Advertise on podcast: Things Police See: Firsthand Accounts

A retired NYPD Detective, hostage negotiator, and intelligence specialist joins the show to break down his most intense cases from more than two decades in New York City. From the Bronx during its "burning" era to chasing Russian organized crime, handling nearly 100 homicides a year, investigating infant crimes, and navigating high‑risk hostage situations — Sal Lifrieri career is a masterclass in street survival, crisis response, and investigative grit. We also dive into his transition to the NYC Office of Emergency Management, where he helped build the city's chemical and biological terrorism plans, and later became Director of Security & Intelligence Operations. Sal shares bizarre calls, emotionally disturbed person encounters, inter‑agency battles, and the tactical mindset that kept his team alive in the most dangerous square mile in America. Sal's Website - https://pccsecure.com/author/slifrieripccsecure-com/ Contact Steve - [email protected] Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@TheSergeantSteve⁩

Dive into the intense, bizarre, and unfiltered world of law enforcement with host Steve Gould on Things Police See. In this episode, Steve sits down with retired Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith, who spent 29 years policing the relentless Chicago metro area. As one of the pioneering female officers of the early 1980s, Betsy shares the raw reality of breaking into a male-dominated field, navigating systemic hazing, and turning her perspective into a tactical advantage. From the psychological adrenaline dump of her very first rookie homicide scene to a mind-boggling, bizarre medical emergency, Betsy tells it all. She also takes us deep undercover into a high-stakes 1980s cocaine sting where quick, life-or-death thinking was the only thing that saved her and her partner. Now a spokesmen for the National Police Association, Betsy discusses the current state of law enforcement staffing shortages, the flaws in modern recruitment initiatives, and why finding a community that backs the blue is crucial for the next generation of officers. Support the National Police Association  https://nationalpolice.org/ Contact Steve - [email protected] Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheSergeantSteve

In this episode of Things Police See, host Steve Gould sits down with retired NYPD veteran George Sichler for an unforgettable look into the world of elite law enforcement special operations. Serving 20 years with the nation's largest police force, George transitioned from the intense "meat grinder" patrol blocks of NYC to the high-stakes NYPD Harbor and Scuba teams. George shares incredible firsthand accounts of what it's like to drop from helicopters into pitch-black waters, executive life-or-death maritime rescues miles offshore, and navigate zero-visibility "black water" recovery missions. He also reveals a fascinating look at his post-career opportunities, including his time in Hollywood training Keanu Reeves for John Wick (and the true story behind the famous "Wick flick"). From surviving the chaos of New York City patrol to his current role in emergency preparedness with Mira Safety, George's insights offer masterclass advice on career longevity, the power of professional networking, and never-ending training. Mira Safety - www.mirasafety.com      DISCOUNT CODE "TPS10" George's Book - www.georgesichler.com Contact Steve - [email protected] Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055

In this powerful episode, hosts Steve and Ken Roybal sit down with Andrew Gonzalez, a 20-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) who spent the majority of his career working the intense 77th Street Division and specialized gang units. Andrew pulls back the curtain on the evolution of modern street gangs, revealing how social media and encrypted applications have shifted criminal enterprises into highly sophisticated, clandestine corporate-style structures. He drops hard-hitting truths about the daily realities of policing in South Central, what it feels like to face a loaded gun in a split-second shootout, and the harrowing side of responding to violent crime scenes. Beyond the tactical talk, this interview explores the heavy mental health toll of law enforcement. Andrew opens up about his personal battles with PTSD, depression, and human suffering, sparking an important conversation with Ken (himself a retired LAPD veteran) on the critical importance of modern police resiliency programs, mental health resources, and catching trauma before it overflows. Tune in to hear an authentic, raw perspective on the human being behind the badge, the undeniable power of a strong family unit, and how Andrew is now giving back through his first-responder business, Battle Cry Gear. Check out Andrew's high-quality first responder EDC gear: https://battlecrygear.com Contact Steve - [email protected] Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheSergeantSteve

In this episode of Things Police See, host Steve Gould sits down with former detective and author Kevin Grogan. From his early days at Westfield State to his high-stakes career with the Savannah-Chatham Metro PD, Kevin shares firsthand accounts of the "greatest show on earth." Kevin discusses his time on the ATF Task Force, Narcotics, and his deeply personal journey through Homicide investigations. He opens up about the adrenaline of solving murders and the heavy emotional weight that led him to write his trilogy, including his latest book: No Greater Honor, No Bigger Failure. Kevin's Latest Book - https://a.co/d/06I8SFZV Contact Steve - [email protected] Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheSergeantSteve

