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One ride along and a passion for public service.

That's all it took to change everything. My guest on the show today, Sheriff Mark Lamb, walked away from a successful business career, stepped into a police academy in his thirties, and never looked back. He went on to become one of the most recognized law enforcement figures in America. On this episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast, we take a look at how it all started for Sheriff Mark Lamb. Welcome to part one of this incredible story. Part two airs next Sunday.

More about Sheriff Lamb. Mark Lamb is known as "America's Sheriff.” He served as the 24th Sheriff of Pinal County, Arizona, overseeing a county the size of Connecticut with over 600 employees. Before entering law enforcement, he was a business owner for over a decade and didn't join law enforcement until his thirties, yet he quickly rose through the ranks. Valedictorian of his training class, Rookie of the Year, Officer of the Year, and Detective of the Year.

He served as sheriff from January 2017 through December 2024, and ran for U.S. Senate in 2024, losing the Republican primary to Kari Lake. He's now running for Congress in Arizona's 5th Congressional District.

No matter what your political persuasion is, I think his message needs to be heard, and I’m grateful he took the time out of his busy schedule for this interview.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

· Growing up in different countries and how that helped him later in life as a cop and person.

· Being a teenager and trapped in Panama during Operation Just Cause.

· His calling to be of service.

· How one ride-along changed his life forever.

· The benefits or drawbacks of being “older” in the police academy.

· His first job in law enforcement was as a tribal police officer on an Indian reservation.

· Being a white man working on an Indian reservation as a police officer.

· The lessons he learned from the natives while he was policing on the reservation.

· An epidemic of missing and murdered women on Indian reservations.

· Why did he run for sheriff?

· His opposition attacking him and his family during this and previous elections through mudslinging, and him taking the high road.

All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

Visit Sheriff Lamb's website.

Head on over to my website!

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon.

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

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Today’s show is going to be a little different. Usually, I interview professionals who are law enforcement, military, or victims of crimes. Today, I will interview a man who was a criminal. This is a story of second chances and what can be accomplished after making a mistake.

Today on the show, I have Owen Hanson, whose life story was featured in the Mark Wahlberg production documentary, Cocaine Quarterback, available on Amazon Prime.

Owen is a California kid whose mother left him and his father at a young age. He grew up playing volleyball and earned a scholarship to play at the University of Southern California. In his sophomore year, he was essentially cut from the team. His coach told him to get bigger and improve his vertical leap.

So, Owen worked out six days a week, twice a week, and made it as a walk-on to the football team. He also took performance-enhancing drugs in his quest to become stronger and faster. This kid, who came from a modest middle-class broken home, was now partying with rock stars and other celebrities. He was also the team's and campus’s drug dealer.

After graduation, he wound up working as a bookie, money launderer, and associate with a Mexican drug cartel. At one point, he was making over a million dollars a day until it all came crashing down on him.

He was tried and sentenced to 21 years in federal prison. Through a cooperation agreement with the Australian government, he was released after nine years. While he was in prison, he started a frozen protein product that he is now selling as a free man.

Owen made a mistake, paid the price, and is now reinventing himself. He is proof that sometimes all someone needs is a second chance.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

· Having his mom abandon him as a young boy.

· Your route to USC via volleyball and feeling out of place with the rich kids in his school.

· Dealing illegal drugs in college.

· The availability of powder cocaine at USC in the early 2000s.

· Being benched his sophomore year in college volleyball.

· Becoming a walk-on for the football team.

· Being the team's drug dealer, getting the drugs at the veterinarian's office in Tijuana.

· Living the rock and roll lifestyle as a college football player.

· How he got involved with a Mexican drug cartel.

· Making prison frozen protein.

· Does he ever look over your shoulder, thinking a cartel hitman might come after him?

Head on over to Owen's website to learn more about his story!

Head on over to my website!

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon.

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

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Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for coming back for the conclusion of my interview with Author, Screenwriter, Producer, and Retired DEA Agent J Todd Scott. Today’s episode, we talk DEA stuff and work our way into Hollywood and books, more specifically, him being a producer and writer for the Yellowstone spinoff, Dutton Ranch.

