Small Town Dicks (Audio 99)

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Lt. Scott returns to fill us in on the details of Francisco, the equally-depraved trainee of corrupt cop, Robert from Season 1: THE SOCIOPATH AND THE WHISTLEBLOWER. As Lt. Scott tells us, Robert may have been the initial focus of the Internal Investigation at his Small Town police agency, but it soon became apparent that Francisco was taking everything Robert had taught him about preying on vulnerable women –and perfecting it. This is the story of the protégé.

Special Guest

Lieutenant Scott is a 31-year veteran of law-enforcement. Scott has worked at a variety of assignments from patrol, SWAT, Detectives, and Special Operations, to gang enforcement, Internal Affairs, and Special Investigations. Lt. Scott is also a forensic artist.

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(Part 1/2) This is the Thurston School shooting through the eyes of the Springfield police officer who was first on the scene that morning, as well as one of the detectives who arrived minutes later to help process the carnage. We also sit down for a rare interview with one of the students who survived being shot that day.

Special Guests

Officer Donnie was a police officer in Springfield, Oregon for almost 12 years. While he was there he spent three years on the SWAT team, two years as an auto theft detective, and two years as an undercover narcotics detective. In 1998, he was a first responder to the Thurston High School shooting and assisted with taking the shooter into custody. In 1999, he was awarded the City of Springfield and the State of Oregon Medal of Honor for his actions during a critical incident in the line of duty. He retired from law enforcement in 2007.

Detective Don recently retired after serving in law enforcement for over 30 years. Don spent much of his career as a detective but also served on SWAT and as a Hostage/Crisis Negotiator.

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(Part 2/2) This is the Thurston School shooting through the eyes of the Springfield police officer who was first on the scene that morning, as well as one of the detectives who arrived minutes later to help process the carnage. We also sit down for a rare interview with one of the students who survived being shot that day.

Special Guests

Officer Donnie was a police officer in Springfield, Oregon for almost 12 years. While he was there he spent three years on the SWAT team, two years as an auto theft detective, and two years as an undercover narcotics detective. In 1998, he was a first responder to the Thurston High School shooting and assisted with taking the shooter into custody. In 1999, he was awarded the City of Springfield and the State of Oregon Medal of Honor for his actions during a critical incident in the line of duty. He retired from law enforcement in 2007.

Detective Don recently retired after serving in law enforcement for over 30 years. Don spent much of his career as a detective but also served on SWAT and as a Hostage/Crisis Negotiator.

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Sonja had filed for divorce from her husband, Roberto, and taken out a restraining order against him due to his violent tendencies towards her and their two children. So when Roberto doesn’t show up for court and Sonja doesn’t show up for work, police are dispatched to the house where they encounter the couple’s oldest daughter yelling that her father has a gun and is going to kill her mother. Detectives recount the hours-long stand-off and its impossible ending.

Special Guests

Sergeant David is a 30-year veteran of law enforcement. During his tenure he has worked patrol, SWAT, and several different assignments in Detectives including Narcotics, Auto Theft, and Violent Crimes.

Detective Don recently retired after serving in law enforcement for over 30 years. Don spent much of his career as a detective but also served on SWAT and as a Hostage/Crisis Negotiator.

Detective George has been in law enforcement for over 20 years. The last 12 years he has been a detective assigned to Domestic Violence, Auto Theft, and currently Violent Crimes. George has been a member of SWAT for 16 years. He previously served on Bike Patrol, and as a Field Training Officer.

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Murder investigations are often described by law enforcement as being like a giant jigsaw puzzle that you assemble one painstaking piece at a time. But in this particular case police got a full confession from the suspect. On the 9-1-1 call. Before detectives even arrived at the scene.

Special Guest

Dispatcher Dawn has served in law enforcement for 23 years. After working in records for 3 years, Dawn became a dispatcher. She is a Hostage/Crisis Negotiator and Field Training Officer for Dispatchers.

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A young Irish woman heads into town to hear one of her favorite bands. She quickly makes some new friends who invite her back to their house for an after-party. Once there, things don’t stay friendly for long. Det. Sam takes us inside the investigation to find out what happened to young Anne Marie.

The Detective: Detective Sam was a police officer in Northern Ireland for 28 years. He spent 24 of those as a detective involved in all aspects of criminal and terrorist investigations from basic theft to murder, both domestic and terrorist-related. “Northern Ireland is a small country with major political issues. Police officers have to perform many roles and make sacrifices in order to protect themselves and the community as a whole.”

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A routine traffic stop turns deadly serious when the driver opens fire on the patrol officer and peels out. A manhunt ensues and a couple of days later, an alert law enforcement crew spots the driver and embarks on a harrowing car chase during the height of the summer-tourist season.

The Detective: Detective Chad went to school with Detectives Dan & Dave when they were growing up. In High School, Det. Chad started as an Explorer/Cadet with his local police department.  He was hired by The Sheriff’s Office after college and has been in Law Enforcement for 24 yrs.  He’s worked in Corrections, Patrol, and has been a detective for 9 years.

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Steve is a popular guy. He edits the local paper. He owns the local stationary store. His new restaurant is the most popular spot for miles around. And he’s just opened up a new pub. The only problem is every one of his businesses seems to be failing. Detective BK gets a tip that there’s something shady is going on with Steve’s accounts and his investors have started to notice. BK uncovers a small town scandal that tests the fabric of neighborly trust.

The Detective: Detective Sergeant BK has worked in law enforcement since 1998. Over the course of his career he worked patrol. He spent seven years as a detective working Major Crimes: murders, rapes, drug crimes, and felony thefts. Three years ago he was promoted to sergeant and is currently the Detective Sergeant at his police agency. BK lives in the city he works in. His wife is a school teacher and they have four children who are currently attending college.

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It was an evening like any other. Police at the local headquarters were going about their business - eating dinner, talking about the latest TV shows, when… boom. The first of a series of deadly explosions tore through Detective Sam’s station in Northern Ireland. Sam talks about the extraordinary dangers his force faced on a daily basis, and the lingering trauma so many suffer who choose to protect and serve.

The Detective: Detective Sam was a police officer in Northern Ireland for 28 years. He spent 24 of those as a detective involved in all aspects of criminal and terrorist investigations from basic theft to murder, both domestic and terrorist-related. “Northern Ireland is a small country with major political issues. Police officers have to perform many roles and make sacrifices in order to protect themselves and the community as a whole.”

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An argument over dinner turns deadly at a Thanksgiving Day party. Police are called and find the victim shot in the back. Detective Justin leads a citywide manhunt to track down the killer.

The detective: 

Detective Justin is approaching his 15th year in law enforcement. Currently investigating major crimes, Justin has also worked patrol, been a K9 handler, and is a team leader on SWAT. Justin previously served as a field training officer, was on bike patrol, and has been a firearms instructor since 2014.

