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.
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Benschultz Podcasts

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Episode 85 – Hypervigilance, Heartbreak, and Healing, Interview with Karlie Fleming
1:28:09
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1:28:09Episode 85 – Hypervigilance, Heartbreak, and Healing, Interview with Karlie Fleming dives deep into the hidden toll of frontline policing and intelligence work. Karlie shares her powerful journey from chasing her dream of joining the police, to years spent in high-risk intel roles, through the trauma that nearly broke her, and finally the breakthro…
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In this episode, Schultzy and Damo dive into the lifeline of every first responder – the radio. From the gut-wrenching moments of being outnumbered on a hostile job to the sheer relief of hearing sirens racing in for backup, they unpack the power of comms and the mateship it represents. You’ll hear raw frontline stories, a shout-out to the unsung h…
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Episode 83 – Off Duty, On Edge, and a Cartonable Offence
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50:04In Episode 83 of Two Ordinary Cops, Schultzy and Damo take a step back from the front line and reflect on life after policing. From navigating the lingering effects of hypervigilance to the unexpected challenges of judging people by appearances, this episode dives deep into what it really means to switch off—or try to—when the uniform comes off. Al…
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Episode 82 – Courts, Critics, and the Cops in Between
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55:34In this episode, Schultzy and Damo dive into the often-misunderstood world of the courtroom, exploring the complicated relationship between frontline policing, public perception, and the justice system. They unpack the feedback cops cop — from both sides — and take a measured look at the way magistrates are sometimes unfairly judged by those who do…
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Episode 81 - OC Spray, Red Tape & the Politics of Common Sense.
1:02:48
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1:02:48In 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…
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Episode 80 – Auxiliaries, Ex-Mil, and Beers on the Bar
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51:35In 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 personn…
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Episode 79 – From Cop to Accused to Airborne: Jarrod Michael’s Journey
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59:13From 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 drea…
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Episode 78 – From Courtroom to Coroner: That’s Not a Finding, That’s a Stitch-Up of Zach Rolfe
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50:02The 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 fa…
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Episode 77 – When Your Son Wears the Uniform: A Mother’s Perspective
1:06:03
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1:06:03In 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…
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Episode 76 – From PTSD to Purpose: Nick White’s Mission to Save First Responders
1:40:22
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1:40:22In 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 year…
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Episode 75 – From Rookie Mistake to Tactical Expertise in an Interview with Ben Hosking
2:18:02
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2:18:02The 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 …
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Episode 74 – “Pepper Spray, Protesters and the Porn Channel Surprise”
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51:56In 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 frontl…
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Episode 73 – The Bobby Principle: Why Respect for Police Rises—and Falls:
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42:17In 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 …
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Episode 72 – Overseas Recruits, Overtime & the Price of a Carton
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40:41In 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.…
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Episode 71 – Boot Camps, Broken Systems, and Blokes Like Mickey
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46:44In 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…
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Episode 70 – From Connie to Commander: Inside the Police Rank Structure.
1:04:50
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1:04:50In 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…
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Episode 69 – When the Armour Cracks: An Interview with Queensland Paramedic Peter Vinnicombe
1:27:23
1:27:23
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1:27:23In 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 …
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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 int…
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Episode 67 – The Truth About Cops, Corruption & Integrity
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49:26This 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 …
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Episode 66 – People in Crisis: Mental Health Intervention
49:10
49:10
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49:10After 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 sugges…
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Episode 65 - Coppers, College & Changing Times
38:57
38:57
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38:57In 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 …
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Episode 64 - Remote, Resilient, and Married to a Cop
38:22
38:22
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38:22In 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 partn…
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Episode 63 - Police, Prosecutors & the Courts: Who Decides?