Todd spent 30 years as a special agent for the DEA, being assigned to multiple locations across the United States and the world. During his time as a special agent, he took part in investigations leading to tons of seized illegal drugs and millions of dollars in illegal drug proceeds. He was part of the first group of agents to be assigned to Haiti for a long-term mission, where he escaped certain death multiple times by the skin of his teeth.

Todd has always had a passion for stories and writing, and pursued this when he retired from federal service.

He’s authored six critically acclaimed crime and thriller novels. He’s also a film/TV producer and screenwriter. His work includes the Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and he is a producer and writer for the spinoff to the massively popular Yellowstone series, Dutton Ranch.

It was a pleasure to get the chance to chat with Todd. He has lived and is living a life that books and movies are made of; now he’s telling the stories.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

· Has legalizing marijuana in some states made things better, worse, or has it made any difference?

· What is the best way to prepare yourself to become a DEA Special Agent, or any other LE officer?

· Writing and being a producer on the new Yellowstone spinoff, Dutton Ranch and Lawmen: Bass Reeves.

· His ‘big break’ in his writing career.

· Yellowstone, why was it such a breakout success?.

· What is his role with The Dutton Ranch?

· How daunting was it to work on Dutton Ranch with all the success of Yellowstone? How he dealt with that.

· Having a full-time snake wrangler on set.

· His advice for anyone wanting to break into the book-writing world or television, or movies.

All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

Head on over to Todd's website to learn more about him and his work.

Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop!

Head on over to my website!

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon.

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

The name of this podcast is Cops and Writers. My guest on the show today, J Todd Scott, definitely fits that bill. The conclusion of this interview will air next Sunday!

Todd spent 30 years as a special agent for the DEA, being assigned to multiple locations across the United States and the world. During his time as a special agent, he took part in investigations leading to tons of seized illegal drugs and millions of dollars in illegal drug proceeds. He was a part of the first group of agents to be assigned to Haiti for a long-term mission, where he escaped certain death multiple times by the skin of his teeth.

Todd has always had a passion for stories and writing, and pursued this when he retired from federal service.

He’s authored six critically acclaimed crime and thriller novels. He’s also a film/TV producer and screenwriter. His work includes the Lawmen: Bass Reeves series, and he is a producer and writer for the spinoff to the massively popular Yellowstone series, Dutton Ranch.

I loved talking with Todd. He has lived and is living a life that books and movies are made of; now he’s telling the stories.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

· Growing up in rural Kentucky.

· Having no relatives or friends in law enforcement, and joining the DEA.

· Why did he choose the DEA?

· Thinking his career with the DEA would be like the Miami Vice television series.

· His first day on the job as a special agent assigned to the Los Angeles field office.

· The multiple work locations where he worked as a DEA agent.

· Training local law enforcement and running active investigations in Haiti.

· Dealing with corruption within the Hattian Police Department.

· Being caught in a street mob in Haiti and barely making it out alive.

· What is the biggest threat to the United States? What is the role of illegal drugs?

All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

Head on over to Todd's website to learn more about him and his work.

Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop!

Head on over to my website!

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon.

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

“Have you ever shot someone?” Most cops will be asked this throughout their careers, including myself. Most cops go to retirement without having to take a life. Then others have been involved in multiple officer-involved shootings (OIS). Most of the time, there is no rhyme or reason to this. Although your chances of being involved in an OIS are much greater if you are actually doing police work and not hiding behind a desk for 25 years.

Welcome back, everyone, to the conclusion of one of the most dramatic and impactful stories I have ever encountered since I started this podcast with Police Officer Michael Martinez of the San Diego Police Department.

A little about Mike. Michael Martinez has been a police officer with the San Diego Police Department for about 10 years. After phase training, he was assigned to Southern Division, where he worked a variety of assignments, including Patrol, Acting Detective, and Field Training Officer.