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A passing car notices what appears to be a bag of trash tossed onto the road. Upon closer inspection, the driver finds a woman bundled up in the garbage, left for dead. Retired Deputy Chief Constable Tom returns to the podcast to talk about why this cold case was such an eye-opener for his police department.

The detective:

Ret. Deputy Chief Constable Tom was one of Scotland’s most senior police officers. A graduate of Edinburgh University and The FBI Academy, his last role was as commander of a linked murder investigation, commonly known as The Worlds End Murders. He writes a regular "Inside Justice" column for The Scotsman newspaper and has authored several books, including "The Worlds End Murders: The Final Verdict" and a groundbreaking study of forensic science called "Ruxton: The First Modern Murder." He is currently working on a new book examining the sex industry. He lives in Edinburgh.

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A woman named Mary goes missing after spending the evening at a popular nightclub. Local police have few leads. Then police learn a sex offender from Ireland is in town and was seen harassing women customers before leaving the club with Mary. Detective Shaun, who is supposed to be taking his vacation, suspects something terrible has happened and pulls out all the stops to find the Irishman. When they finally catch up to him he denies any wrongdoing, until a surprising scientific detail puts him at the scene of a grisly crime.

The detective:

Retired Detective Superintendent Shaun was a Police officer for 30 years and a detective for the majority of that time, working in the Tayside area of Scotland for the majority of his service. In his last few years he was honored to represent Scottish Policing overseas and worked with Police Officers in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Malawi and Zambia, as well as welcoming officers from across the USA to come and share good practice in Scotland. Nowadays he run investigations for a humanitarian charity. He is married with 2 grown up daughters.

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Famed cold-case investigator and forensic analyst Paul Holes brings us two murder cases from Northern California that remain unsolved. These murders are eerily similar to three others that were committed by serial killer Phil Hughes. But with scant physical evidence, and Hughes remaining tight-lipped, Paul is forced to dig deep and come up with new ways to identify the killer and get justice for the victims.

The detective: Paul Holes spent the majority of his 27-year career investigating cold cases and serial-predator crimes in the Bay Area of California. Just before he retired in April 2018, Paul led the team that broke the Golden State Killer case, which brought him worldwide acclaim. Other notable cases he’s worked on include The Zodiac, Laci Peterson, Jaycee Dugard, Darryl Kemp, Joseph Naso, and Joseph Cordova Jr. He's co-authored several books, including “Evil Has a Name,” “A Devil in the Valley,” and “The Riddle of Emmon Bodfish,” all available on Audible. You can hear Paul on his own true-crime podcast, which he co-hosts with investigative journalist, Billy Jensen, called “The Murder Squad.” And Paul's memoir about his career entitled “Unmasked: My Life Solving America’s Cold Cases” is scheduled for release in April 2022.

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We are coming to you a day early because of the Thanksgiving Day holiday - we wanted to be sure you had something binge-able as you prep your turkeys, or drive to grandma's house, or wait for you plane, or take a nice walk. Whatever you're doing, Small Town Fam, we wish you a warm and happy holiday!

In today's special bonus episode, Yeardley discusses what her three favorite episodes have been over the course of the show. She offers some commentary and then shares her favorite for your enjoyment.

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From big cities to small towns, there is perhaps nothing we associate more with modern police work than the high-speed chase. In this two-parter, Detectives Dan and Dave remember their first times behind the wheel when they had to suddenly go Code 3 "in pursuit.” You’ll hear how they learned to keep cool under pressure while also keeping the public safe as they pursued the suspect.

The detective: Detective Dan

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From big cities to small towns, there is perhaps nothing we associate more with modern police work than the high-speed chase. In this two-parter, Detectives Dan and Dave remember their first times behind the wheel when they had to suddenly go Code 3 "in pursuit.” You’ll hear how they learned to keep cool under pressure while also keeping the public safe as they pursued the suspect.

The detective: Detective Dave

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In a case that feels like it’s out of the 1800s, a detective in Australia’s famed “Gold Squad” gets an anonymous tip that something fishy is going on at a gold mine in remote Western Australia. An investigation turns up a crime ring that’s pocketing tens of thousands of dollars of the precious metal. The hunt turns tragic as a ringleader considers the blow to his reputation for stealing from the only business in town.

The detective: Detective Peter retired in 2007 after 25 year’s service in the Western Australian Police Force. He led specialist Crime squads in Covert Operations and the unique Gold Stealing Detection Unit in his home state, which covers almost a third of the Australian continent. Since retiring he has worked as a mining industry consultant and led Global Security operations for a major gold mining corporation.

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Detective BK is called to a grisly murder scene at a local motel. The fact that the victim, himself, has a criminal past has no bearing on how hard detectives work the case, their job is to see that justice is served. As BK drills down on a possible suspect, the search becomes a manhunt across multiple states, and the detectives are reminded that you can never have enough evidence.

The detective: Detective Sergeant BK has worked in law enforcement since 1998. Over the course of his career he worked patrol. He spent seven years as a detective working Major Crimes: murders, rapes, drug crimes, and felony thefts. Three years ago he was promoted to sergeant and is currently the Detective Sergeant at his police agency. BK lives in the city he works in. His wife is a school teacher and they have four children who are currently attending college.

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Today, a gift from our Small Town Family to yours.

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In this special episode, retired Detective Dawn goes undercover as a customer after hearing reports of a fish store owner with busy hands. In the course of her investigation, Dawn uncovers clear evidence that the owner has had a long history of victimizing women, including underage girls.

Oh, and check out our Patreon at patreon.com/smalltowndickspodcast

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Detectives Dan and Dave talk about what Hollywood gets right - and gets wrong - about police work, and which shows are their favorites. Then they take a quiz to see if they know which obscure laws are from which state. It's a blast!

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Detective Dan takes the mic to recount a couple of wild cases involving some very crafty crooks. Thieves can be clever, so it takes some real police work to break the case. In part one, you'll get to know a couple of key fob bandits. It'll remind you to keep close watch on your gym locker. In part two, you'll meet the charming but dangerous members of Stu's Crew.

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Police in a small town come across a grisly scene - an elderly woman beaten and stabbed in her own bed. As Detective Greg sets out to find out who is responsible, and bring them to justice. One of their leads comes from a young boy who tells them a story of a ginger-bearded man. A story all the more chilling when detectives discover the real truth.

The detective: Detective Greg has worked at his current agency for 24 years. During that time, he spent 3 years working in corrections, 13 years in patrol, 3 years in narcotics, and 5 years investigating violent crime. He has also been active on SWAT for 16 years.



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An estranged spouse calls 911 to say she shot her husband in self-defense. But as detectives look at the crime scene and begin digging into the history of the relationship, they start to doubt the caller’s story. Was this a fatal case of domestic violence, or did something more sinister take place? Detective Robert investigates.

