights into the early days of policing that preceded their own experiences. In this episode he will share anecdotes about his various roles within the police force, offering humorous and insightful stories. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on the evolution of policing from the early 1980's to the present day.
Friday May 24, 2024
Episode 16 - Being Resourceful Without Resources
Friday May 24, 2024
Friday May 24, 2024
Schultzy and Damo delve into the challenges of conducting major operations, such as a yacht rescue and murder investigations, in remote areas with minimal resources, emphasising the pivotal role of strong community engagement as a cornerstone of success.
Friday May 17, 2024
Episode 15 - Our worst jobs...
Friday May 17, 2024
Friday May 17, 2024
Police will attend a high number of distressing jobs in their career and there are always some that are burned into your brain. In this episode Schultzy and Damo talk about some of the jobs, that not only affected them at the time, but continue to affect them years down the track.
Friday May 10, 2024
Episode 14 - Funny Stories 2
Friday May 10, 2024
Friday May 10, 2024
Today, Damo and Schultzy are regaling us with amusing anecdotes from their time on the job, ranging from thrilling car chases to unexpected encounters with pepper spray. Sit back, relax, and prepare to be entertained by their hilarious tales.

Two Ordinary Cops
Ben Schultz and Damien Barbe joined the Northern Territory Police on the 26th of February 2007 and quickly became best mates. They progressed through the college together, graduated later that year and both moved to Katherine to start their policing career. Throughout their time in the police they both worked in many different fields including general duties, investigations, bush policing, running of stations and troops as well as prosecutions.
Their friendship and ability to communicate with people gave them not just their own knowledge, but what other police and the community experienced when it came to policing. Join them now as they not only pass on their experience, but that of many other police officers who have worn the uniform to protect and serve.