In this gripping episode, we sit down with Captain Scott Brown, a veteran of the New York State Police with a decorated 32-year career. From his early days as a young trooper to his 18-year tenure as a Captain and SWAT commander, Scott shares firsthand accounts of the most intense and bizarre calls in his history. We dive into a harrowing story of survival on the Newberg-Beacon Bridge, the chilling details of the 1996 Jennifer Bolduc and Sarah Hajney investigation, and a high-stakes tactical standoff with a double homicide suspect. Scott also opens up about the lighter side of the job, including a miraculous rescue in a New York swamp that highlights the incredible will to survive. Whether you are an active officer, a retiree, or someone interested in the reality of law enforcement and tactical operations, this interview offers a deep look into the mental and physical demands of the badge. Contact Scott - [email protected] Contact Steve - [email protected] Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheSergeantSteve Reasons We Serve https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpZRETIomuKamZC30nUBKkg

In this episode of Things Police See, host Steve Gould welcomes back the legendary Lt. Joe Kenda, the "Homicide Hunter" and host of American Detective. With a career solving 387 homicides and maintaining a staggering 93% solve rate, Kenda dives deep into the reality of criminal investigation—far beyond the Hollywood myths of car chases and gun battles.   Joe Kenda shares candid stories about his journey from a "college boy" rookie to a Lieutenant of Detectives in Colorado Springs. He discusses the intense emotional toll of the job, his unwavering mission to seek justice for victims, and the "2%" of humanity that keeps law enforcement on the streets. Whether you're a fan of ID Channel's Homicide Hunter, a true crime enthusiast, or interested in the raw reality of law enforcement, this interview provides an unfiltered look into the mind of one of America's most famous detectives. Reasons We Serve - Podcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpZRETIomuKamZC30nUBKkg Contact Steve - [email protected] Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today!
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/@TheSergeantSteve

In this intense and insightful episode, host Steve Gould sits down with Adam Miller, a veteran lawman with over 17 years of experience across the Pacific Northwest and Big Sky Country. From his 13 years at the Benton County Sheriff's Office in Oregon to his current role as a State Investigator in Montana, Adam shares the raw reality of life behind the badge. Adam recounts a harrowing high-risk traffic stop involving a subject with a shotgun on his birthday and takes us inside a chaotic officer-involved shooting from 2012 that changed the way his agency viewed medical gear like tourniquets and QuickClot. Beyond the high-stress calls, Adam shares the "bizarre" side of the job—including a burglary involving a $20,000 nude statue and a run-in with a man claiming to be the love child of JFK and Marilyn Monroe. To close, Adam offers profound advice for the next generation of officers on maintaining mental health, the importance of "phone-a-friend" in the field, and why you should always take more photos of the people you work with. Contact Steve - [email protected] Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheSergeantSteve Reasons We Serve https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpZRETIomuKamZC30nUBKkg

In this intense episode of Things Police See, host Steve Gould sits down with the "Homicide Hunter" himself, Lieutenant Joe Kenda. With a career spanning 23 years at the Colorado Springs Police Department and a staggering 92% solve rate over 387 murder cases, Kenda shares firsthand accounts of the cases that defined his career and the transition from the streets to stardom on Investigation Discovery. Joe dives deep into his early days as a patrolman in the 1970s, recounting his first "hot call" and the chilling reality of investigating nearly 400 murders. We discuss the psychological toll of the job, his take on PTSD, and why he finds storytelling to be his greatest form of therapy. Plus, Joe gives us a preview of his book, Killer Triggers, exploring the "why" behind violent crimes, including a shocking case involving dementia-induced psychosis. Whether you're a fan of Homicide Hunter, American Detective, or a law enforcement professional looking for veteran advice, this interview offers a raw, unfiltered look at the reality of police work and the "greatest show on earth."   Contact Steve - [email protected] Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today!
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/@TheSergeantSteve

Retired Milwaukee Police Sergeant and bestselling author Patrick O'Donnell returns to Things Police See for a raw, no-filter conversation about his early days on the job. From his very first week—nearly shooting a suspect and witnessing open-heart massage on a dying man—to patrolling districts that mixed million-dollar lakefront mansions with some of the city's most violent neighborhoods, Patrick shares the unvarnished reality of big-city policing during the crack era. The Rookie Years - Patrick's latest book https://a.co/d/02dzfbNZ Reasons We Serve Podcast https://youtube.com/@reasonsweserve?si=799-ZHsMLq4pDoQp Contact Steve - [email protected] Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/@UCuobtuGxJny9V5lX5a1ieuw