The detective: Detective Robert has been in law enforcement for over 20 years. Prior to becoming a detective, he spent nine years on patrol, where he served as a Field Training Officer (FTO) and an FBI-trained hostage negotiator. As a detective, he worked in a unit that investigated crimes against children, including sex crimes, serious physical abuse and child homicides. He was later re-assigned to the violent crimes unit, where he investigated homicides, robberies and other serious felonies. He was an active member of his county’s major crimes team, which investigated homicides and officer-involved shootings. Robert has since been promoted to sergeant, where he currently supervises a graveyard patrol shift.



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Our own Detective Dave investigates a shockingly violent attack on two guards in a small town jail. It’s a case that brings into sharp focus the risks that law enforcement officers take every day to keep others, and themselves, safe.

The detective: Detective Dave recently retired from law enforcement in January 2022. He began his career in 2007 and served as a patrol officer until 2012. Dave spent the next six years as a detective where he primarily investigated sexual assaults and child abuse. Dave was promoted to Sergeant in 2018 and was reassigned to patrol, where he served for the remainder of his career. During his time in law enforcement he held special assignments to the Crisis and Hostage Negotiation Team, Child Fatality Review, the county's deadly force investigation team, and served on the advisory boards of multiple children's and victim's advocacy groups. 

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This case takes us to Main Street, Small Town, Australia, where *Detective Graeme is called to investigate an early morning blaze in the local business district. Fortunately, firefighters put out the flames before anyone is hurt, but the shops suffer extensive smoke damage. As Graeme picks through the debris, he discovers evidence that the fire was no accident. A bit of luck and good old-fashioned detective work help Graeme and his team zero in on the culprit.

The detective: Retired Detective Sgt. Graeme. After witnessing a bank robbery, Graeme decided to join the Victoria Police where he graduated from the police academy in 1994. He worked the ‘beat’ across many suburbs of metropolitan Melbourne before being promoted to Detective in 2003. In 2006 he transferred to the prestigious Homicide Squad, honing his skills from the legends of Victoria Police Homicide. He has also led small teams in the pressured world of armed robbery investigations. Graeme is the recipient of the National Emergency Medal (Black Saturday Bushfires 2009), National Medal (25 years service), National Police Service Medal and Victoria Police Ethical Service Medal. After an esteemed career as a Detective Sergeant with Victoria Police, Graeme went on to establish Peregrine Consultancy and Investigations in 2021.



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A German couple comes to hike and enjoy the beautiful Big Sur coastline. As they wander through the backroads, they encounter their worst nightmare - a couple of predators out looking for a soft target. Detective Lins is called to investigate the aftermath and finds a story of tragedy as well as miraculous survival.

The detective: Retired Detective Lins began his 31-year-career in law enforcement when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Military Police Corps in 1967 after he graduated from UC Davis. He served two years at the United States European Command in Stuttgart Germany, where he was promoted to first lieutenant, and commander of the military police station. Later, as a captain, he commanded the first post stockade annex at the now defunct Fort Ord in CA. His most memorable investigation in Europe was solving the case of the bananas missing from a 4-star general’s kitchen. Detective Lins went on to spend two decades as a deputy sheriff with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department, first as a patrol deputy and then as a detective working major crimes for 14 years. His final 7 years in law enforcement were as a District Attorney Investigator for the Monterey County DA, where where his assignments included major crimes and child sexual assault. During his law enforcement career he investigated over 40 death cases, with the majority being homicides.

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A mother calls police to her condominium over concerns that her son, Mike, is acting erratically and is a threat to both himself and his own son. Because Mike is armed with a gun, police attempt to isolate him. A stand-off ensues which turns violent.

The detective: Detective Chris has been in law enforcement for 10 years. Over the course of his career he has been on patrol and served on his agency’s SWAT team. As a detective Chris has been assigned to property crimes, as well as violent crimes detective, which include crimes against children. Chris grew up playing sports and currently enjoys playing golf, poorly. He also enjoys spending time with his wife.

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An undercover drug investigation leads to a web of political corruption that has ties to an international crime syndicate. As the case unfolds, our two detectives, Matt, who’s working undercover, and Blake, his handler, begin to wonder if the corruption reaches into their own department, too.

The detectives: Detective Matt grew up in Pennsylvania. He joined the police department in the town where this story takes place shortly after graduating college. He worked in patrol at first and then moved to the street crimes unit before he started as an undercover narcotics investigator. After he worked this case, he went to a DEA task force and worked to infiltrate a major political party conference. He received a medal of valor for his efforts. He is now a deputy in another state.

Detective Blake started working as a police officer in 1987 after serving four years in the Marine Corps. He worked in one department for 26 years and then moved to the area where this story took place. There he started out as a patrol officer and then took a role in vice and narcotics. He finished his career as a lieutenant while in the same area. He was married for 35 years and has two grown children.

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Detective Dan gets called to an apartment complex to investigate a hit and run. But he quickly discovers there’s much more to the case than just property damage, when a young girl in the house discloses that she was touched inappropriately during an alcohol-fueled party that night. Detective Dan's brother, Detective Dave, is called in to investigate the crime.

The detectives: Detective Dave recently retired from law enforcement in January 2022. He began his career in 2007 and served as a patrol officer until 2012. Dave spent the next six years as a detective where he primarily investigated sexual assaults and child abuse. Dave was promoted to Sergeant in 2018 and was reassigned to patrol, where he served for the remainder of his career. During his time in law enforcement he held special assignments to the Crisis and Hostage Negotiation Team, Child Fatality Review, the county's deadly force investigation team, and served on the advisory boards of multiple children's and victim's advocacy groups.

Detective Dan was formerly a K9 handler and Violent Crimes detective at the same Small Town police department as his brother. Dan regards his years as a K9 handler to be the most rewarding of his career. He is now retired.



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An attentive security guard confronts a rowdy group outside a bar. One of the group pulls out a gun and shoots the security guard, killing him. As investigators try to sort out what happened, they discover the security guard was wearing a body camera that recorded the whole event. Detective Chris leads a manhunt to apprehend the suspect.

The detective: Detective Chris has been in law enforcement for 10 years. Over the course of his career he has been on patrol and served on his agency’s SWAT team. As a detective Chris has been assigned to property crimes, as well as violent crimes detective, which include crimes against children. Chris grew up playing sports and currently enjoys playing golf, poorly. He also enjoys spending time with his wife.



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The stories about Sam are almost unbelievable. He’s wealthy, successful, and a family man. But look closer and you’ll discover a deeply disturbed predator with a dangerous habit of victimizing kids. When Detective Robert and his team take over the case, they find themselves  crossing state lines and international borders in the pursuit of evidence which ultimately confirms Sam is exactly what they thought he was: the very worst. WARNING: This episode deals with the sexual abuse of children.

The detective: Detective Robert has been in law enforcement for over 20 years. Prior to becoming a detective, he spent nine years on patrol, where he served as a Field Training Officer (FTO) and an FBI-trained hostage negotiator. As a detective, he worked in a unit that investigated crimes against children, including sex crimes, serious physical abuse and child homicides. He was later re-assigned to the violent crimes unit, where he investigated homicides, robberies and other serious felonies. He was an active member of his county’s major crimes team, which investigated homicides and officer-involved shootings. After 10 years in investigations, Robert has been promoted to sergeant, where he currently supervises a graveyard patrol shift.