Officer Martinez has been involved in four Officer-Involved Shootings, the first three within his first 18 months after field training. He took advantage of a career-and life-changing opportunity that was offered to him by the San Diego Police Department’s Wellness Unit. He was diagnosed with PTSD and now shares his story with fellow law enforcement officers. He is currently a member of the Department’s OIS Peer Support Team and is currently assigned to the Department’s Wellness Unit. Officer Martinez has received numerous awards and commendations, including a Medal for Valor. He truly believes his assignment is his calling to help others who are struggling in silence. His goal is to break the stigma of seeking and receiving help within the first responder profession and to be a resource to officers and their families.

I admire Mike’s honesty and willingness to help other cops who have gone through the trauma of being in an OIS. Mike has been through the wringer and is now helping his fellow cops. Please enjoy this raw and powerful interview with Police Officer Mike Martinez.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

· The second officer involved shooting. Has he gone back to where it happened?

· Did he react differently to this one compared to the first?

· The third officer involved in a shooting. Did any bosses or friends suggest that he take a break from the street? How was his drinking and family life?

· A breakdown of the third OIS.

· The wellness unit confronting him while he was drunk.

· His path towards a first responder-only treatment facility.

· His experience there: how long and what did that treatment look like?.

· Life after treatment.

· Being voluntold to be on the wellness unit.

· An overview of his fourth officer-involved shooting.

· What was different about this one in how he dealt with it?

· Was there ever a time when he thought perhaps he was in the wrong line of work and should get out while he was still in one piece?

· His advice to someone who is going through a tough patch in their police career.

· How can someone prepare for a career in LE?

Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop!

Head on over to my website!

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon.

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

“Have you ever shot someone?” Most cops will be asked this throughout their careers, including myself. Most cops go to retirement without having to take a life. Then others have been involved in multiple officer-involved shootings (OIS). Most of the time, there is no rhyme or reason to this. Although your chances of being involved in an OIS are much greater if you are actually doing police work and not hiding behind a desk for 25 years.

Welcome everyone to part one of one of the most dramatic and impactful stories I have ever encountered since I started this podcast with Police Officer Michael Martinez of the San Diego Police Department. The conclusion of this interview will air next Sunday!

A little about Mike. Michael Martinez has been a police officer with the San Diego Police Department for about 10 years. After phase training, he was assigned to the Southern Division, where he had the opportunity to work a variety of assignments, including Patrol, Acting Detective, and Field Training Officer.

Officer Martinez has been involved in four Officer-Involved Shootings, the first three within his first 18 months after field training. He took advantage of a career-and life-changing opportunity that was offered to him by the San Diego Police Department’s Wellness Unit. He was diagnosed with PTSD and now shares his story with fellow law enforcement officers. He is currently a member of the Department’s OIS Peer Support Team and is currently assigned to the Department’s Wellness Unit. Officer Martinez has received numerous awards and commendations, including a Medal for Valor. He truly believes his assignment is his calling to help others who are struggling in silence. His goal is to break the stigma of seeking and receiving help within the first responder profession and to be a resource to officers and their families.

Mike is as genuine as they get. I admire his honesty and willingness to help other cops who have gone through the trauma of being in an OIS. Please enjoy this frank and powerful interview with Police Officer Mike Martinez.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

· Thank you, Mike, for your openness and honesty with this subject matter.

· Growing up in San Diego and being a troubled youth.

· Getting sucked into the gangster lifestyle as a kid.

· Leaving San Diego and going to college in Hawaii.

· Working as a security officer in Hawaii, especially dealing with violent / emotionally disturbed people. How that prepare him to become a cop.

· Non-cops being first responders to calls dealing with violent, emotionally ill people.

· Working in corrections.

· Moving back to San Diego and working as animal control as a road to becoming a San Diego Police officer. Interesting or funny assignments regarding that and evacuating animals during wildfires.

· Getting on the SDPD at age 30. Pros and cons.

· His first OIS. What were the physiological and psychological effects?

· Deteriorating home life after the shooting.

· Abusing alcohol to ease the physiological and psychological effects of being in the shooting.

