Pocket Sergeant Podcast

In this conversation, Laura Loy and Paul Cooper discuss the pressing issues surrounding police welfare, particularly focusing on the mental health impacts of professional standards investigations. They explore the inconsistencies in how investigations are conducted, the psychological toll on officers, and the need for a more supportive and accountable system. The discussion emphasises the importan...

In this conversation, Matt Homan shares his journey through policing, the challenges he faced, and the impact of trauma on his mental health. He discusses the importance of humour in dealing with dark situations, the struggles of navigating personal relationships, and the consequences of domestic abuse allegations. Matt reflects on his experiences with PTSD and the support (or lack thereof) he rec...

In this conversation, Brendan O'Brien of Blue Light Consultancy shares his extensive journey in policing, reflecting on his motivations for joining the force, memorable experiences, and the challenges he faced with target-driven policing. He discusses the importance of community engagement and the Peelian principles, emphasising the need for authenticity in police recruitment. Brendan also re...

In this conversation, Jay Darkmoore, an ex-police officer, shares his journey through nearly a decade in policing. He discusses the stark contrast between his initial expectations of policing and the reality he faced, including the moral dilemmas and challenges of modern policing. Jay reflects on his motivations for joining the police, humourous anecdotes from his time on the beat, and the evoluti...

In this episode of the Pocket Sergeant Podcast, Paul Cooper reflects on how many police officers and emergency service workers have asked him how he managed to write his book. The answer: ghostwriter Patricia Sutcliffe. Patricia not only helped Paul tell his own story but also co-wrote the powerful memoirs of former police interceptor Ben Pearson. Together, they unpack the world of ghostwriting -...

In this eye-opening episode of the Pocket Sergeant Podcast, Paul Cooper speaks with Ian Cook, former police officer and founder of Blue Light Lifestyle, a powerful well-being movement built to support those working in emergency services. Ian shares his deeply personal journey from the pressures of front-line policing to confronting burnout, imposter syndrome, and a lack of emotional support within...

In this powerful episode of the Pocket Sergeant Podcast, Paul Cooper is joined by leading criminologist and former police officer Professor Jane Monckton Smith, whose ground-breaking work on homicide timelines is transforming how the criminal justice system approaches domestic abuse and coercive control. Drawing from years of research, frontline policing, and academic study, Jane breaks down the 8...

In this episode of the Pocket Sergeant podcast, Paul Cooper sits down with Joanne Caffrey, a nationally respected expert witness in police custody and safer detention. Joanne shares her compelling journey from her early years as a frontline officer to becoming a sought-after authority in police procedures. She opens up about facing bullying and discrimination within the police service, and how tho...

In this episode of the Pocket Sergeant podcast, Ben Pearson shares his powerful journey from childhood dreams of becoming a police officer to front-line reality and fame on the hit TV series Police Interceptors. He opens up about the emotional toll of policing, the pressures of working on camera, and the long-term effects of trauma and PTSD. Ben discusses the hidden struggles behind the uniform, t...

In this episode of the Pocket Sergeant podcast, Laura Loy shares her profound journey through over 20 years in policing, detailing the traumatic experiences that shaped her career and personal life. From surviving a horrific incident early in her career to battling postnatal depression and navigating the complexities of mental health within the police force, Laura's story is one of resilience...