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A brutal murder. A primary suspect. But small mistakes made by fellow officers in the early hours of the investigation hinder Detective Lins’ pursuit of the man he believes is responsible for bludgeoning a woman to death in her driveway. But the investigation continues until Lins receives word that his prime suspect is dead. Or is he? Even in retirement, Detective Lins says he’s not ready to give up the ghost.

The detective: Retired Detective Lins began his 31-year-career in law enforcement when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Military Police Corps in 1967 after he graduated from UC Davis. He served two years at the United States European Command in Stuttgart Germany, where he was promoted to first lieutenant, and commander of the military police station. Later, as a captain, he commanded the first post stockade annex at the now defunct Fort Ord in CA. His most memorable investigation in Europe was solving the case of the bananas missing from a 4-star general’s kitchen. Det. Lins went on to spend two decades as a deputy sheriff with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department, first as a patrol deputy and then as a detective working major crimes for 14 years. His final 7 years in law enforcement were as a District Attorney Investigator for the Monterey County DA, where where his assignments included major crimes and child sexual assault. During his law enforcement career he investigated over 40 death cases, with the majority being homicides.\



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A young couple go missing after heading out to a local camping spot. A search party discovers their bodies - both have been shot to death. Investigators from this rural town turn over every stone in search of the killer but come up empty. Over 40 years pass before a DNA test points to a suspect. Detectives scramble to arrest him and get justice for the victims.

The detectives: Detective Chad went to school with Detectives Dan and Dave. In high school, Chad started as an Explorer/Cadet with his local police department. He was hired by the Sheriff’s office after college, and has been in law enforcement for 24 years. He’s worked in corrections and patrol and has been a detective for 9 years.

Detective Greg has worked at his current agency for 24 years. During that time, he spent 3 years working in corrections, 13 years in patrol, 3 years in narcotics, and 5 years investigating violent crime. He has also been active on SWAT for 16 years.

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Yeardley invites you to enjoy a special preview of a new documentary series called Lords of Soccer. Join veteran foreign correspondent Conor Powell as he digs deep into the murky world of international soccer, or football as most of the world knows it, to expose the graft and corruption that brought down the elite businessmen behind the World Cup. Lords of Soccer: How FIFA Stole the Beautiful Game is the unbelievable true story of how a corrupt few turned the world’s most popular game into a criminal con job. You can listen to the first five episodes right now at http://link.chtbl.com/lordsofsoccer

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Over the next few weeks, we're sharing a few episodes of The Briefing Room. The series began on our Patreon feed but is going to become a brand new show in January. Today, we discuss situational awareness: Detective Dave and Detective Dan talk about ways to increase your safety by paying closer attention to what's going on around you.

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In today's briefing, we discuss the case law that defines what is considered reasonable when a police officer uses force. These cases are used by departments nationwide as a foundation for use of force policies. The two specific cases you'll hear about today, if you want to read further, are Tennessee v. Garner and Graham v. Connor.

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If you've ever watched a television crime drama, chances are you could recite the Miranda warning by heart. Today, Detectives Dan and Dave continue their law enforcement briefing with a review of the case that brought us the Miranda warning: Miranda v. Arizona. The detectives also delve into a precursor case, Escobedo v. Illinois, which helped define what rights a person has when they're arrested.

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Once again, Detectives Dave and Dan take a deep dive into case law that governs how law enforcement operates in this country. Today, they discuss Brewer v. Williams, which is better known as "The Christian Burial Speech". It's a fascinating and disturbing tale about the limits of interrogation after a suspect invokes his right to counsel: even when, or especially when, the stakes are incredibly high.

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On February 14, 2018, Officer George was working patrol with his local PD. He'd met some fellow officers for lunch. Nothing out of the ordinary. Then he heard the radio traffic: shots fired at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. He immediately headed to the campus. This is Officer George's story of responding to one of the most horrific school shootings in American history. One that would come to be known simply as “Parkland.”

The detective: Officer George has lived in South Florida his entire life. He’s a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where he played baseball. He moved on to the minor leagues and met Detective Dan, also a professional minor league player. After baseball, he decided in his mid-30s to become a police officer. He worked 5 years as a patrol officer in one jurisdiction and joined the SWAT team there, and then moved to Coral Springs, where he worked an additional 5 years. George retired from law enforcement in 2020. He’s married with two children.

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This is the second part of Officer George’s response to the tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. This episode covers one of the most horrific school shootings in American history. It would come to be known simply as “Parkland.”

The detective: Officer George has lived in South Florida his entire life. He’s a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where he played baseball. He moved on to the minor leagues and met Detective Dan, also a professional minor league player. After baseball, he decided in his mid-30s to become a police officer. He worked 5 years as a patrol officer in one jurisdiction and joined the SWAT team there, and then moved to Coral Springs, where he worked an additional 5 years. George retired from law enforcement in 2020. He’s married with two children.



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A bloody murder scene along a California highway leads Investigator Paul Holes on a generational journey, as he discovers a killer’s past could shine a light on a long-dormant cold case. Along the way, Paul finds that the impulse for violent crime sometimes runs in the family.

The detective: Paul Holes is a bestselling author, podcaster, television host and retired cold-case investigator with the sheriff’s and district attorney’s offices in California’s Contra Costa County. During his 27 years as an investigator, Holes used his behavioral and forensic expertise in such notable cases as the Zodiac murders, Golden State Killer, and Jaycee Dugard kidnapping. In May 2022, Holes published “Unmasked: My Life Solving America's Cold Cases” - which became an instant New York Times bestseller. Paul teamed with FBI and Sacramento DA to help identify Joseph DeAngelo as the Golden State Killer, the most prolific serial predator in U.S. history. In 2019, he teamed up with Oxygen to host ”The DNA of Murder with Paul Holes” and in November he’s launching a new original series with HLN called, ”Real Life Nightmare with Paul Holes.” 

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A young mother gets a strange visit from a neighbor. He tells her his security cameras have captured her daughter doing inappropriate things. Shocked and suspicious, the mother calls the police. Detective Dave arrives and begins to investigate. He discovers the neighbor’s story does not hold up, and the truth is alarming.

The detective: Detective Dave recently retired from law enforcement in January 2022.  He began his career in 2007 and served as a patrol officer until 2012.  Dave spent the next six years as a detective where he primarily investigated sexual assaults and child abuse.  Dave was promoted to Sergeant in 2018 and was reassigned to patrol, where he served for the remainder of his career.  During his time in law enforcement he held special assignments to the Crisis and Hostage Negotiation Team, Child Fatality Review, the county's deadly force investigation team, and served on the advisory boards of multiple children's and victim's advocacy groups.