· Backlash from the media and possibly friends and family.

All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop!

Head on over to my website!

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon.

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

One pleasure of hosting this podcast is having some of your favorite people come back on the show. Today’s episode is one of those occurrences.

Today on the show, I welcome back retired New York City Death Investigator, author, and television star, Barbara Butcher. I had Barbara on the podcast back in 2023 on episodes 127 and 128.

Barbara Butcher spent 23 years at the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner as a death investigator, director of the Forensic Sciences Training Program, and chief of staff. There, she investigated over 5500 deaths, 680 of them homicides. She worked mass disasters, including 9/11, the 2004 tsunami in Thailand, the London Underground bombing, and the crash of Flight 587.

During this interview, Barbara gives us a peek into the life of a big city death investigator, and we talk about her book, What the Dead Know: Learning About Life as a New York City Death Investigator and her new TV special The Death Investigator with Barbara Butcher, and the television pilot that is being filmed based on her life at the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office.

I hope you all enjoy this interview as much as I did.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

· Growing up in New York, being the oldest of nine kids, and her dad being on the New York Police Department, rising to the rank of Deputy Inspector.

· How her father’s position in the NYPD affected her career with the M.E.’s office?

· The snowball fight against the cops that got out of hand.

· The cops are for us.

· How she got the job with the New York Medical Examiner’s Office as a death investigator, and the training involved in the job.

· The job of the death investigator.

· Time of death. How that is determined, and how different it is on TV and in movies

· Besides the time of death, what are some of the biggest misconceptions or inaccuracies on TV or movies regarding death investigations?

· Her book, What the Dead Know: Learning About Life as a New York City Death Investigator.

· Her new show, The Death Investigator with Barbara Butcher.

· The relationship she had with the cops and how they worked together to solve the crime. You can see the bond she had with the cops in her new series, The Death Investigator, with Barbara Butcher.

All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

Check out Barbara's website to learn more about her and her amazing career!

Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop!

Head on over to my website!

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon.

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back, everyone, for the conclusion of my interview with retired ATF Special Agent Jennifer Eskew.

A little about Jennifer. Jennifer (CLARKE) Eskew is a former Virginia State Trooper, a retired ATF Senior Special Agent, an Author, and a subject matter expert in undercover operations, fire and explosion origin and cause determinations, and criminal investigations involving the violent crimes of arson and bombings, armed career criminals, and financial fraud.

Jennifer graduated from the Virginia State Police Academy in 1986, beginning her career as a uniform trooper, then as an undercover trooper. This period of her law enforcement career is the focus of her newly released debut true crime memoir: BECOMING FIRE: Chasing the Passion to Protect, Serve, and Love.

Jennifer became a Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in 1990. She worked undercover and investigated criminal cases, eventually joining the ATF National Response Team in 1994, becoming a Certified Explosives Specialist and a Certified Fire Investigator. She was involved in many large-scale arson/bombing investigations, including Centennial Park, Sandy Springs double bombings, The Otherside Lounge bombing, and the 9/11 Pentagon terror attack. She’s currently writing her second true-crime memoir, highlighting her undercover casework with ATF.

Please enjoy this fascinating conversation as we focus on her career with the ATF and the dangerous, undercover, and high-profile cases she investigated.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

· Why Jennifer chose a career with the ATF?

· The differences in switching over from state law enforcement to a federal agency.

· Her first undercover role with the ATF.

· Her most memorable assignment was with the ATF.

· Responding to the Pentagon on 9/11 and doing the arduous task of collecting evidence from the plane crash.

· Jennifer’s advice she would give to someone who wants to be a trooper or ATF agent.

· The physical and mental aftermath of agents working at the crash site at the Pentagon.

· Her new book, Becoming Fire: Chasing the Passion to Protect, Serve, and Love: A True Crime Memoir.

· Having the legendary Lt. Joe Kenda blurb her book.

All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

Please visit Jennifer's website to learn more about her and her book.

Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop!

Head on over to my website!

What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?

My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.

That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.

Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon.

Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th

Support the show