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50:25In 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…
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Episode 62 - Unfit for Duty? The Recruitment Debate
46:16
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46:16In Episode 62 of Two Ordinary Cops, Damo and Schultzy dive into a critical issue raised by a recruit— the alarming drop in police recruitment standards. As passionate advocates for frontline services and community safety, they discuss how this decline threatens the integrity of policing, endangers officers, and puts the public at risk. With firstha…
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In Episode 61 of the Two Ordinary Cops podcast, Cyclone Alfred, Schultzy and Damo recount their experiences during the landfall of Cyclone Alfred, sharing what unfolded in their respective areas. They discuss the challenges they faced, including some humorous moments, and highlight the dangers of driving through flooded waters. The duo also reflect…
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Episode 60 - Policing Standards, Cyclone Chaos & A Bit of Controversy
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45:00
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45:00In this episode, Schultzie and Damo chat about their weekend catch-up with police mates, give a shout-out to a listener joining Queensland Police, and dive into the controversy around lowering the standards to join the force—sharing some strong opinions on the risks it brings. They also discuss Cyclone Alfred, the chaos of panic buying, and the cha…
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Episode 59 - Cops Under Fire: The Wild World of Police Complaints
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55:19
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55:19In this episode, Schultzy and Damo, the Two Ordinary Cops, dive into the world of complaints against police. While some are incredibly serious, others, in hindsight, are downright hilarious. They break down how the complaint process works, the reasons people make complaints—ranging from genuine grievances to desperate attempts to dodge prosecution—…
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Episode 58 - Flipping Through the Past: The Power of a Cop’s Notebook
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51:35In this episode of Two Ordinary Cops, Damo and Schultzy kick off with some well-deserved shout-outs before taking a trip down memory lane, flipping through Damo’s old notebooks and diaries. As they relive past cases, they highlight why good note-taking is a must for any cop—whether it’s for court evidence, recalling key details, or building a solid…
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Episode 57 - From Bystander to Badge: When Cops Can’t Walk Away
51:27
51:27
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51:27Ever had to call yourself on duty? The Two Ordinary Cops have – and they've got the stories to prove it. From breaking up a fight to dealing with a heated domestic and even facing down an armed offender, they share real moments when they had no choice but to step in. But it’s not just about taking action—it's about doing it smartly. They stress the…
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Episode 56 - Who’s Really in Charge During a Natural Disaster
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46:53
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46:53In this episode, Damo and Schultzy dive into the world of emergency management—what it is, how it works, and why politicians often have little to no say when natural disasters strike. They pull back the curtain on who’s actually running the show when chaos hits and share some of their own experiences from the front lines. Plus, there’s a shoutout t…
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Episode 55 - The Realities of Leadership – Building a Motivated Team
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55:33
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55:33What does it take to create a team that’s motivated, enthusiastic, and ready to get the job done? In this episode, Damo and Schultzy break down the challenges and rewards of leadership—how to inspire your team, keep them engaged, and tackle the tough conversations that come with the role. Being a great leader isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it means …
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Episode 54 - Complacency, Air Wing, and Fishy Pursuits
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42:56
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42:56In this episode, Schultzy and Damo dive into the topic of complacency in policing—how it creeps into the job, its impact on outcomes, and the lessons they've learned along the way. They share their personal journeys, reflecting on times when they went from being vigilant to complacent and then back to being sharp and focused. Of course, there are p…
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In this episode, Schultzy and Damo kick off with shout-outs and current events before discussing a facility created to support Emergency Services personnel with PTSD. They then dive into the main topic, "Assault Police," exploring the levels of force that can be lawfully used, including how it depends on factors like size disparity. They also share…
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In this episode of Two Ordinary Cops, the hosts take listeners into the fascinating and high-stakes world of police negotiations. Damo shares insights into the specialised training police receive for these critical situations, highlighting key strategies and techniques used to de-escalate conflicts and reach resolutions. Drawing from his own experi…
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Episode 51 - Interview with Sergeant Adam Swift
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38:00In this episode, the Two Ordinary Cops chat with Sergeant Adam Swift, who serves as both an instructor at the police college and the Vice President of the Northern Territory Police Association. Adam shares his journey into policing, some humorous anecdotes, and his experiences during his career in the force.…
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Episode 50 - Answering the Call to Police Service