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Police discover the body of a woman near the bottom of a flight of the stairs that lead to her bedroom. She’s been shot in the head and the main suspect is the man she just broke up with. Her young children are also in the house, hiding in a closet. Detectives Chad and Greg hunt the suspect down and find a pattern of dangerous domestic abuse that had never been reported to police.

The detectives: Detective Chad went to school with Detectives Dan and Dave. In high school, Chad started as an Explorer/Cadet with his local police department. He was hired by the Sheriff’s office after college, and has been in law enforcement for 24 years. He’s worked in corrections and patrol and has been a detective for 9 years.

Detective Greg has worked at his current agency for 24 years. During that time, he spent 3 years working in corrections, 13 years in patrol, 3 years in narcotics, and 5 years investigating violent crime. He has also been active on SWAT for 16 years.

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In a split second, your entire life can change. Detective Aaron is a school resource officer. As he does his daily patrol, he stops a man who appears out of place near the local high school. Indeed, this routine stop turns dangerous as the man, who is found to have warrants and is carrying weapons, runs directly onto school property. A confrontation outside classrooms forces Aaron in a split-second decision.

The detective: Detective Aaron started in law enforcement 24 years ago. His current duties include property crimes investigations, firearms instructor, and member of the SWAP team. He spent 15 years on patrol and eight years as a school resource officer before moving over to detectives. He’s also worked as a Field Training Officer and a member of the bicycle-mounted crowd control team. Before joining the police force, Aaron served in the US Army Airborne division from 1994 to 1998. He lists “spending as much time as I can with my kids” and hiking as his hobbies.



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A man calls 911 to say his toddler is in distress: he's not breathing. As paramedics rush to the scene, so does Detective Terry. He knows for this kind of incident, it is all hands on deck. As he begins to investigate what happened, a series of red flags go up and Det. Terry confronts every parent’s worst nightmare.

The detective: As of 2022, Det. Terry will have over 24 years of experience in law enforcement. He spent the majority of his career in a small, rural coastal town. Over the course of his career Det. Terry has been a patrol sergeant, had special assignments as a School Resource Officer (SRO), a Field Training Officer (FTO), and a narcotics detective. He also spent a year consulting as an advisor to the Iraqi police, working in the Western Al Anbar Province. Det. Terry has been at his current agency for the past six years. For the last five, he has been assigned to the Major Crimes Team investigating suspicious deaths, child abuse, and sexual assaults. Det. Terry enjoys the outdoors and spending summer days on a boat at the lake surrounded by family. He and his wife are expecting a son in the winter of 2022.



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In Pt. 1, Detective Justin gets an early morning call to respond to a community garden where a man's body is found slumped over at the base of a tree. The first assumption is this is a tragic, but all too common suicide. But the evidence starts to tell a different story, and soon Justin finds himself hot on the trail of a murderer. Pt. 2 drops tomorrow!

The detective: Detective Justin is approaching his 15th year in Law Enforcement. Currently a Major Crimes Detective, Justin has also worked patrol, been a K9 Handler, and is a Team Leader on SWAT. He previously served as a Field Training Officer, was on Bike Patrol, and has been a Firearms Instructor since 2014.

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In the conclusion of One Dark Night, Detective Justin has identified his suspect in the senseless murder of Larry, who provided security for a community garden in Justin's small town. As Justin closes in on the suspect, the stakes couldn’t be higher when the suspect makes clear he will not be going quietly.

The detective: Detective Justin is approaching his 15th year in Law Enforcement. Currently a Major Crimes Detective, Justin has also worked patrol, been a K9 Handler, and is a Team Leader on SWAT. He previously served as a Field Training Officer, was on Bike Patrol, and has been a Firearms Instructor since 2014.



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So glad to have you with us on this day after Thanksgiving (aka Black Friday). Here's something special from the Dream Team to our Small Town Family: Detectives Dan and Dave, Investigator Paul, and Citizen Yeardley talk about traffic stops, driving while hearing impaired, and their dream jobs. Enjoy! 

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A gunshot rings out in the middle of the night in a small town in rural Australia. Detective Graeme is quickly on the case and soon learns not one but two additional drive-by shootings have occurred this early morning. Such things don't happen where he lives and all he has to go on is some grainy footage of a dark car out looking for targets.

The detective: Detective Graeme. After witnessing a bank robbery, Graeme decided to join the Victoria Police where he graduated from the police academy in 1994. He worked the ‘beat’ across many suburbs of metropolitan Melbourne before being promoted to Detective in 2003. In 2006 he transferred to the prestigious Homicide Squad, honing his skills from the legends of Victoria Police Homicide. He has also led small teams in the pressured world of armed robbery investigations. Graeme is the recipient of the National Emergency Medal (Black Saturday Bushfires 2009), National Medal (25 years service), National Police Service Medal and Victoria Police Ethical Service Medal. After an esteemed career as a Detective Sergeant with Victoria Police, Graeme went on to establish Peregrine Consultancy and Investigations in 2021.



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Crime scene investigations are rarely as dramatic - and definitive - as what you see on TV shows like CSI. That does not make them any less crucial to solving the case. Host Paul Holes takes us through a case he worked on in the late 1990s, where a claim of self-defense was ultimately turned on its head after a thorough and objective look at the nearly invisible trace evidence left behind after the body of a gay man was found dumped in a ditch.

The detective: Paul Holes is a bestselling author, podcaster, television host and retired cold-case investigator with the sheriff’s and district attorney’s offices in California’s Contra Costa County. During his 27 years as an investigator, Holes used his behavioral and forensic expertise in such notable cases as the Zodiac murders, Golden State Killer, and Jaycee Dugard kidnapping. In May 2022, Holes published “Unmasked: My Life Solving America's Cold Cases” - which became an instant New York Times bestseller. Paul teamed with FBI and Sacramento DA to help identify Joseph DeAngelo as the Golden State Killer, the most prolific serial predator in U.S. history.  In 2019, he teamed up with Oxygen to host ”The DNA of Murder with Paul Holes” and in November he’s launching a new original series with HLN called, ”Real Life Nightmare with Paul Holes.” 



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Detective Matt returns to share his more than year-long undercover investigation into a fringe environmental group with dangerous designs on an upcoming political convention. This is the kind of story we never get to hear. Told by a detective who mastered the art of disappearing from his own life in order to thwart a violent plot.

The detective: Detective Matt joined the police department in the town where this story takes place shortly after graduating college. He worked in patrol at first and then moved to the street crimes unit before he started as an undercover narcotics investigator. After he worked this case, he went to a DEA task force and worked to infiltrate a major political party conference. He received a medal of valor for his efforts. He had been a deputy in another state, but recently retired from law enforcement.

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Detective Dan takes us on an epic small-town manhunt as he tracks down a notorious car thief who makes the mistake of stealing the rims off a teenager's prized possession: his first car. This one has it all: burner phones, face tattoos, and a golden Honda Accord. This is the season finale!

