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.
Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: benschultz.podbean.com
Author
benschultz
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Oct 16, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Episode 70 – From Connie to Commander: Inside the Police Rank Structure. 16.05.2025 1:04:50
In Episode 70 of Two Ordinary Cops, Damo and Schultzy break down the police rank structure from the ground up – starting with the everyday duties of a constable all the way to the strategic decisions made at commissioner level. They reflect on their own journeys, share experiences of leading in remote stations, and dive into what it really takes to earn (or sometimes fail at) promotion. With hones...
Episode 69 – When the Armour Cracks: An Interview with Queensland Paramedic Peter Vinnicombe 09.05.2025 1:27:23
In this powerful episode of Two Ordinary Cops, Damo and Schultzy sit down with Queensland paramedic Peter Vinnicombe to explore the deep and lasting impact of frontline trauma. Peter shares his 17-year journey as a single officer paramedic in rural Queensland, culminating in a violent incident that changed his life and career forever. They discuss PTSD, moral injury, the loss of identity that come...
Episode 68 - The Rotten Few 02.05.2025 40:48
In Episode 68 of Two Ordinary Cops, Damo and Schultzy don’t hold back as they call out the worst of the worst—cops who broke the law and were rightly arrested and jailed by their own colleagues. From stealing drugs out of seizures to the unforgivable crime of child abuse, they shine a light on those who tarnish the badge. The episode also dives into the Northern Territory Government’s outrageous i...
Episode 67 – The Truth About Cops, Corruption & Integrity 25.04.2025 49:26
This week, Damo and Schutzy aren’t holding back. They’re diving headfirst into one of the most talked-about—and misunderstood—topics in policing: corruption. Sure, the past has its skeletons, but today’s police are under more scrutiny than ever before. The boys break down the myths, get real about integrity, and share what it’s really like working in one of the most heavily watched professions in...
Episode 66 – People in Crisis: Mental Health Intervention 18.04.2025 49:10
After throwing out a cheeky challenge to our listeners to either send us love or completely roast us, Damo and Schultzy were stoked to get almost 10 messages – with 4 of them giving us a light-hearted ribbing (we can take it!), and the rest showing solid support for the podcast. But more than that, you legends also sent through some cracking suggestions for future topics. In this episode, we give...
Episode 65 - Coppers, College & Changing Times 11.04.2025 38:57
In this episode, Damo and Schultzy dive into the evolving landscape of Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) procedures and legislation. With years of frontline experience between them, the boys share how things have changed—what’s working, what’s not, and why Schultzy reckons “You can’t fast track DV.” Schultzy also gives a few well-earned shoutouts before the pair reflect on their time in the acade...
Episode 64 - Remote, Resilient, and Married to a Cop 04.04.2025 38:22
In this episode of Two Ordinary Cops, Damo and Schultzy sit down with Damo’s wife, Emer, to explore what it’s like being married to a cop—especially in remote communities. Rather than focusing on the job itself, they dive into everyday life in these towns, discussing the unique challenges and experiences of police families. What’s it like for partners, wives, and kids living in these isolated plac...
Episode 63 - Police, Prosecutors & the Courts: Who Decides? 28.03.2025 50:25
In this episode of Two Ordinary Cops, Schultzy and Damo dive into the complex relationship between police and the courts, unpacking the differences between police bail and court bail. They share real-life stories from the frontline, including what it’s like to be a police prosecutor and the challenges of keeping offenders in custody. With plenty of laughs along the way, they also revisit last week...
Episode 62 - Unfit for Duty? The Recruitment Debate 21.03.2025 46:16
In Episode 62 of Two Ordinary Cops, Damo and Schultzy dive into a critical issue raised by a recruit— the alarming drop in police recruitment standards. As passionate advocates for frontline services and community safety, they discuss how this decline threatens the integrity of policing, endangers officers, and puts the public at risk. With firsthand experience and blunt honesty, they explore why...
Episode 61 - Cyclone Alfred 14.03.2025 36:35
In Episode 61 of the Two Ordinary Cops podcast, Cyclone Alfred, Schultzy and Damo recount their experiences during the landfall of Cyclone Alfred, sharing what unfolded in their respective areas. They discuss the challenges they faced, including some humorous moments, and highlight the dangers of driving through flooded waters. The duo also reflect on their own experiences navigating flooded river...
Episode 60 - Policing Standards, Cyclone Chaos & A Bit of Controversy 07.03.2025 45:00
In this episode, Schultzie and Damo chat about their weekend catch-up with police mates, give a shout-out to a listener joining Queensland Police, and dive into the controversy around lowering the standards to join the force—sharing some strong opinions on the risks it brings. They also discuss Cyclone Alfred, the chaos of panic buying, and the challenges Brisbane might face as the storm approache...
Episode 59 - Cops Under Fire: The Wild World of Police Complaints 28.02.2025 55:19
In this episode, Schultzy and Damo, the Two Ordinary Cops, dive into the world of complaints against police. While some are incredibly serious, others, in hindsight, are downright hilarious. They break down how the complaint process works, the reasons people make complaints—ranging from genuine grievances to desperate attempts to dodge prosecution—and the often surprising outcomes. From shocking a...
Episode 58 - Flipping Through the Past: The Power of a Cop’s Notebook 21.02.2025 51:35
In this episode of Two Ordinary Cops, Damo and Schultzy kick off with some well-deserved shout-outs before taking a trip down memory lane, flipping through Damo’s old notebooks and diaries. As they relive past cases, they highlight why good note-taking is a must for any cop—whether it’s for court evidence, recalling key details, or building a solid career in law enforcement.
Episode 57 - From Bystander to Badge: When Cops Can’t Walk Away 14.02.2025 51:27
Ever had to call yourself on duty? The Two Ordinary Cops have – and they've got the stories to prove it. From breaking up a fight to dealing with a heated domestic and even facing down an armed offender, they share real moments when they had no choice but to step in. But it’s not just about taking action—it's about doing it smartly. They stress the importance of assessing the risks before jumping...
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...
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