Two Cops One Donut

Houston Gas was just six months into his marriage when the unthinkable happened. While responding to what seemed like a routine domestic disturbance call, he opened a door and was met with a shotgun blast directly to his face at point-blank range. The catastrophic damage left him temporarily blind, with his chin hanging down to his collarbone, and his face and body riddled with shotgun pellets tha...

What started as an impromptu livestream with Erik enjoying some tequila while his family was away turned into a marathon five-hour exploration of policing, constitutional rights, and the complex gray areas of law enforcement. Joined by fellow former officer Banning Sweatland, the conversation takes viewers on a journey through real-world police encounters that demonstrate both the successes and fa...

When a shotgun blast tears through your face at point-blank range, survival seems unlikely. But for former Deputy Houston Gast, surviving was just the beginning of an extraordinary journey. On a freezing January morning in 2015, Houston answered a domestic disturbance call that would forever alter his life. The blast from a 12-gauge shotgun shattered his face, knocked out his teeth, and filled his...

What happens when a legal doctrine meant to protect good police becomes a shield for official misconduct? In this explosive debate, we dive deep into qualified immunity with experts from both sides of the thin blue line. Force Science expert Von Kliem squares off against civil rights advocate Mr. BillFold in a passionate examination of whether qualified immunity serves its intended purpose. The di...

From Hollywood producer to pioneering law enforcement reality star, Jerry Worms takes us behind the scenes of his remarkable career as the first officer ever featured on COPS. With disarming candor and decades of perspective, Jerry reveals how a documentary about the crack epidemic led to connections with the Broward Sheriff's Office, ultimately changing his life path and television history....

In a groundbreaking conversation that bridges the gap between constitutional activism and law enforcement, Sean Paul Reyes (Long Island Audit) joins active police officers to explore the complex dynamics of First Amendment auditing and police accountability. Sean reveals his philosophy behind conducting "audits" – filming in public spaces to test officials' respect for constitutiona...

When those sworn to uphold the Constitution can't recall its basic principles, who protects our rights? This gripping episode delves into four contrasting examples of law enforcement conduct that will leave you questioning the state of police accountability in America. We begin with a jaw-dropping deposition of Sergeant Joffrey, whose repeated claims that he "doesn't recall" th...

We're joined by Nick from Nick Off Duty, whose YouTube channel documenting real police work has garnered over 200,000 subscribers. He shares insights from his 18 years in law enforcement and introduces his groundbreaking police recruiting app designed to revolutionize how departments find qualified candidates nationwide. Behind the badge lies a world far more complex than most civilians ever...

Former Sheriff Mark Lamb "America's Sheriff" and Friday's with Frank, Frank Sloup joins us! • Sheriff Lamb clarifies the critical difference between sheriffs and police chiefs – elected versus appointed – and why this matters for accountability • We explore the complex reality of body cameras, weighing their benefits against resource allocation challenges • Our panel discusses...

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...