Two Ordinary Cops

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.

Episodes

July 25, 2025 51 mins

In this episode, the Two Ordinary Cops shine a light on the unsung legends of policing — the police auxiliaries. From the calm voices behind the radio to the rock-solid support in the watch house, Damo and Schultzy reflect on the vital roles these members play behind the scenes. The boys also dive into what it’s really like when ex-military personnel swap camo for blue, breaking down both the challenges and the advantages of bringi...

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From growing up idolising his VicPol father to being arrested and acquitted twice, Jarrod Michael's story is one of grit, loss, redemption—and altitude. In this episode, the Two Ordinary Cops dive deep into Jarrod’s short but impactful policing stint, the toll of false accusations, and the crushing feeling of being abandoned by the job he once dreamed of. But it doesn’t end there—Jarrod rebuilds, retrains, and takes to the skies as...

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The coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker has made headlines around the world — but was it really about the death, or about bringing down Zach Rolfe?

In this explosive episode, Schultzy and Damo discuss the fallout, questioning how a Supreme Court acquittal gave way to a coronial inquest that felt more like a public takedown than a fact-finding mission. They break down the legal process behind inquests, explain how th...

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In this episode, the Two Ordinary Cops sit down with a very special guest—Schultzy’s mum, Liz. From guarding evidence in the red dirt of the Northern Territory to cooking meals for specialist squads, Liz shares what it’s really like watching your son step into a uniform and face the realities of policing.

She opens up about the pride, the sleepless nights, and the unforgettable moments that come with being part of the extended poli...

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In this powerful episode, we sit down with former paratrooper and NSW police officer Nick White. From high-risk military service to frontline policing in some of the toughest parts of Sydney, Nick opens up about the trauma that nearly broke him — including the heartbreaking moment he tried to save a one-week-old baby.

Diagnosed with PTSD after years of cumulative trauma, Nick speaks candidly about his decline, the turning point, an...

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The Two Ordinary Cops sit down with Ben Hosking — a former frontline cop turned tactical operator — for one of our rawest chats yet. Thrown into chaos straight out of the academy, Hosko faced riots, a taser mishap, and the harsh reality of policing in Tennant Creek. Years later, he was forced to shoot an armed offender. From high-risk incidents to elite policing and the lasting mental toll, this is a story that hits hard and stays ...

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In Episode 74, the Two Ordinary Cops cover everything from snow in Hernani to sex dungeons in Kununurra. Damo and Schultzy reflect on the Northern Territory's move to legalise capsicum spray for civilians—and debate whether it’s empowering the public or arming the crooks. They also tackle the hot-button issue of deaths in custody, offering a frontline insight into investigative transparency that rarely makes the headlines. And if t...

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In this episode of Two Ordinary Cops, Damo and Schultzy dive into the complex topic of public respect for police — where it comes from, how it can be lost in a heartbeat, and what it really takes to earn it back. From crowd control at footy games to walking the beat in remote communities, they explore the idea of "The Bobby Principle” — that being visible, present and genuinely engaged with your community is what earns lasting resp...

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In Episode 72 – Overseas Recruits, Overtime & the Price of a Carton, the Two Ordinary Cops dive into the real cost of life in the blue. From breaking down how junior cops can crack six figures (if they're willing to sacrifice sleep), to the unofficial rules of “cartonable offences” and kangaroo courts, Damo and Schultzy mix laughs with hard truths. They also answer questions from a would-be recruit and give a shoutout to UK cop...

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In this episode of Two Ordinary Cops, Damo and Schultzy dive deep into the tough conversations — from viral post turtle banter to the devastating reality behind police suicide and youth crime in the Territory.

Damo reflects on the tragic loss of his mate, Mickey D — a true legend of the Northern Territory Police — and what made him so special. They unpack what worked in the past for youth justice, the decline of community authority...

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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 honest banter, practical insight, and a ...

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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 comes with leaving the job, and the gla...

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May 2, 2025 40 mins

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 initial proposal for the police cons...

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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 the country. Honest, raw, and full ...

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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 a few long-overdue shoutouts and wo...

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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 academy. From study hacks to survival ti...

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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 places? How do they cope with the press...

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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’s discussion on police recruiting ...

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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 these lowered standards cannot cont...

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March 14, 2025 36 mins

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 rivers after conducting risk assessments...

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