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
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
May 23, 2025
May 23, 2025
46 min
In this episode of Two Ordinary Cops, Damo and Schultzy dive deep into the tough conversations — from viral post turtle banter to the devastating reality behind police suicide and youth crime in the Territory.
Damo reflects on the tragic loss of his mate, Mickey D — a true legend of the Northern Territory Police — and what made him so special. They unpack what worked in the past for youth justice, the decline of community authority, and whether boot camps could actually help, or if some kids are just too far gone.
It’s raw, honest, and full of insight from two coppers who’ve seen it all — from ironed uniforms to iron wills tested.
If you care about policing, community, and doing better — this one’s worth a listen.
May 23, 2025
46 min
May 16, 2025
May 16, 2025
1 hr 4 min
In Episode 70 of Two Ordinary Cops, Damo and Schultzy break down the police rank structure from the ground up – starting with the everyday duties of a constable all the way to the strategic decisions made at commissioner level. They reflect on their own journeys, share experiences of leading in remote stations, and dive into what it really takes to earn (or sometimes fail at) promotion. With honest banter, practical insight, and a few laughs, they explore the challenges of leadership, the difference between acting and substantive ranks, and why some officers are better suited to certain roles than others. Whether you're in the job or just curious about how police command works, this episode offers a raw and relatable look inside the structure that holds it all together.
May 16, 2025
1 hr 4 min
May 9, 2025
May 9, 2025
1 hr 27 min
In this powerful episode of Two Ordinary Cops, Damo and Schultzy sit down with Queensland paramedic Peter Vinnicombe to explore the deep and lasting impact of frontline trauma. Peter shares his 17-year journey as a single officer paramedic in rural Queensland, culminating in a violent incident that changed his life and career forever. They discuss PTSD, moral injury, the loss of identity that comes with leaving the job, and the glaring gaps in support for first responders. A raw, honest, and important conversation that shines a light on the emotional cost of serving the community.
May 9, 2025
1 hr 27 min
May 2, 2025
Episode 68 - The Rotten Few
May 2, 2025
May 2, 2025
40 min
In Episode 68 of Two Ordinary Cops, Damo and Schultzy don’t hold back as they call out the worst of the worst—cops who broke the law and were rightly arrested and jailed by their own colleagues. From stealing drugs out of seizures to the unforgivable crime of child abuse, they shine a light on those who tarnish the badge. The episode also dives into the Northern Territory Government’s outrageous initial proposal for the police consent agreement, and the reality of working alongside colleagues they didn’t exactly see eye to eye with.
May 2, 2025
40 min
Apr 25, 2025
Apr 25, 2025
49 min
This week, Damo and Schutzy aren’t holding back. They’re diving headfirst into one of the most talked-about—and misunderstood—topics in policing: corruption. Sure, the past has its skeletons, but today’s police are under more scrutiny than ever before. The boys break down the myths, get real about integrity, and share what it’s really like working in one of the most heavily watched professions in the country. Honest, raw, and full of classic Two Ordinary Cops banter—you won’t want to miss this one.
Apr 25, 2025
49 min
Apr 18, 2025
Apr 18, 2025
49 min
After throwing out a cheeky challenge to our listeners to either send us love or completely roast us, Damo and Schultzy were stoked to get almost 10 messages – with 4 of them giving us a light-hearted ribbing (we can take it!), and the rest showing solid support for the podcast. But more than that, you legends also sent through some cracking suggestions for future topics.
In this episode, we give a few long-overdue shoutouts and work our way through all your messages, before diving deep into one that really hit home. One listener, who’s had her own battles with mental health, shared how much she appreciates the way we talk openly about those challenges in the job. Her story – including how she ended up writing thank-you letters to the police who helped her during some tough times – sparked this week's main topic.
We get real about mental health in policing: the toll it takes, the moments that stick with us, and how we’ve tried to handle it all. It’s honest, raw, and full of those Two Ordinary Cops insights that you’ve come to expect.
Apr 18, 2025
49 min
Apr 11, 2025
Episode 65 - Coppers, College & Changing Times
Apr 11, 2025
Apr 11, 2025
38 min
In this episode, Damo and Schultzy dive into the evolving landscape of Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) procedures and legislation. With years of frontline experience between them, the boys share how things have changed—what’s working, what’s not, and why Schultzy reckons “You can’t fast track DV.”
Schultzy also gives a few well-earned shoutouts before the pair reflect on their time in the academy. From study hacks to survival tips, they revisit the moments that shaped them as rookie cops. They wrap up with an honest chat about juggling shift work, family life, and remembering the lessons that still guide them today.
Whether you’re a cop, a recruit, or just curious about the real stories behind the badge, this one’s full of insight, laughs, and a good dose of lived experience.
Apr 11, 2025
38 min
Apr 4, 2025
Apr 4, 2025
38 min
In this episode of Two Ordinary Cops, Damo and Schultzy sit down with Damo’s wife, Emer, to explore what it’s like being married to a cop—especially in remote communities. Rather than focusing on the job itself, they dive into everyday life in these towns, discussing the unique challenges and experiences of police families.
What’s it like for partners, wives, and kids living in these isolated places? How do they cope with the pressures and lifestyle that come with being part of a policing family? This episode gives a voice to those on the other side of the badge, highlighting the often-overlooked sacrifices and perspectives of the loved ones who support frontline workers.
If you’ve ever wondered about the personal side of policing in remote Australia, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Apr 4, 2025
38 min
Mar 28, 2025
Mar 28, 2025
50 min
In this episode of Two Ordinary Cops, Schultzy and Damo dive into the complex relationship between police and the courts, unpacking the differences between police bail and court bail. They share real-life stories from the frontline, including what it’s like to be a police prosecutor and the challenges of keeping offenders in custody. With plenty of laughs along the way, they also revisit last week’s discussion on police recruiting standards, responding to some of the feedback they received. It’s an eye-opening chat about law enforcement, the judiciary, and the realities of policing.
Mar 28, 2025
50 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.









