Two Cops One Donut

When a routine patrol suddenly becomes a life-or-death situation, what really goes through an officer's mind? In this riveting episode, former officers Erik and Banning deliver raw, unfiltered analysis of real police encounters caught on bodycam. The heart-stopping footage begins with an Indiana officer engaging a suspect who had shot his wife before fleeing with their baby. As bullets fly ac...

Ever wonder what happens when a pet raccoon steals a meth pipe during a routine traffic stop? Or how officers balance crisis intervention with protecting potential victims? This eye-opening conversation with Ray Beshirs—23-year law enforcement veteran, defensive tactics expert, and founder of Blue Shield Tactical Systems—takes you behind the badge to explore the complex realities facing modern pol...

You've heard the debates about police training, accountability, and use of force - but rarely from the inside. This candid conversation brings together Chief Scott Hughes, Sergeant Eric Levine, Banning Sweatland, and rookie officer Trey to unpack what's really happening in modern policing. The numbers are shocking: barbers require 1800 hours of training, cosmetologists need 1500, but pol...

What happens when a retired officer with 23 years of experience pulls back the curtain on modern policing? Copville joins us for an unflinching conversation about the realities of law enforcement today, drawing from his extensive career spanning narcotics, SWAT, and real-time crime center operations. The conversation quickly moves beyond surface-level police talk as Copville shares his journey fro...

Listen to the past LiveStream! When a frequent police critic agrees to join our show for a live debate on inventory searches, something unexpected happens—mutual understanding. Instead of the contentious exchange you might expect, our conversation with "Kingslayer" transforms into a fascinating exploration of Fourth Amendment rights during traffic stops. What begins as disagreement over...

What happens when someone with a criminal record becomes the police officer sworn to uphold the law? Detective Matt Thornton's remarkable story challenges everything we think we know about the people behind the badge. Growing up in a rough neighborhood where police were considered the enemy, Thornton's path to law enforcement began with his own arrest at age 21 for carrying an illegal fi...

What if the greatest threat to a law enforcement officer isn't a violent suspect, but their own declining health? Ted Stern, former sheriff's deputy turned fitness coach, pulls back the curtain on the hidden crisis affecting police departments nationwide. From his raw account of struggling with depression while overweight to transforming into a fitness advocate helping thousands of first...

What happens when an independent journalist who questions police accountability meets two veteran officers willing to have honest conversations? The result is a rare window into the complexities of modern American policing that challenges perspectives on both sides. Damien Riggs brings his decade of journalistic experience to engage with our hosts about the difficult questions facing law enforceme...

Previous LiveSTREAM recording. We explore the complex world of First Amendment auditors and their interactions with law enforcement, diving into constitutional protections, police training gaps, and what happens when these worlds collide. • First Amendment auditors expose training deficiencies in police departments nationwide • Supreme Court has ruled that gestures like middle fingers directed at...

What really happens when a state trooper pulls someone over on the highway? It might be a routine traffic violation – or it could be the first move in a high-stakes chess match between law enforcement and major criminal organizations. Retired Michigan State Police Trooper Jose Patino pulls back the curtain on his 26-year career, revealing how a simple traffic stop for marijuana led him into the sp...

We break down law enforcement topics ranging from the proper use of language during tense encounters to the legal requirements for criminal trespass procedures. Our candid conversations reveal common misconceptions held by both police and the public. • Analysis of an officer-involved shooting video where escalating language preceded justified force • Detailed explanation of criminal trespass proce...

Join us on an insightful exploration into the world of law enforcement with special guests Von Kleem from Force Science and Officer Jared Kosina, who brings his unique perspective as a reservation cop managing three jurisdictions. Discover the pivotal role social skills play in policing, as Jared shares firsthand experiences about defusing tense situations and building community trust. Von complem...

This episode explores the pressing issues of implicit bias and systemic racism in law enforcement with insights from former Lieutenant Jim Glennon. He emphasizes the importance of accurate statistics, impactful leadership, and effective training as key factors that can shape police culture and community relations.  • The discrepancy between public perception and actual statistics of police shootin...

