benschultz
Two Ordinary Cops
The two ordinary cops are former Northern Territory Police Officers Remote Sergeant Ben Schultz and Detective Sergeant Damien Barbe. With over 25 years experience Ben and Damo share stories from their time in the job. Follow along through the laughter, anger and tears that come with the rigours of Policing Australia’s last frontier.
Author
benschultz
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jul 10, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Episode 56 - Who’s Really in Charge During a Natural Disaster 07.02.2025 46:53
In this episode, Damo and Schultzy dive into the world of emergency management—what it is, how it works, and why politicians often have little to no say when natural disasters strike. They pull back the curtain on who’s actually running the show when chaos hits and share some of their own experiences from the front lines. Plus, there’s a shoutout to the legends they still know up in the Northern T...
Episode 55 - The Realities of Leadership – Building a Motivated Team 31.01.2025 55:33
What does it take to create a team that’s motivated, enthusiastic, and ready to get the job done? In this episode, Damo and Schultzy break down the challenges and rewards of leadership—how to inspire your team, keep them engaged, and tackle the tough conversations that come with the role. Being a great leader isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it means making mistakes, learning from them, and having di...
Episode 54 - Complacency, Air Wing, and Fishy Pursuits 24.01.2025 42:56
In this episode, Schultzy and Damo dive into the topic of complacency in policing—how it creeps into the job, its impact on outcomes, and the lessons they've learned along the way. They share their personal journeys, reflecting on times when they went from being vigilant to complacent and then back to being sharp and focused. Of course, there are plenty of shoutouts, including a special one to the...
Episode 53 - Assault Police Insights 17.01.2025 55:04
In this episode, Schultzy and Damo kick off with shout-outs and current events before discussing a facility created to support Emergency Services personnel with PTSD. They then dive into the main topic, "Assault Police," exploring the levels of force that can be lawfully used, including how it depends on factors like size disparity. They also share personal stories of when they or their mates were...
Episode 52 - Police Negotiators 10.01.2025 56:00
In this episode of Two Ordinary Cops, the hosts take listeners into the fascinating and high-stakes world of police negotiations. Damo shares insights into the specialised training police receive for these critical situations, highlighting key strategies and techniques used to de-escalate conflicts and reach resolutions. Drawing from his own experiences on the job, Damo recounts gripping real-life...
Episode 51 - Interview with Sergeant Adam Swift 03.01.2025 38:00
In this episode, the Two Ordinary Cops chat with Sergeant Adam Swift, who serves as both an instructor at the police college and the Vice President of the Northern Territory Police Association. Adam shares his journey into policing, some humorous anecdotes, and his experiences during his career in the force.
Episode 50 - Answering the Call to Police Service 03.01.2025 41:48
In this episode, the Two Ordinary Cops share their journey into the Northern Territory Police Force, discussing what motivated them to join and the experiences that shaped their decision. They reflect on their stories, from childhood through to their time in the force, explaining why they eventually left. They also explore the valuable skills they gained during their careers and how these skills c...
Episode 49 - Interview with Commander Kylie Anderson 27.12.2024 37:18
In this episode, the Two Ordinary Cops had the pleasure of interviewing Kylie Anderson, whose remarkable career and experiences as a woman in the police force make her an inspiration for young women considering or starting a career in law enforcement. Kylie shares valuable insights, not only about her journey as a female officer but also about the challenges she faced while rising through the rank...
Episode 48 - Q&A: Tough Topics 27.12.2024 32:47
Damo and Schultzy present their second Q&A episode for the Two Ordinary Cops podcast, beginning on a sombre note as they share the sad news of a friend’s passing over Christmas. They then offer their perspectives on addressing youth crime, followed by a discussion about poor behaviour from transport or traffic officers. The conversation shifts to analysing a scenario involving a domestic situa...
Episode 47 - Interview with Nathan Finn NT Police Association 20.12.2024 44:03
In this episode, the Two Ordinary Cops sit down with Nathan Finn, the president of the Northern Territory Police Association, for an engaging and insightful chat. Nathan shares the story of his remarkable career, from his early days on the beat to his rise as a passionate advocate for his fellow officers. Along the way, he recounts some nail-biting encounters, moments of humour, and the challenges...
Episode 46 - A Northern Territory Journey and the Ben Hoffmann Standoff 20.12.2024 59:05
In this episode, we wrap up our Northern Territory trip and share some of your messages and feedback. Damo also opens up about his role in the 2019 Darwin active shooter incident involving Ben Hoffmann. He shares gripping behind-the-scenes details of the response, offering a rare glimpse into the intensity and challenges of that day. It’s a mix of reflection, gratitude, and raw insight you won’t w...