The detective: Detective Dan was formerly a K9 handler and Violent Crimes detective at the same Small Town police department as his brother, Dave. Dan regards his years as a K9 handler to be the most rewarding of his career. He is now retired.

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There are people in the world who, no matter how many chances they get, behave with cruelty and indifference. In this episode, Detective Dave recounts his frustrations in dealing with just such a man named Jeremy, who seemed unable, or unwilling, to control his habit of abusing people he deemed weaker than himself, despite multiple "second chances.”

Guest: Detective Dave

Detective Dave recently retired from law enforcement in January 2022.  He began his career in 2007 and served as a patrol officer until 2012.  Dave spent the next six years as a detective where he primarily investigated sexual assaults and child abuse.  Dave was promoted to Sergeant in 2018 and was reassigned to patrol, where he served for the remainder of his career.  During his time in law enforcement he held special assignments to the Crisis and Hostage Negotiation Team, Child Fatality Review, the county's deadly force investigation team, and served on the advisory boards of multiple children's and victim's advocacy groups.

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Detective Dan talks about a case that has haunted him for years. A young woman is attacked while in the home of a well-to-do couple. She breaks free and scrambles to a neighbor's house to call for help. Dan is the first officer on scene and his investigation turns up disturbing clues that lead him to believe the victim narrowly escaped a couple with deadly intentions.

Guest: Detective Dan

Detective Dan was formerly a K9 handler and Violent Crimes detective at the same Small Town police department as his brother, Dave. Dan regards his years as a K9 handler to be the most rewarding of his career. He is now retired.

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In a small town, one act of arson can be devastating. Detective Chris gets the call early one morning to investigate the cause of a fire at a family-owned arcade. The case quickly evolves into a burglary investigation and then a manhunt when the men thought responsible hit another business. Their destructive path finally leads to a deadly showdown.

Guest: Detective Chris

Detective Chris has been in law enforcement for 28 years. He has been at his current department for 25 years where he's been a detective for 12 years. He spent 15 years on his agency's TAC team, 8 years as a K9 handler, and is a certified Control Tactics instructor at the state and federal level. Before joining law enforcement, Chris was a Military Police Officer in the Army National Guard. He’s married, with 3 kids. 

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Forensic specialist Paul Holes recalls the case of a mass-murdering stockbroker bent on stealing his clients' money to start a new cult. The plan goes horribly wrong, as does the initial forensic investigation.

Guest: Paul Holes

Paul Holes is a bestselling author, podcaster, television host and retired cold-case investigator with the sheriff’s and district attorney’s offices in California’s Contra Costa County. During his 27 years as an investigator, Holes used his behavioral and forensic expertise in such notable cases as the Zodiac murders, Golden State Killer, and Jaycee Dugard kidnapping. In May 2022, Holes published “Unmasked: My Life Solving America's Cold Cases” - which became an instant New York Times bestseller. Paul teamed with the FBI and Sacramento DA to help identify Joseph DeAngelo as the Golden State Killer, the most prolific serial predator in U.S. history.  In 2019, he teamed up with Oxygen to host ”The DNA of Murder with Paul Holes” and in November he’s launching a new original series with HLN called, ”Real Life Nightmare with Paul Holes.” 

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In another stunning case from fan-favorite Sgt. Robert, a mother and child are rushed to the hospital in what appears to be the case of a childbirth gone wrong. But almost immediately, emergency staff begin to question whether the woman was ever pregnant at all. Police are called to investigate and uncover a shocking truth.

Guest: Sgt. Robert

Sgt. Robert has been in law enforcement for over 20 years. Prior to becoming a detective, he spent nine years on patrol, where he served as a Field Training Officer (FTO) and an FBI-trained hostage negotiator. As a detective, he worked in a unit that investigated crimes against children, including sex crimes, serious physical abuse and child homicides. He was later re-assigned to the violent crimes unit, where he investigated homicides, robberies and other serious felonies. He was an active member of his county’s major crimes team, which investigated homicides and officer-involved shootings. After 10 years in investigations, Robert has been promoted to sergeant.

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A serial killer is loose in the early 1980s. His attacks are increasingly brutal and his choice of victim is seemingly random. Then, after he commits his crimes he does something confounding: He calls the police and, while seeming to cry, asks them to stop him. But despite his apparent guilt, he continues to kill, while the police desperately try to track him down.

Guest: Prosecutor Tom

A native of Minnesota, Tom Foley spent twenty-one years in law enforcement, including four terms as Ramsey County Attorney (1978- 1995) in St. Paul, Minnesota. As County Attorney, he was the chief prosecutor for the jurisdiction. He also served as Deputy Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Corrections (1976-1978) and Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Minnesota (1973-1976). He's a founding member of Foley & Quigley Law, a Minnesota-based firm focused on gaming and Native American legal issues. He's also vice president of Lowry Strategies Inc.,. a Washington-based government affairs company.

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A tip comes in about the possible murder of a young woman. If true, police have a pretty good idea who did it. But solving a case in the right way is far trickier than acting on a hunch. And so begins Detective Brad's long journey to try to find answers for a victim's family. This is Part One of Two.

The guest: Detective Brad

Detective Brad has worked in law enforcement for over 24 years, serving in a wide range of capacities. In the first half of his career, he worked as a patrol officer, a member of the Gang Enforcement Team, a narcotics investigator, and a detective in the Child Abuse Unit. After all of that, he earned a special assignment to a federal Fugitive Task Force, where he served five years, and then returned to the detective squad, where he’s spent the last six years investigating violent crime and serving on the county's Major Crimes Team.



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Detective Brad continues the painstaking work of building a case against a murderer. But even when he thinks the job is done, there is still more to do: He wants to get closure for the victim's family. Is that even possible? This is part Two of Two.

The guest: Detective Brad

Detective Brad has worked in law enforcement for over 24 years, serving in a wide range of capacities. In the first half of his career, he worked as a patrol officer, a member of the Gang Enforcement Team, a narcotics investigator, and a detective in the Child Abuse Unit. After all of that, he earned a special assignment to a federal Fugitive Task Force, where he served five years, and then returned to the detective squad, where he’s spent the last six years investigating violent crime and serving on the county's Major Crimes Team.



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A predator hides behind her gender and her husband's profession to keep targeting victims. A frustrated detective exhausts every lead until he has what he needs to put her away. Today's story is one of persistence and believing the victims. It's a case that will have you exclaiming, "OMG!" at every twist and turn.

The guest: Sgt. Robert

Sgt. Robert has been in law enforcement for over 20 years. Prior to becoming a detective, he spent nine years on patrol, where he served as a Field Training Officer (FTO) and an FBI-trained hostage negotiator. As a detective, he worked in a unit that investigated crimes against children, including sex crimes, serious physical abuse and child homicides. He was later re-assigned to the violent crimes unit, where he investigated homicides, robberies and other serious felonies. He was an active member of his county’s major crimes team, which investigated homicides and officer-involved shootings. After 10 years in investigations, Robert has been promoted to sergeant.

