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Rating

★★★★★

4.8

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1507 reviews

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Season 4, "Stories from the Emergency Service Unit," introduces the most highly-trained officers in the NYPD. Learn why ESU are known as the buffs of the police department and how they prepare both mentally and physically for the most stressful jobs. The season also features a white-knuckle narrative by the officers who stopped a suicide bomb plot from taking place on Brooklyn’s subways in 1997. Break in the Case is a true crime podcast from the New York City Police Department. Each episode features officers – in their own voices –as they revisit cases to offer invaluable insights and colorful recollections. The unique, long-form stories portray the work of the women and men of the NYPD and their interactions with the people and communities they serve. This podcast is supported by the independent nonprofit New York City Police Foundation, and is written and produced by Jill Bauerle and Kenzie De Laine II. The podcast’s narrator, retired Detective Sergeant Wally Zeins, served at the NYPD from 1973 to 2003.

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Check latest episodes from Break in the Case podcast

The Most Stressful Jobs

2025/12/23

In the final episode of the season, we learn about the hardest jobs for ESU officers. (TRIGGER WARNING: This episode references self-harm.)

The Brooklyn Job, Part 4

2025/12/23

Trip Wires and Politics. Once the bombs are discovered, it’s the Bomb Squad’s turn to dispose of them. Meanwhile, the entry team reflects on what just happened.

The Brooklyn Job (Part 3), Bomb Factory

2025/12/23

Bomb Factory. In Part 3 of The Brooklyn Job, a six-man team prepares to enter the suspects’ apartment. If what the informant says is true, and there is a satchel full of bombs in the apartment, they have a 50/50 chance of making it out of the apartment alive.

The Brooklyn Job (Part 2): No Win Situation

2025/12/23

No Win Situation. In Part 2 of The Brooklyn Job, an Arabic-speaking rookie cop is called in to help translate for the informant. ESU officers prepare for a raid at an apartment in Park Slope, Brooklyn, where two men have been accused of building bombs.

The Brooklyn Job Part 1

2025/12/23

On July 31, 1997, ESU officers get a tip that some people have built a bomb in their Brooklyn apartment, and they plan to detonate it on the subway the next morning. What happens next is known as The Brooklyn Job. In Part 1 of The Brooklyn Job, two MTA/Long Island Railroad cops are approached on the street by a man who doesn't speak English. He has an urgent message, and the word "bomb" does not get lost in translation.

Liberating Lady Liberty

2025/12/23

On July 4, 2018, a woman climbed up the base of the Statue of Liberty to protest the detention of migrant children. There was no way for her to get down on her own.

The Buffs of the Police Department

2025/12/23

ESU’s rigorous training is nine months long and requires cross training in tactical, medical and rescue work. For trainees, the key to success is knowing their equipment. Or as one officer says, "You gotta be somewhat of a buff to be in Emergency."

Stories from ESU Preview

2025/12/23

Break in the Case, Season 4: Stories from the Emergency Service Unit introduces some of the most highly-trained officers in the NYPD. They’re EMTs. Divers. Hostage Negotiators. SWAT. They put their own lives at risk in the service of others.

New York Zodiac Copycat: East New York, Then and Now

2023/06/06

The 75th Precinct was a hotbed of crime in the early 90s. In this special episode, officers talk about what it was like to work in East New York back then. We also hear from a present-day Youth Coordination Officer who is trying to improve lives in East New York.

New York Zodiac Copycat: The Trial

2023/05/30

After the Zodiac’s arraignment for three murders and one attempted murder in Queens, a Queens prosecutor must prepare to counter a psychiatric defense.

New York Zodiac Copycat: Only Orion Can Stop the Zodiac

2023/05/23

After an East New York man is arrested in the 75th Precinct for attempted murder, the evidence connects him to more sinister crimes.

New York Zodiac Copycat: East New York Chaos

2023/05/16

One day in June, 1996, a 911 call leads to a shootout and a hostage situation. Detective Sergeant Joseph Herbert is called to his very first hostage job. And then, the unthinkable happens. True to the precinct motto, “Everything happens in the 75,” it all goes down in the 75th Precinct in East New York, Brooklyn.

New York Zodiac Copycat: Return of the Zodiac

2023/05/09

In August, 1994, a new letter from the Zodiac lands on the front page of the New York Post. The Zodiac claims to have shot five more victims in 1992 and 1993, in the same geographic area as his first three shootings. A second Zodiac Task Force is formed. Detective Sergeant Joseph Herbert from the 75 Detective Squad focuses on the hard evidence: fingerprints, ballistics, and the Zodiac's letters.

New York Zodiac Copycat: We Need to Put This Fire Out

2023/05/02

At Zodiac Task Force headquarters in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, tips pour in from across the city. Even the psychics get in on the action. After one of the victims dies from his wounds in the hospital, the case becomes a homicide.

New York Zodiac Copycat: Kid, You've Got the Case

2023/04/25

It’s the summer of 1990, and crime in New York City is at an all-time high. Daily headlines bring fresh stories of random violence and stranger-on-stranger crime. Then, one day in June, someone calling himself “Zodiac” writes a disturbing letter to the New York Post. He claims to have killed three people in Brooklyn according to their astrological signs, and he promises to kill nine more. When the shootings check out, the NYPD forms a Zodiac Task Force. Retired Lieutenant Michael Ciravolo and retired New York Post reporter Anne Murray recount their involvement in the early days of the investigation.

Podcast reviews

Read Break in the Case podcast reviews

4.8 out of 5

1507 reviews

★★★★★

Drea2550 2026/03/05

Very Well done podcast

Like the podcast But, the wait is too long between seasons. Then to have just 7 episodes? NOT COOL moving on

★★★★★

Making Coffee to go 2026/01/24

Great podcast by NYPD

Outstanding show with real stories told by NYPD hero cops.

★★★★★

Matt Kas 2025/12/24

Yesss!!!

So glad you’re back. Missed ya!

★★★★★

tinnitus 2025/12/23

A Compelling Look at Real NYPD Investigations

Break in the Case is a fascinating listen. What really sets it apart is the focus on the police work itself, especially the interviews with NYPD offic...

★★★★★

Bigsher57 2025/11/07

True dedication

I am impressed with the dedication these cops have for solving these cases. And not just close a case for the sake of numbers. Really spend as much ti...

★★★★★

John Girani 2025/03/25

Excellent!!

This is an excellent podcast, the Zodiac killer season 3 had me on the edge of my seat!! Highly recommend!!!

★★★★★

Plantation Florida 2024/12/29

The Real Deal

How cases are cracked by the New York Police Department. Bottom line: It’s really tough work.

★★★★★

slezakja 2024/09/10

True crime and NY city fans need to listen

Baby Hope story is 💯 amazing. I have new view of the complexity of the job of police. Great podcast

★★★★★

JadeWalker 2024/08/12

One of my new favorites

A compelling podcast featuring the police officers and detectives who worked some of New York City’s most famous cases. The story-telling is top-notch...

★★★★★

Sweetieteachie 2024/08/05

Wow

Great podcast told by those who strive everyday to keep others safe. Thank you to the men and women of the NYPD for all you do, and thank you for shar...

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