Episode 45 - Back in the Territory! 13.12.2024 26:03
The two ordinary cops are back where it all began travelling to Darwin and Katherine to catch up with old friends and have a laugh. Standby to some great conversations with the men and women who do the job.
Episode 44 - "Crossing the Line: Policing NT's Borders and Beyond" 06.12.2024 47:27
In this episode of Crossing the Line, we delve into the unique challenges of policing across state and territory boundaries from the perspective of the Northern Territory Police. From tracking offenders fleeing interstate to executing extradition warrants, this episode uncovers the critical coordination required between jurisdictions to ensure justice is served. With stories of persistence, collab...
Episode 43 - First on Scene: First Aid in the Force 29.11.2024 47:31
In this episode, we dive into the world of first aid on the front line. From assisting paramedics to managing critical injuries, we share real-life stories from our time in the police force. We also explore the unique responsibilities officers face in these high-pressure situations, balancing medical aid, securing the scene, and supporting everyone involved.
Episode 42 - Shedding Light On Suicide 22.11.2024 37:59
In this compelling discussion, The Two Ordinary Cops delve into one of the most challenging topics society faces: suicide. They explore the profound ways it impacts individuals, families, and communities, offering insights drawn from their unique perspective on the front lines. From the emotional toll on loved ones to the intricate process of investigating deaths, the podcast examines the ripple e...
Episode 41 - Weird Jobs 15.11.2024 35:32
In this episode, Schultzy and Damo dive into the wild world of unusual jobs they've tackled over the years, from a spooky gig involving a ghost to an unexpected encounter with women's underwear! They’ll share stories of the strange, the hilarious, and the downright bizarre. Expect plenty of laughs, some surprising shoutouts, and a few tall tales you won’t want to miss.
Episode 40 - Escorting Prisoners 08.11.2024 46:58
In this episode, Damo and Schultzy dive into the fascinating world of prisoner escorts, exploring how police procedures have evolved over the years. They’ll take you from early vehicle convoys to high-stakes air transport with the police airwing, sharing captivating stories from their experiences along the way. Tune in for behind-the-scenes insights, along with shout-outs to new listeners who are...
Episode 39 - Drugs....Territory Style 01.11.2024 48:43
Schultzy and Damo explore the spectrum of drug use in the Northern Territory, from the everyday to the more extreme, across a variety of settings. They delve into substances that might fly under the radar, like Kava, and discuss its unique impact on certain communities. Along the way, they share a mix of captivating and chilling stories about their encounters with drugs in the Territory. Of course...
Episode 38 - Life in the Police Force 25.10.2024 46:31
Schultzy and Damo explore the wide range of career opportunities available within the police force. These include roles in crime scene investigation, forensic analysis, general duties, and specialized positions within tactical teams.
Episode 37 - Women in Policing / Work, Life Balance 18.10.2024 41:59
In this episode, Damo and Schultzy discuss the role of women in the police force, highlighting their impact, strengths, and contributions toward equality. They also give a few shout-outs and explore topics like work-life balance and advice for those considering joining the police later in life.
Episode 36 - Relating to Normal People 11.10.2024 42:06
In today's episode, Schultzy and Damo explore how frontline personnel relate to everyday people in society. They discuss the unique experiences and challenges faced by those working on the front lines, offering insights that anyone who has been in these roles will understand. Through conversation and a few personal stories, they shed light on what life is like "behind the line," giving listeners a...
Episode 35 - Wild Jobs 04.10.2024 45:59
Schultzy and Damo kick things off with some shout-outs before recounting some of their experiences with ARPs coming from New Zealand. Then they dive into some wild jobs they attended from totalling two police cars in a single job to dodging flying wine bottles and beer cans, they’ve seen it all—and lived to tell the tale! Get ready for some jaw-dropping stories you won't believe!
Episode 34 - Stress of the Job 27.09.2024 35:50
Frontline service roles often come with significant operational stress. In this episode, Schultzy and Damo discuss the challenges that come with these jobs and explore how a strong team mentality can not only ease that stress but also enhance productivity and make work more enjoyable.
Episode 33 - Managing Incidents and Witness Accounts 20.09.2024 31:44
In this episode, we’ll cover key insights and background on effectively managing incidents, whether they’re minor or major. We'll also discuss factors that can influence the accounts of victims and witnesses.
Episode 32 - Two Ordinary Cops Q&A 13.09.2024 38:42
Welcome to the First Q&A of “The Two Ordinary Cops”! In this episode, Schultzy puts Damo in the hot seat, tackling questions from our listeners about dark humor, the attitude of traffic cops, and advice for preparing for police college.
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