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When forensic specialist Paul Holes arrives at the scene of a violent attack, he immediately collects and compares all the evidence to build a case against the attacker. What he finds both shocks and surprises him - and teaches him a lesson that he still teaches budding investigators today.

Guest: Forensic Specialist Paul Holes

Paul Holes is a bestselling author, podcaster, television host and retired cold-case investigator with the sheriff’s and district attorney’s offices in California’s Contra Costa County. In his 27 years as an investigator, Holes used his behavioral and forensic expertise in such notable cases as the Zodiac murders, Golden State Killer, and Jaycee Lee Dugard kidnapping. In May 2022, Holes published “Unmasked: My Life Solving America's Cold Cases” - which became an instant New York Times bestseller. Paul teamed with the FBI and Sacramento DA to help identify Joseph DeAngelo as the Golden State Killer, the most prolific serial predator in U.S. history. In 2019, he teamed up with Oxygen to host ”The DNA of Murder with Paul Holes” and in 2022 he launched a new original series with HLN called, ”Real Life Nightmare with Paul Holes.” 

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Today's case spans more than 40 years. In the first of two parts, we take you back to 1981 and the senseless rape and murder of Sonia Stone, a young mother living with her daughter in the tony town of Carmel by the Sea on the California coast. A close friend has found Sonia's body and has called the police. The responding detectives quickly focus their attention on a shifty neighbor whose constantly changing story feeds their suspicions. But this was a time before DNA testing, and the evidence, though solid, is circumstantial. When the prosecutor in the case finally gets some corroboration about the neighbor's whereabouts the morning of Sonia's murder, he brings murder charges against Michael Glazebrook. But an adverse ruling and an unreliable witness derail the trial - and start a decades long search for justice.

Guests: Detective Lins and Judge Bob

Retired Detective Lins began his 31-year-career in law enforcement when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Military Police Corps in 1967 after he graduated from UC Davis. He served in the United States European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, and later commanded the first post stockade annex at the now-defunct Fort Ord in California. Later Lins spent two decades as a deputy sheriff with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department, as a patrol deputy and then as a detective working major crimes. His final years in law enforcement were as a District Attorney Investigator for Monterey County, where his assignments included major crimes and child sexual assault. Over his career, he investigated more than 40 deaths, the majority being homicides.

Judge Bob served as Monterey County Deputy District Attorney for major crimes from 1972 to 1986. A graduate of UC Davis and Hastings Law School, and a U.S. Army veteran, Bob was elevated to municipal court judge in 1987 and then elected to the Superior Court for Monterey County in 1997. He served on the court until 2006 and now works as a temporary judge, assigned to cases across northern and central California.

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In October 1981 in the small town of Carmel, California, a young mother named Sonia Stone is raped and murdered in her home. The prime suspect is her neighbor, Michael Glazebrook. He is tried for the crimes but the trial ends in a hung jury. In episode two of The Weight, pressed by Sonia’s family and their own sense of duty, the detective who investigated Sonia’s murder and the prosecutor who tried Glazebrook continue to look for any new evidence or lucky break that would trigger new charges. There are moments of hope and years of frustration. Four decades pass and then they get the call that changes everything.

Guests: Judge Bob and Detective Lins

Judge Bob served as Monterey County Deputy District Attorney for major crimes from 1972 to 1986. A graduate of UC Davis and Hastings Law School, and a U.S. Army veteran, Bob was elevated to municipal court judge in 1987 and then elected to the Superior Court for Monterey County in 1997. He served on the court until 2006 and now works as a temporary judge, assigned to cases across northern and central California.

Retired Detective Lins began his 31-year-career in law enforcement when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Military Police Corps in 1967 after he graduated from UC Davis. He served in the United States European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, and later commanded the first post stockade annex at the now defunct Fort Ord. Later Lins spent two decades as a deputy sheriff with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department, as a patrol deputy and then as a detective working major crimes. His final years in law enforcement were as a District Attorney Investigator for Monterey County, where his assignments included major crimes and child sexual assault. Over his career, he investigated more than 40 deaths, the majority being homicides.

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Small Town Dicks presents The Briefing Room, Season 2. The new season launches Wednesday, August 30. The show now has its own feed - so please subscribe on Apple, Spotify, TuneIn, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Or head over to our website, thebriefingroompod.com.

This show examines the real lives of law enforcement and the challenges they face keeping communities safe. An unvarnished look at what's working and what needs changing. If you want to delve into the minds of true crime luminaries like Roo Powell, Lindsey Wade, Paul Holes, and more, then subscribe now. And tell a friend!

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On August 4, 1986, a young girl took a bike ride through Point Defiance Park near Tacoma, Washington. She never returned home. Investigators conducted a desperate search but came up empty handed. The case went dormant for decades and eventually ended up on the desk of cold-case detective Lindsey Wade. Through the application of emerging DNA testing and hard work, Wade and her fellow detectives were finally able to piece together what happened that day and bring closure to the family.

Guest detective: Lindsey Wade

Lindsey served as a Tacoma Police Officer for twenty-one years. During her fourteen years as a detective, she investigated sexual assaults, child abuse, missing persons, and homicides. In 2010, Lindsey discovered that serial killer Ted Bundy’s DNA was not in CODIS. She worked with authorities in Florida to track down a sample of Bundy’s DNA and finally entered it into the national database in 2011. In 2012, Lindsey’s work on collecting DNA from convicted sexual predators in Washington state who’d slipped through the cracks led to an arrest in the 1980 homicide of a teenage girl. Lindsey retired in 2018 as the Tacoma Police Department’s cold case detective and joined the Washington State Attorney General’s Office as a senior investigator assigned for the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. She is a former member of the FBI ViCAP National Advisory Board and teaches child abduction response and cold case investigations for the National Criminal Justice Training Center at Fox Valley Technical College. Lindsey has been a speaker at numerous law enforcement conferences around the country, lecturing on cold cases, sex crimes, DNA, and child abduction response. She recently published a true crime memoir titled, “In My DNA:  My Career Investigating Your Worst Nightmares''.

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Police in a small town respond to the report of a severely injured child. She's rushed to the hospital and police begin to investigate what happened. Not long into the inquiry, the story from the caretakers is not adding up. Detective Chris begins the delicate task of uncovering the truth from adults who have no inclination to tell the truth.

Guest: Detective Chris

Detective Chris has been in law enforcement for over 28 years. He has been at his current department for 25 years where he's been a detective for 12 years. He spent 15 years on his agency's TAC team, 8 years as a K9 handler, and is a certified Control Tactics instructor at the state and federal level. Before joining law enforcement, Chris was a Military Police Officer in the Army National Guard. He’s married, with 3 kids. 

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Paul Holes has spent years trying to track down the killer responsible for the brutal deaths of four women. Today, he talks about his obsession with a suspect he was convinced was responsible - and the important lessons of both listening to your instincts and always following the evidence no matter where it leads, even when it leaves you frustrated.