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41:48In this episode, the Two Ordinary Cops share their journey into the Northern Territory Police Force, discussing what motivated them to join and the experiences that shaped their decision. They reflect on their stories, from childhood through to their time in the force, explaining why they eventually left. They also explore the valuable skills they …
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Episode 49 - Interview with Commander Kylie Anderson
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37:18In this episode, the Two Ordinary Cops had the pleasure of interviewing Kylie Anderson, whose remarkable career and experiences as a woman in the police force make her an inspiration for young women considering or starting a career in law enforcement. Kylie shares valuable insights, not only about her journey as a female officer but also about the …
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Damo and Schultzy present their second Q&A episode for the Two Ordinary Cops podcast, beginning on a sombre note as they share the sad news of a friend’s passing over Christmas. They then offer their perspectives on addressing youth crime, followed by a discussion about poor behaviour from transport or traffic officers. The conversation shifts to a…
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Episode 47 - Interview with Nathan Finn NT Police Association
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44:03In this episode, the Two Ordinary Cops sit down with Nathan Finn, the president of the Northern Territory Police Association, for an engaging and insightful chat. Nathan shares the story of his remarkable career, from his early days on the beat to his rise as a passionate advocate for his fellow officers. Along the way, he recounts some nail-biting…
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Episode 46 - A Northern Territory Journey and the Ben Hoffmann Standoff
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59:05
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59:05In this episode, we wrap up our Northern Territory trip and share some of your messages and feedback. Damo also opens up about his role in the 2019 Darwin active shooter incident involving Ben Hoffmann. He shares gripping behind-the-scenes details of the response, offering a rare glimpse into the intensity and challenges of that day. It’s a mix of …
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The two ordinary cops are back where it all began travelling to Darwin and Katherine to catch up with old friends and have a laugh. Standby to some great conversations with the men and women who do the job.By benschultz
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Episode 44 - "Crossing the Line: Policing NT's Borders and Beyond"
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47:27In this episode of Crossing the Line, we delve into the unique challenges of policing across state and territory boundaries from the perspective of the Northern Territory Police. From tracking offenders fleeing interstate to executing extradition warrants, this episode uncovers the critical coordination required between jurisdictions to ensure just…
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Episode 43 - First on Scene: First Aid in the Force
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47:31
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47:31In this episode, we dive into the world of first aid on the front line. From assisting paramedics to managing critical injuries, we share real-life stories from our time in the police force. We also explore the unique responsibilities officers face in these high-pressure situations, balancing medical aid, securing the scene, and supporting everyone…
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In this compelling discussion, The Two Ordinary Cops delve into one of the most challenging topics society faces: suicide. They explore the profound ways it impacts individuals, families, and communities, offering insights drawn from their unique perspective on the front lines. From the emotional toll on loved ones to the intricate process of inves…
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In this episode, Schultzy and Damo dive into the wild world of unusual jobs they've tackled over the years, from a spooky gig involving a ghost to an unexpected encounter with women's underwear! They’ll share stories of the strange, the hilarious, and the downright bizarre. Expect plenty of laughs, some surprising shoutouts, and a few tall tales yo…
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In this episode, Damo and Schultzy dive into the fascinating world of prisoner escorts, exploring how police procedures have evolved over the years. They’ll take you from early vehicle convoys to high-stakes air transport with the police airwing, sharing captivating stories from their experiences along the way. Tune in for behind-the-scenes insight…
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Schultzy and Damo explore the spectrum of drug use in the Northern Territory, from the everyday to the more extreme, across a variety of settings. They delve into substances that might fly under the radar, like Kava, and discuss its unique impact on certain communities. Along the way, they share a mix of captivating and chilling stories about their…
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Schultzy and Damo explore the wide range of career opportunities available within the police force. These include roles in crime scene investigation, forensic analysis, general duties, and specialized positions within tactical teams.By benschultz
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Episode 37 - Women in Policing / Work, Life Balance
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41:59In this episode, Damo and Schultzy discuss the role of women in the police force, highlighting their impact, strengths, and contributions toward equality. They also give a few shout-outs and explore topics like work-life balance and advice for those considering joining the police later in life.By benschultz
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In today's episode, Schultzy and Damo explore how frontline personnel relate to everyday people in society. They discuss the unique experiences and challenges faced by those working on the front lines, offering insights that anyone who has been in these roles will understand. Through conversation and a few personal stories, they shed light on what …
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