This episode highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and social skills in policing, emphasizing how these traits can enhance community relations and improve law enforcement effectiveness. Through discussions on hiring practices, analysis of body cam footage, and audience engagement, the hosts explore the nuanced dynamics between police and community, advocating for continued dialogue a...

This episode dives into the multifaceted world of law enforcement as Erik Lavigne and Det Matt Thornton chat with new Two Cops One Donut member police officer Kat Clark, who shares her unique journey and experiences. The conversation spans humorous anecdotes, tactical training, community engagement, and the imperative role of communication amidst chaos in policing. • Officer Kat Clark discusses he...

What if the very platforms we rely on to connect with our audience turned against us? On this episode of the Two Cops One Donut podcast, we're joined by a dynamic panel featuring Banning Sweatland, Kat Clark, Daniel from Police Law News, and Trey Mosley, as we navigate the unexpected turbulence of a YouTube community strike. The ban was sparked by a humorous video, but it hasn't stopped...

Listen to this recorded LIVE STREAM or head to our YouTube Channel and watch along. This is about Police misconduct and accountability that take center stage as we cover a broad range of issues facing law enforcement today. The 9-5 workday is dead, and remote work is the future. Hear why experts predict this monumental shift will revolutionize the workforce. We bring in Von Kliem from Force Scienc...

Join us for a LIVE STREAMED EPISODE with Sgt. Erik Lavigne and Banning Sweatland, as we navigate the complexities of law enforcement alongside our special guests: Detective Matt Thornton, Josh "Deadleg," and our rookie Trey Mosley. Picture this: a vacation return from the Dominican Republic mingles with Banning's Vegas business escapades, setting the stage for lively banter and hear...

This episode was live streamed on our YouTube Channel (@Two Cops One Donut), be sure to check that out if you want to visually follow along. This episode dives into the multifaceted world of policing, exploring the challenges and experiences of officers behind the badge. Through personal anecdotes, we examine the role of accountability, training, and community engagement in law enforcement. The di...

This was a live stream event, if you want to watch and follow along, be sure to check it out on our YouTube channel @TwoCopsOneDonut under the LIVE tab. Dep. Frank Sloup makes a return to review body camera footage with us over some drinks! The episode focuses on the critical issues of police accountability and the effects of recent incidents on public perception. It highlights the importance of f...

Join me, Erik Lavigne and co-host Banning Sweatland as we talk shop for policing and review body camera footage over some drinks. Now, Full disclosure, this was streamed live on our YouTube channel, So it may not follow along as well listening. We were joined by special guest, Frank Slope, the charismatic Arizona deputy behind the social media sensation "Fridays with Frank," joins us to...

What if the key to better police-community relationships lies in the art of open dialogue and understanding? Join us as Bonycle Sokunbi, a distinguished police monitor with a rich background shaped around being a "military brat", shares her transformative journey from public relations to law school. Driven by a passion for positive change, Boncyle highlights the crucial role mediation pr...

Dennis Benigno, the mastermind behind Street Cop Training, takes us on an enlightening journey through his dynamic career in law enforcement. From his humble beginnings as a corrections officer in New Jersey to becoming a US Park Police officer in Washington, DC, Dennis offers a unique window into the often unseen realities of police work. His candid reflections on the highs and lows of his career...

Join us as I, Host of Two Cops One Donut, Erik Lavigne and Banning Sweatland, with special guest, Daniel from Police Law News brings our seasoned perspective to a captivating discussion on contemporary law enforcement challenges. Amidst anecdotes of technical glitches and shared laughter, we explore the pressing debate over the necessity of signing traffic citations in an increasingly digital worl...

This LIVE STREAM podcast can be found on YouTube if you’d like to follow along visually. Joining us for an uproarious episode of the Two Cops One Donut Podcast, we have Chuck and Tommy from the War Stories Official Podcast, adding a hearty dose of humor and camaraderie to our law enforcement insights. Chuck, currently recovering from an injury, and Banning Sweatland, our deputy co-host, bring thei...