Guest detective: Paul Holes

Paul Holes is a bestselling author, podcaster, television host and retired cold-case investigator with the sheriff’s and district attorney’s offices in California’s Contra Costa County. During his 27 years as an investigator, Holes used his behavioral and forensic expertise in such notable cases as the Zodiac murders, Golden State Killer, and Jaycee Dugard kidnapping. In May 2022, Holes published “Unmasked: My Life Solving America's Cold Cases” - which became an instant New York Times bestseller. Paul teamed with the FBI and Sacramento DA to help identify Joseph DeAngelo as the Golden State Killer, the most prolific serial predator in U.S. history. In 2019, he teamed up with Oxygen to host ”The DNA of Murder with Paul Holes” and in 2022 he launched a new original series with HLN called, ”Real Life Nightmare with Paul Holes.” 

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In today’s episode, our team looks back on the case that led off our second season. It's called “Girl for Rent” and it illustrates a critical part of policing: if the hair on the back of your neck is bristling, trust your instincts and investigate.

Original episode description:

Sgt. David and his officer-in-training are working the graveyard shift on a cold winter night when they scout out an abandoned lot in their small town that’s a well-known spot for illegal activity. As they approach, they see a car with its lights off and two passengers inside: a man in his 50’s and a young girl seated on the passenger’s side. Though there’s no crime in just sitting in your car, Sgt. David has a gut feeling that something is very wrong. What he discovers is even worse than what he suspected.

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Your favorite Scottish detective, retired chief constable Tom, brings us a gruesome case from the 1820s of how two depraved criminals went on a year-long killing spree while the rich and powerful of Edinburgh, Scotland all but turned a blind eye. Ultimately, the crimes of these two men brought about police reforms and social change but not before there were bodies everywhere.

Guest detective: Ret. Deputy Chief Constable Tom

Ret. Deputy Chief Constable Tom was one of Scotland’s most senior police officers. A graduate of Edinburgh University and The FBI Academy, his last role was as commander of a linked murder investigation, commonly known as The World's End Murders. He writes a regular "Inside Justice'' column for The Scotsman newspaper and has authored several books, including "The World's End Murders: The Final Verdict" and a groundbreaking study of forensic science called "Ruxton: The First Modern Murder." He is currently working on a new book examining the sex industry. He lives in Edinburgh.

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In Detective Matt's small town there is a spot called Fisherman's Cut. It's not easy to find - off the main highway, down a dirt road you'd probably never notice if you hadn't been there before, around a bend you can't see until it's too late. It's where, as Matt is getting ready to leave work for the holidays, someone reports finding a woman's dead body. Through a combination of keen observation and some good luck, Matt and his team find a suspect. The suspect is brought in for an interview. As Detective Matt begins his interrogation, he starts to wonder, 'Am I looking into the eyes of a serial killer?'

The detective: Detective Matt

Detective Matt grew up in Pennsylvania. He joined the police department shortly after graduating college. He worked in patrol at first and then moved to the street crimes unit before he started as an undercover narcotics investigator. He went on to join a DEA task force and worked to infiltrate a group threatening a major political party’s national convention. He received a medal of valor for his efforts. He moved to another state and worked as a deputy for several years and is now retired from law enforcement.

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Officer Patrick gets called to investigate a complaint about stolen wages at a local restaurant and as he stumbles upon a decades-old DNA mystery that involves his own family. This is the story of how a small town detective, through a series of wild coincidences and lotto-level good luck, manages to solve the case of his life.

Guest detective: Officer Patrick

Officer Patrick has over 20 years in law enforcement. Nearly half of the time was spent investigating financial crimes. As of this recording, he was back on patrol as a field training officer. He speaks Spanish and teaches an emergency vehicle operations course. Patrick’s hobbies are unusual: He’s an aerobatic pilot (currently looking to upgrade to a more badass airplane). He is raising a child with Type 1 diabetes.

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A desperate 911 call leads police to the home of a wealthy man and his live-in girlfriend. What they find is one of the most tragic scenes officers encounter, the death of a child. The adults maintain the death is a terrible accident, but investigators suspect something far worse. Chief Investigator Tye doggedly follows the trail of evidence until he's finally able to get Justice for Wilder.

Guest detective: Chief Investigator Tye

Chief Inspector Tye is a certified Texas Peace Office and has been since 2003. Currently, he works in the Wichita County District Attorney’s Office. He’s been police officer for the Wichita Falls Police Department (WFPD) for approximately 17 years, and spent 13 years assigned to the Special Operations Division, which includes the Organized Crime Unit, Tactical Unit, Gang Task Force, and SWAT. For approximately 13 years, he was dually assigned as a Task Force Officer to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Safe Street Task Force. Tye has assisted the FBI, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Homeland Security (HSI), and The United States Postal Service (USPS) with long term narcotic investigations that resulted in numerous arrests, convictions, and sizable seizures. In the course of his duties he has also assisted in many homicide investigations, including case murders resulting in convictions.

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In quiet, suburban neighborhoods, illegal marijuana grows can be hidden in plain sight - even in states that have legalized the plant. They also are sometimes connected to other nefarious activities, as Detective Nick finds in today's episode. Through dogged work, Nick and his team discover two substantial illegal marijuana operations and in so doing uncover a dark web of abuse that's far more insidious and inhumane.

Guest detective: Detective Nick

Detective Nick has been a police officer for just over 10 years. He has served as a Field Training Officer, Arrest Control Instructor, and was a detective for 4.5 years before being promoted to the rank of corporal where he now serves in the patrol division.

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Police receive a phone call from a desperate daughter, who says her father is threatening to take his own life. Officers arrive and find the man sitting in his garage with the car running. They risk their own lives to break in and rescue the man. While the man is recovering in the hospital, he starts to mutter “she deserved it”. An alert Detective Bryson is there to hear it and begins to investigate - he quickly finds that the victim is also a suspect.

Guest detective: Retired Corporal Bryson

Ret. Corporal Bryson served 21 years with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and retired in 2022 with the rank of Corporal. Bryson’s career was split evenly between patrol and the drug squad. In addition, he spent three years working on a Major Crime team as a detachment commander. As part of the RCMP, Bryson worked in communities as small as 1,400 people and as large as 90,000 people.

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The final episode of the season takes us to a small town in Canada, where a violent suspect named Billy Ray, is on the loose after he attacks his ex-girlfriend, Maria. A manhunt begins but authorities are unable to track him down. When Detective Constable Garry receives a disturbing report that Billy Ray has broken into Maria’s house, authorities continue the search but it turns out they've been looking in all the wrong places, as they race against time to save Maria from Billy Ray’s obsession.

Guest detective: Garry Rodgers

Garry Rodgers has lived the life he writes about. He is a retired homicide detective, coroner, and SWAT Team sniper with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He has written and published 21 books as well as hosting a popular blog site called DyingWords.net.

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