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.
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
Aug 1, 2025
Aug 1, 2025
1 hr 2 min
In this episode, Schultzy and Damo dive into the legalisation of OC spray in the NT, drawing on the real-life experiences of cops in Western Australia, where it’s already been legal for a couple of years. Schultzy then shares a story about two blokes who tried to pick a fight with him while he was off duty, leading to a chat about the importance of a cop’s presence and authority when managing a situation, and how the RISC principle comes into play. They ask the question many police wonder – do you mentally call a use of force before stepping into an incident? Most cops say yes, and the Two Ordinary Cops break down real-life moments where de-escalation made all the difference. To wrap up, Damo explains how agendas can shape the coronial findings in the Zach Rolfe shooting. If you want a genuine behind-the-scenes look at the process, this episode is a must-listen.
Aug 1, 2025
1 hr 2 min
Jul 25, 2025
Jul 25, 2025
51 min
In this episode, the Two Ordinary Cops shine a light on the unsung legends of policing — the police auxiliaries. From the calm voices behind the radio to the rock-solid support in the watch house, Damo and Schultzy reflect on the vital roles these members play behind the scenes. The boys also dive into what it’s really like when ex-military personnel swap camo for blue, breaking down both the challenges and the advantages of bringing battlefield experience into frontline law enforcement. And of course, it wouldn’t be an episode without a few laugh-out-loud stuff-ups, the revival of the beloved carton tradition, and a look ahead to the big October catch-up event. Whether you're behind the badge or just curious about the chaos, this one’s packed with respect, reality, and a few well-earned beers.
Jul 25, 2025
51 min
Jul 18, 2025
Jul 18, 2025
59 min
From growing up idolising his VicPol father to being arrested and acquitted twice, Jarrod Michael's story is one of grit, loss, redemption—and altitude. In this episode, the Two Ordinary Cops dive deep into Jarrod’s short but impactful policing stint, the toll of false accusations, and the crushing feeling of being abandoned by the job he once dreamed of. But it doesn’t end there—Jarrod rebuilds, retrains, and takes to the skies as a rescue helicopter pilot, flying critical missions across Australia and overseas. It's raw, real, and brutally honest. If you’ve ever wondered what life after the job looks like—or what it takes to survive being broken by the system—this one’s for you.
Jul 18, 2025
59 min
Jul 11, 2025
Jul 11, 2025
50 min
The coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker has made headlines around the world — but was it really about the death, or about bringing down Zach Rolfe?
In this explosive episode, Schultzy and Damo discuss the fallout, questioning how a Supreme Court acquittal gave way to a coronial inquest that felt more like a public takedown than a fact-finding mission. They break down the legal process behind inquests, explain how the system should work, and ask the hard question: when did public opinion start dictating outcomes?
With raw honesty, decades of experience, and a few well-earned rants, the boys cover race, risk, responsibility — and introduce their brand new segment, “That’s a Carton,” for the stuff-ups that only coppers can laugh about.
This isn’t about taking sides — it’s about setting the record straight.
Jul 11, 2025
50 min
Jul 4, 2025
Jul 4, 2025
1 hr 6 min
In this episode, the Two Ordinary Cops sit down with a very special guest—Schultzy’s mum, Liz. From guarding evidence in the red dirt of the Northern Territory to cooking meals for specialist squads, Liz shares what it’s really like watching your son step into a uniform and face the realities of policing.
She opens up about the pride, the sleepless nights, and the unforgettable moments that come with being part of the extended police family. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes—or how it feels for the people who love those on the front line—this one’s for you.
Jul 4, 2025
1 hr 6 min
Jun 27, 2025
Jun 27, 2025
1 hr 40 min
In this powerful episode, we sit down with former paratrooper and NSW police officer Nick White. From high-risk military service to frontline policing in some of the toughest parts of Sydney, Nick opens up about the trauma that nearly broke him — including the heartbreaking moment he tried to save a one-week-old baby.
Diagnosed with PTSD after years of cumulative trauma, Nick speaks candidly about his decline, the turning point, and how EMDR therapy helped him begin to rebuild. But he didn’t stop there.
Now the founder of Bellator Fortitudinem, a nationwide peer support network for first responders, Nick is on a mission to change the way we support those who run towards danger while everyone else runs away. This episode covers everything from frontline mental health, the cracks in the system, funding challenges, and the app he’s building to save lives before it's too late.
If you're in the job, been in the job, or care about someone who is — this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
Jun 27, 2025
1 hr 40 min
Jun 20, 2025
Jun 20, 2025
2 hr 18 min
The Two Ordinary Cops sit down with Ben Hosking — a former frontline cop turned tactical operator — for one of our rawest chats yet. Thrown into chaos straight out of the academy, Hosko faced riots, a taser mishap, and the harsh reality of policing in Tennant Creek. Years later, he was forced to shoot an armed offender. From high-risk incidents to elite policing and the lasting mental toll, this is a story that hits hard and stays with you.
Jun 20, 2025
2 hr 18 min
Jun 13, 2025
Jun 13, 2025
51 min
In Episode 74, the Two Ordinary Cops cover everything from snow in Hernani to sex dungeons in Kununurra. Damo and Schultzy reflect on the Northern Territory's move to legalise capsicum spray for civilians—and debate whether it’s empowering the public or arming the crooks. They also tackle the hot-button issue of deaths in custody, offering a frontline insight into investigative transparency that rarely makes the headlines. And if that wasn’t enough, they share their wildest search warrant story yet—complete with drug busts, gay porn on the telly, and a house full of adult toys. It's raw, unfiltered, and exactly what you'd expect when the boys start digging through the evidence drawer of humanity.
Jun 13, 2025
51 min
Jun 6, 2025
Jun 6, 2025
42 min
In this episode of Two Ordinary Cops, Damo and Schultzy dive into the complex topic of public respect for police — where it comes from, how it can be lost in a heartbeat, and what it really takes to earn it back. From crowd control at footy games to walking the beat in remote communities, they explore the idea of "The Bobby Principle” — that being visible, present and genuinely engaged with your community is what earns lasting respect. They also chat about frontline fatigue, shout out a few old mates still on the tools, and reflect on how over-policing at events can help... or hurt. It's a candid, thoughtful look at policing through the eyes of those who’ve lived it.
Jun 6, 2025
42 min
May 30, 2025
May 30, 2025
40 min
In Episode 72 – Overseas Recruits, Overtime & the Price of a Carton, the Two Ordinary Cops dive into the real cost of life in the blue. From breaking down how junior cops can crack six figures (if they're willing to sacrifice sleep), to the unofficial rules of “cartonable offences” and kangaroo courts, Damo and Schultzy mix laughs with hard truths. They also answer questions from a would-be recruit and give a shoutout to UK coppers considering the move Down Under—reminding us that when the lights go on and the job kicks off, it doesn’t matter where you’re from. You’re part of the team.
May 30, 2025
40 min

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.