Join host Steve Gould on Things Police See for an unforgettable interview with Thomas Loughren, a true law enforcement legend with 51 years of service—from rural New York sheriff's deputy to Miccosukee Police in the Florida Everglades, four terms as Chenango County Sheriff, and service on the New York State Commission of Corrections. In this raw, firsthand account, Thomas shares his incredible journey starting as one of the youngest sworn officers in 1972. He opens up about high-speed cadet action, solo patrols in vast rural counties with dead radio spots, intense bar fights, and learning to overcome fear on the job. Bizarre voodoo rituals and black magic in the Everglades (complete with ritual kettles, skulls, and sacrifices) A chaotic midnight restaurant brawl where backup drove right past Wrestling alligators with the Miccosukee tribe A massive motocross riot involving biker gangs, fireworks, and thousands of rowdy campers in the 1970s Diving into a gator-infested canal to rescue drowning suspects Shooting a charging bear to protect an Indian village Building trust with the proud Miccosukee people who never surrendered to the U.S. Cavalry 📖 Grab his book "When Crisis Meets Courage" – https://a.co/d/0hVChhKI Contact Steve - [email protected] Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/@UCuobtuGxJny9V5lX5a1ieuw

Step inside the extraordinary career of Bob Lessemun, a retired British homicide detective whose work spanned England, the Turks & Caicos Islands, and the United States. In this rare and highly requested interview, Bob shares unbelievable stories from 32 years in policing, including his time with Scotland Yard, his transition to U.S. investigations, and his later work consulting on Guantanamo Bay and terrorism cases. From his early days as a young "Bobby" on the streets of England to becoming one of Virginia's most experienced capital defense investigators, Bob delivers gripping, funny, and jaw‑dropping accounts of real police work. Bob's latest book https://a.co/d/02lg9Me1 Contact Steve - [email protected] Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/@UCuobtuGxJny9V5lX5a1ieuw

In this episode of Things Police See, host Steve Gould sits down with Chad Jensen, a 25-year veteran of the Pomona Police Department and former SWAT team member. Chad shares harrowing stories from the front lines of Southern California law enforcement, including a high-stakes pursuit involving a Tech 9 submachine gun and a life-altering foot pursuit where a suspect would have killed Chad if his gun hadn't misfired. The conversation takes a deep dive into the most terrifying chapter of Chad's life: being indicted by the FBI following a use-of-force incident at the LA County Fair. Chad pulls back the curtain on the federal justice system, discussing the "Barbie FBI agents," the grueling reality of being chained in federal lockup, and the million-dollar legal battle to clear his name. Discover the truth behind the headlines, the importance of the Legal Defense Fund (LDF), and why Chad authored his new book, Badge Under Fire: A Fight for the Truth. Pre-order Chad's book here: https://a.co/d/0g1b4P5h Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve https://www.youtube.com/@UCuobtuGxJny9V5lX5a1ieuw  Contact Steve - [email protected]

Join host Steven Gould for an in-depth interview with St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick, a 32-year law enforcement veteran, former homicide detective, police chief, and retired National Guard member. Sheriff Hardwick shares powerful stories from his career, including his first homicide call involving a childhood friend, the bizarre 2008 staged murder case of Summer Smith (where investigators wired a coffin for a confession), and the heartbreaking 2021 Tristyn Bailey murder by Aiden Fucci. SJSO Unlocked, a St. Johns County Sheriff's Office podcast https://media.rss.com/sjsounlockedpodcast/feed.xml YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJsWnAMeSsc Contact Steve - [email protected] Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/@TheSergeantSteve

Pinal County Sheriff Ross Teeple joins the show to discuss his bold leadership, the high-stakes Netflix series "Unlocked: A Jail Experiment" Season 2, and life inside Arizona's corrections system. Fresh off taking office, Sheriff Teeple shares how he was "strong-armed" (old friends) by predecessor Sheriff Mark Lamb into filming a groundbreaking re-entry program that unlocked jail cells, shifted to indirect supervision, and empowered inmates to self-govern—aiming to build responsibility, reduce recidivism, and break cycles of crime. Hear raw stories from his career: his first high-speed pursuit gone wrong, a terrifying hand-to-hand fight during an arrest, heartbreaking search-and-rescue recoveries (including a tragic plane crash in the Superstition Mountains), bizarre and intense calls, and a heartwarming success saving a young woman from a predatory relationship. Sheriff Teeple opens up about border security challenges near the Tohono O'odham Nation (where 80% of U.S. fentanyl crosses), cartel threats on American soil, drone smuggling risks, staffing shortages, pay raises for detention officers, and advice for new law enforcement recruits: put down the phone, build real-world communication skills, and seek face-to-face conflict resolution. Unlocked: A Jail Experiment  Season 2 now on Netlfix - https://www.netflix.com/title/81476420 Follow Sheriff Teeple on Instagram @teepleforthepeople Pinal County Sheriff's Office on Youtube   @PinalCountySheriffsOffice   Contact Steve - [email protected] Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@UCuobtuGxJny9V5lX5a1ieuw